The Alpha Course - Starts 19 September 2023, 6.30pm

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.

The Alpha sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm where there'll be dinner, a 30-min video and small group discussion. There will also be one Saturday session (9am-4pm) in the Ponsonby Parish Centre, 18 Vermont Street, Ponsonby (next to the church, park around the back of the hall).

This course needs a time commitment of 10 weeks and registrations are appreciated.

Contact Ally at the Parish Office to register 09 376 4303 or email: ponsonbyhernebayparish@gmail.com

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

"Because of Covid curtailing the first Alpha course I went on it was almost like brand new starting the second one.   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 affect 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 (Alpha 2020 & 2021)

"I've been Catholic all my life, so my family life has always had God at the centre, however I've never had a personal relationship with Jesus. 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. When Fr Rory asked me to lead Alpha in the parish, it was my first experience of Alpha. I highly recommend it for anyone no matter where you are in your faith journey." Ally (Alpha Leader 2019, 2020, 2021)