IEC2012: the Alpha Programme, a tool for evangelisation
One of the participants at the upcoming 50th International Eucharistic
Congress in Dublin, is Vicar Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha Programme.It was announced in April that Alpha would be involved in the Congress programme of events which takes place from 10th to 17th June.
Organisers revealed that Alpha, a parish tool for evangelisation, will contribute to the Host Church programme, the official Congress programme, and events in the Chiara Luce Youth Space.
On Tuesday 12th June Alpha, which provides people with a practical introduction to the Christian faith, will be offering a mini-alpha experience giving Congress pilgrims and members of the public a taste of the Alpha course as part of the Host Church programme.
As part of this programme, individuals will be invited to several daytime and evening sessions during the week, to listen to short talks from live speakers on a range of topics relating to the Christian faith, for example, ‘How and why should I pray?’ ‘How and why should I read the Bible?’ and ‘Telling others’. Participants will then be divided into groups for refreshments and an open discussion about the talks.
Vicar Nicky Gumbel’s talk will take place on the themed day of reconciliation at the Congress, on 14th June.
He will discuss the theme of unity in a talk entitled “Communion in our Common Baptism”, focusing on Jesus’ prayer that those who believe in Him “may be one ... so that the world may believe” (John 17: 21).
As the Chiara Luce Youth Space comes to a close towards the end of the Congress week, young people will be commissioned to go back to their parishes to begin a local faith programme.
Finally, on Saturday 16th June, Alpha present the session “And tomorrow?’ equipping and encouraging young people to spread the faith”.
Created by Nicky Gumbel, a Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican church based in central London, the Alpha course is a 15-session introduction to the Christian faith.
It runs in 60,000 churches of different denominations including Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches.
Since 1993, more than 18 million people have completed an Alpha course. Currently Alpha is running in thousands of Catholic parishes in more than 65 countries and has received the support of many Catholic leaders across the world, including His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Papal Legate for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress who said: “Alpha brings people closer and helps them to find that power which unites. The Alpha experience is not only a means through which one finds true life, but also a way to share the good news of the Living Christ. It paves the way for reconciliation and is a symbol of hope for Christian unity.”
In a interview with Vatican Radio some years ago, Vicar Nicky Gumbel , explains the idea behind the Alpha programme.
He says it is really very simple, and that’s part of its appeal and why it has become so popular the world over.
He says it’s a flexible and practical model that can work for a group of any size…
Listen to the interview…
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