Alpha is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of space for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and relaxed.

 

Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and by the regular churchgoer. No matter what their background, whether investigating Christianity for the first time or revisiting their faith, participants generally get a lot out of their attendance at an Alpha course.

 

The course is fresh, entertaining and low key but at the same time thought-provoking and deep. Participants are encouraged to raise questions and discuss issues relevant to their lives in a warm, welcoming café-style environment.

 

Alpha is different in style and general atmosphere. The message is the same that has been around for two thousand years, only it is put in fresh packaging. It is a friendship-based course which is open to everybody – there is no knocking on doors, little advertising, but it is just friends bringing friends. The biggest selling point is that many claim that their decision to attend the course has changed their lives, and appear genuinely happier after the experience.

 

Today Alpha is run in 156 countries and has been translated into 62 languages. There are now almost 32,000 Alpha courses running all over the world and it is estimated that over 8 million persons have been on an Alpha course. In Malta, the course has been run by a group of lay people in a number of Catholic parishes over the past ten years. Today, courses are mainly held at the Parish Centre of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Ibrag.

 

Who is Alpha for?

 

Everyone is welcome on Alpha … young and old.

 

People attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. But maybe the principal reason why people attend is to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives today.

 

What's involved?

 

The evening Alpha course begins with supper, followed by a talk on topics such as "Why Did Jesus Die?", "How Can I be Sure of My Faith?", “Why and how should I pray” and "Does God Still Heal Today?". Participants then divide into smaller groups to discuss any questions raised from the talk.

 

The same happens during the morning Alpha course, only that the session kicks off with breakfast.

 

There is a weekend retreat midway through the course, which focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

 

What will it cost?

 

There is no charge for the Alpha course, even though donations may be requested to cover the costs of the meals.

 

When and where?

 

The Alpha course runs once a week for ten weeks, either on Tuesday mornings or on Thursday evenings at the Ibrag Parish Centre (click here for map). There is also a weekend away mid-way through the course.