Is there more to life than this? How can I have faith? How does God guide us? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Have you ever had such questions? Now you can find some answers. 

When is Alpha? 
St. Mary’s Church will offer a 10-week Alpha program beginning January 13, 2025 to April 7, 2025, Monday evenings, from 6:30 to 8:45, at St. Mary’s Parish Center (excluding 1/20, 2/17 and 3/17). There will be one all-day retreat scheduled for March 22 at Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center in West Hartford. The program is open to anyone from anywhere! 

What is Alpha?   
Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Alpha is a safe place to explore life’s biggest questions. It has three key elements: food, a talk or video, and small group discussion. Alpha aims to create a space where individuals can explore faith at their own pace, fostering both spiritual growth and community engagement. 

Although not specific to the Catholic faith, its principles are based on a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs, making it accessible to newcomers. For those already familiar with Christianity, Alpha can reinforce and deepen their faith through discussions and reflections. Many churches use Alpha as an outreach tool to invite non-believers or those who wish to explore faith in a welcoming environment. 

The program invites people from all walks of life – whether they’re seeking answers, questioning their beliefs, or curious about faith in general. Alpha creates a safe space for exploration and discovery, empowering individuals to ask tough questions without fear of judgment. In a world where people often feel isolated or disconnected, Alpha nurtures community and belonging, reminding us that we’re not alone on our spiritual journeys. 

The impact of Alpha extends beyond individual participants. For our parishes and communities, it can be transformative. As people engage with the program, they often find renewed energy and commitment to their faith, which can invigorate church life. Through this discovery, they also form close friendships over the course of three months. 

Each session begins with a casual shared meal, followed by a video designed to engage and inspire conversation and a small group discussion, including approximately six guests per table. There’s no obligation to say anything. And there’s nothing a guest can’t say. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute new perspectives in an honest, friendly and open environment.   

To sign up on the St. Mary’s website and register as a guest, please go to https://stmarysimsbury.org/alpha. Feel free to invite a friend to register, as well. Space is limited, and those interested are encouraged to register soon. Otherwise, please join the next session of Alpha, tentatively planned for next fall. 

To request more information about the program, please email [email protected] or call the Parish Office at (860) 658-7627.