October 14, 2015 // Local

ALPHA program builds relationships

Todays Catholic

St. Joseph, Lagrange, parishioners, from left, Jane Selking, Jim Selking, Debbie Heiny, Martin Heiny, Marilyn Morton and Brenda Echterling meet for an Alpha program small group discussion at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albion. The program unites nearly 100 participants from Blessed Sacrament; Immaculate Conception, Ege; St. Joseph, Lagrange; and St. John Bosco, Churubusco, for a weekly meal, discussion, prayer and fellowship.

Alpha, a new initiative for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, has been offered this fall as a parish tool for evangelization that is based on hospitality, sharing and prayer. The program, which is inviting people to encounter Christ in 112 languages in 169 countries worldwide, consists of a series of 10 weekly interactive sessions that include a meal where guests can relax and get to know each other, a short faith-based talk on who Jesus is, the Bible and the personal testimony of the speaker, and small group discussion where trust and friendships are built.

In the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend four parishes have participated in this ongoing program, with nearly 100 participants from Blessed Sacrament, Albion; Immaculate Conception, Ege; St. Joseph, Lagrange; and St. John Bosco, Churubusco, meeting at Blessed Sacrament Church for a weekly meal, discussion, prayer and fellowship. The University of Notre Dame’s Campus Ministry is also using the program.

Cindy Black, director of adult faith formation for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, says of the program, “With Alpha we can invite people no matter where they are in their faith. It’s basically an introduction to Christianity. … It’s ‘come as you are’ and build relationships.”

Sue Avery, parishioner of Blessed Sacrament, says the program has united parishioners of all the participating parishes. “The program has been a blessing for the Alpha team members because it has given a chance for those participating from the four parishes to unite in prayer and sharing of faith while planning and implementing the Alpha course.”

Avery adds, “It has been a positive experience for our parish members to share their faith and struggles in a relaxed, uplifting, positive and supportive way, thus helping us live our Catholic faith more fully. One of our parishioners said the church hall was filled with ‘electricity of the Holy Spirit.’”

Currently, several other parishes are inquiring about starting their own Alpha program. —Kay Cozad