Explore the Christian faith with Alpha at St. John Brebeuf

A second Alpha program, which offers another opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment, begins Monday, Feb, 24, at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Avenue, Niles. There is no charge for the 15-session program. Those who are interested may sign up in the parish office or at www.sjbrebeuf.org/alpha or call 847-966-8145.

“We were gratified with the response to our first Alpha program last fall,” said Fr. Michael Meany pastor. “Especially as we look forward to the Lenten Season, we continue to look for ways to reach out to our community and welcome neighbors who are interested in exploring the Christian faith with us,” said Fr. Meany.

Alpha focuses on fostering relationships between people. It intentionally creates a safe environment where people can share their opinions and points of view, no matter what they might be. Today, it is estimated that over 30 million people have taken part in Alpha globally.

With roots going back to 1977 in England at in a church called Holy Trinity Brompton, the original Alpha program was used as a course for new Christians or those new to the church. In 1991, Nicky Gumbel, a young pastor, took over leading Alpha, and recognized it was effective at connecting with people outside of the church.

Each session begins in the Parish Ministry Center with an informal dinner at 6:30 p.m. A brief video presentation is followed by discussion of the evening’s topic in small groups concluding at 8:15. The spring program runs through Monday, May 11. There is no session, Monday, Apr. 6. An all-day experience, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 18.

Topics include Is There More to Life Than This, Who is Jesus, Why Did Jesus Die, How Can I Have Faith, Why and How Do I Pray, Why and How Should I Read the Bible, How Does God Guide Us, Who Is the Holy Spirit, What Does the Holy Spirit Do, How Can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit, How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life, How Can I Resist Evil, Why and How Should I Tell Others, Does God Heal Today, and What About the Church?

A community landmark since construction in 1964, St. John Brebeuf has been an integral part of Niles for the past 65 years. For more information, please visit www.sjbrebeuf.org, or call 847-966-8145.