Equipping your parish in its mission to help people encounter Jesus
Impacting Catholics in the United States
In 2024 alone we estimate, that over 2,200 Alpha courses were held across the U.S. in Catholic Contexts, engaging approximately 73,429 participants. Watch this short video to learn more about the impact of Catholic ministries partnering with Alpha.
What We Do
Alpha helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus.
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Each session has three key ingredients:
Connection
Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table or a quick online catch-up, times of connecting are important. All sessions start with a time of connection—over a meal in person, or virtually with a favorite beverage—to relax and build friendships.
Content
The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and inspire conversation. They explore the big issues of life and faith and unpack the basics of Christian belief, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?”, and “How does God guide us?”
Conversation
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic in a small group format. Guests hear from others and have an opportunity to contribute/share in a judgment-free environment.
Jeff and Amanda’s Story
Alpha offers a very human, nonthreatening door for everyone to enter. I encourage people to try this model of evangelization.
Alpha is not a silver bullet; it’s a tool. When used as part of a larger pastoral strategy, it is the best tool that I’ve found for jump-starting and sustaining parish renewal.
We have lost the art of evangelizing those who don’t know the gospel at all. Alpha is re-training us how to do that.
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After Alpha
Alpha is just the beginning. Once guests experience Alpha, they understand who Jesus is and can start to explore their relationship with him.
Run Alpha Youth in a Catholic Church
Questions about running Alpha in the Catholic context?
Jason Kidd
National Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context
Dan McCarty
National Associate Director, Alpha in a Catholic Context
Rick Grinstead
National Catholic Alpha Youth Specialist