Holy Spirit Parish Alpha

August 1, 2023

The Alpha team from Holy Spirit Parish thanks Bishop Riesbeck for promoting Alpha in the diocese. His Alpha testimony video was a very effective invitation tool. We showed it after Sunday Mass at both worship sites. We had 25 people join us and on their evaluation sheet they commented that the video was one of the reasons they came.

Our volunteers started planning in February with a start date of April 13th. We thought if 10 people joined us as guests we would be delighted. In the end, we fed an average of 30 people each week. Father Martin generously offered a food budget of $1500 to cover 12 meals for 10 people each. With some creativity and the careful watch of sale flyers, we managed to spend only $1125. We received donations of $330 from the participants so in the end, we averaged $3.12 per person. The miracle of the Loaves and Fishes was certainly at work. Eating a full meal together each week, for many, was the highlight of their week. We share this simply as an example should others be hesitant to provide a full meal.

The Lord also provided enough Hosts and Helpers for three small groups. Our volunteers had little experience with an in-person Alpha program however they stepped out of their comfort zone and with the help of the Holy Spirit were able to lead the group discussions. These small group discussions are a catalyst for frank sharing of peoples’ issues and cares, but most importantly created strong friendships within each group. We thank the Lord for an increase in a sense of community spirit within our parish.

We also benefited greatly from the Alpha training. The leaders were very knowledgeable and encouraging and we felt their love for the Lord. We felt blessed to have such a resource and it contributed greatly to helping us step out of our comfort zone to pray for others and to ask for words for knowledge for healing.

Now – what is next? Many guests of Alpha expressed a desire to continue their journey in learning more and in serving the Lord. There may be a small group forming to continue sharing their faith and supporting one another. Also, starting in September 2023 we have discussed offering another Alpha program. We are encouraged that some of our guests from Alpha have offered to help and we know the Lord will provide.

Bless you Bishop Christian. Your endorsement of Alpha was critical to our success. We do this all for Him. Alpha is a way for our parish to support our goals of – Welcome, Worship, Witness. All three of these are in motion during Alpha.