17 August 2009

Alpha Training Day, Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith, Saturday, September 5th, from 10 to 4.

Fr. Pat Collins is a well know author and conference speaker. He has a passionate

heart for evangelisation. He sees Alpha as a key tool for effective evangelisation.

Rob Clarke is Director of Kerygma Teams and was a key organizer of the recent

successful Creideamh Festival of Faith in Galway.

Paddy Monaghan is a National Co-ordinator of Alpha Ireland. He has been

involved in running 15 Alpha courses incl one for the homeless and prisoners.

Seminar will cover the principles and practicalities of running Alpha. There will be testimonies from folk who have been blessed through Alpha in Galway and Ennis

Cost: €10 – pay on day. Bring sandwiches for lunch. Coffee/tea provided.

& Booking Form: Please reserve …. places

My Name (please print – additional names on back) _______________________________

 

My Address ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

( _______________Email_______________________________

Send booking form to: An Tobar Nua, 25 Lr Dominick St, Galway, Ireland

Or Email form to mike@creideamh.org / Web: www.alphacourse.ie

For further information tel: Mike 086 3811479 or Madge 087 6797277

What is Alpha?

It is a 10 week course covering such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How does God guide us? and Why and How do I pray? Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Alpha can help you to deepen your relationship with the Lord.

What is involved?

A typical Alpha evening generally lasts for 90 minutes. The format is normally to start with some songs, look at DVD for 20 minutes; then have coffee/biscuits/cakes, then break into small groups to discuss some questions relevant to the teaching. Participants will each be given an Alpha Manual.

What is the impact of Alpha?

Alpha is endorsed by Church leaders in all the main Christian churches. Alpha is impacting adults, youth, the business community and prisoners in 163 countries with over 36,000 courses running. In Ireland the number of Alphas increased from 17 in 2005 to 100 in 2008 including one in Mountjoy Prison for 12 prisoners.

How has it changed peoples’ lives?

“It has made a big difference in my own faith and I have seen it make a big impact on others. Alpha addresses all the main issues of Christianity in an atmosphere that is non threatening or cringy and that people can enjoy.” John McNicholas, former Longford Town club Footballer

“We had an opportunity at Alpha to all discuss what we believed in a friendly and relaxed way. No judgements. No pressure. I really liked it. It was great.” Fiona Kinsella, Student Dublin

“I’ll always remember the Away Day- I got a wonderful healing from God” Helen R

“I enjoyed the talks on DVD by Nicky Gumbel. They were so scriptural, so clear and easy to understand, full of humour and each talk really touched me.” Mary

“I went along to Alpha and it changed my life. It was good to be part of a group of searching people. It made me realise that we are on the same journey.” Patrick,

I feel 100% comfortable recommending Alpha as I know no one is ever judged or bible bashed. The Alpha course is super laid back and it’s fun

Bear Grylls - Adventurer, Writer and Television Presenter