Alpha Witness Stories

“ I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” Pope Francis

Alpha epitomizes this very quote from the Pope. In a safe, hospitable environment ,you can find Jesus. No matter where you are in your life, this 12 week course will take you as far or farther in your journey to have that personal relationship . At each session, through video and discussion we are led toward a deeper understanding of just who this Jesus is and how He can become a part of our lives. During this past summer, I was part of the hospitality crew; we greeted everyone who came making each one feel welcome and prepared food that we shared. There is no better way to get to know someone than thru food and conversation. I meet people I would have never met and shared my own concerns and desires about how to be more open to Jesus. I felt safe and secure sitting around a table that I would be heard and understood. I ask that you consider coming and seeing for yourself-over 50 people took a chance at our first Cathedral Alpha and came. It may well be the beginning of that encounter that the Pope encourages us to have. ~Bev Smith

I converted to Catholicism in 2011 and Alpha interested me because I thought it might challenge my belief system, and it sounded fun. The course did help me rethink some topics, but mostly I developed a stronger social network. Before Alpha, I went to mass and knew very few people. Now when attending, I have more people that I am acquainted with and have made a few new friends. I have experience with facilitation, and since Alpha was such a fun time, I decided that I would offer to volunteer at a table as a group helper. ~Leza Ulrich

I’ve been attending mass at Cathedral off and on for 20 years and this year became a registered parishioner. Alpha was my first opportunity to get to know people from the church at a deeper level. Over 12 weeks I grew closer to my table members by sharing knowledge, insights, laughter, tears, gifts, food, and plans for friendship in the future. I didn’t want Alpha to end, so am happy it will be offered twice a year at Cathedral. Watching the inspiring videos and discussing them helped me understand myself as a spiritual being and articulate my relationship with God. This program is for everyone regardless of where they’re at in life. It gave me a new meaning of church as an inclusive, rather than exclusive, place. I’m grateful to serve and be served in this ongoing program. ~Mary Frances