Alpha

The Alpha Course

Alpha is a course for everyone no matter where they are in their faith journey.

If you are asking yourself big questions like "Why am I here?" "Is there more to life than this?" then Alpha could give you the answers you are looking for. Alpha is for people new to Christianity, people who have left their church community and want to come back, and for people already practicing their faith but want to go deeper with their relationship with God.

When: 4 March - 27 May 2025 (no sessions on 15 & 22 April), 6.30pm-8.15pm. There will also be one Saturday session (9am-4pm).
Where: Parish Centre, 24 Vermont Street, Ponsonby (next to Sacred Heart church) There is parking available behind the hall.
What: Dinner, a 30min video and a small group discussion
This course needs a time commitment of 10 weeks and registrations are necessary. 

Alpha is highly recommended for:

To register, please contact the parish office at 09 376 4303 or email: office@phbcatholic.org.nz

Here's what some past participants of the Alpha Course hosted by our parish have said:

It was a really good way to connect with God. To meet people from the church and share a meal together was really fun. It was nice to straight away feel a sense of community and connection within the group. I think the videos answer a lot of questions that you might feel shy to ask, and it gives you a good broad overview of what it’s like to welcome God into your life." - Stacey

"Alpha provided our whole family with a rich introduction and exploration of faith. We enjoyed connecting with parishioners over a shared meal, and the absolute privilege of vulnerably discussing thoughts on our path to faith with Father Rory. Alpha is a supportive learning process facilitated in a nurturing way and without judgment. I can truly say the Alpha process enriched our family life and provided a platform for a lifelong journey through the richness of Catholicism." - Angela

"We thoroughly enjoyed the Alpha course—it was exactly the refresh we needed. We would recommend it to anyone that may have been away from the community and wants to reconnect." - Emma

"It was most interesting to see the reactions of those interviewed as to what they believed and did not believe.  However this was more than made up for by those who were in a dark place and the effect it had on their lives – a turning point to a better life.  Question time after the video was enlightening as to how people in your group saw things.  Personally it made me think outside the box and the various ways we can help others. I can recommend the course especially if you tend to be introspective." - Chris

"The experience of Alpha helped me to deepen my faith and have a love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit I didn't have before. The 'Day Away' is such a beautiful experience, each time it is different and all the Alpha participants are moved by the Holy Spirit in what ever way they need.  I highly recommend it for anyone no matter where you are in your faith journey." - Ally