The Alpha course is a 15-session practical introduction to the Christian faith designed primarily for non-churchgoers and new Christians. The course also serves as a refresher course for both practising Catholics and those who have lapsed in their faith.

From early on, Alpha has been run in Catholic parishes. ‘Alpha for Catholics’ involves the situating of the standard Alpha course within a Catholic parish or organisation.

Alpha is a very effective initial presentation of the core of the Gospel, ‘the Kerygma’. It is wholly compatible with Catholic teaching, but it does not address specific Catholic teachings and ecclesiology. It does not seek to be a substitute for catechetical programmes. Rather, it works best as part of an overall parish programme of evangelisation or catechesis.

The Alpha course works best as part of an ongoing process of catechesis within a church. There is a range of different follow-up materials and courses available to help people to grow in their faith.

Benefits for the parish

• Alpha helps to reach the unchurched and the lapsed
• Alpha feeds adult education programmes (such as RCIA)
• Alpha often encourages people to become more involved in the life of the parish
• Alpha provides a witness to Christian unity
• Alpha builds community – friendships grow
• Alpha encourages parishioners to look outwards ‘The Person who has been evangelised goes on to evangelise others’ (Pope Paul VI - Evangelii Nuntiandi)