Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School

ALPHA is the name for a wonderful opportunity that has proven itself over time as a great tool for people who are looking to engage the deeper questions about life. For believers, it might be described as a process that allows us to explore questions about our faith in a mature and open manner, free of assumptions or judgment. For those who don’t usually describe themselves in terms of faith-language, the process affords a safe space in which to explore questions of meaning and of faith in the context of open and free conversation. These conversations usually take place around a table where those who gather share a meal together, and usually some sort of ‘input’ to spark the conversation, such as a video clip or a talk on a particular theme or topic. These clips, or talks, are designed to engage participants, and to inspire conversation. They usually explore the “big issues” around questions of faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith?

The most important aspect of ALPHA is the conversation and the opportunity participants have to explore their questions. Thoughts and ideas are freely shared among participants. There is no obligation for people to say anything, and neither is there anything participants can’t share.. This is not about being theologically correct or about quoting the catechism or the scriptures. It is an opportunity for honest, open and friendly conversation about the things that matter to people. As such, there is really nothing that is off the table, so to speak. The only expectation is one of respect for everyone and openness to the thoughts and ideas that are shared.

The importance of the free and open conversation can’t be understated. It’s important for catholics who are sometimes fearful of sharing their thoughts or insights in case they might come off as not knowing as much as they think they ought to. The reality is that for most of us, the more we come to learn about our faith, the more we come to appreciate how little we know and how so very, very much there is to learn. And it’s not only perfectly ok not to know everything, but it’s also expected that we can all learn.

Open and honest conversation is also crucially important for those who are simply exploring questions they may have about their own lives. The opportunities we have for engaging in conversation about our lives and our purpose, for exploring questions of meaning and significance, are not always plentiful. ALPHA provides just such a context. Without any judgment or without anyone swinging bibles or catechisms at our heads, we get to enjoy good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, over food.

For those who enjoy engaging with others in meaningful conversation, ALPHA is a great opportunity to be present with others exploring big questions for living. For those who are not always comfortable in large groups, ALPHA affords the opportunity to quietly participate, and to share in small group settings if that’s preferable. It’s a process that is being used in over 160 countries around the world, and now it’s coming to Northridge.

In the coming weeks and months there will be additional opportunities to learn a little more about ALPHA and to get involved either as someone who would like to facilitate ALPHA in our community, or as someone who would like to explore questions with others, or even as someone willing to participate and to bring along a friend or two to keep the conversation lively and engaged. We will be scheduling an information evening in December, and anticipate launching ALPHA in February 2018.

Let’s pray for the success of our efforts in this exciting new process, described by Fr. Raneiro Cantalemessa, Preacher to the Papal Household, as one that facilitates “making people interested in the faith, and in making the faith relevant to the modern person.”