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Sally Dean I was a little apprehensive about what Alpha was before I started. People who didn't know the program suggested it wouldn't be relevant, how wrong they were. The information, the sessions and the discussions and evenings have all been relevant and interesting. The topics covered opened up some great and often interesting conversations. It has encouraged me to set aside time regularly to reflect, offered me some tools I use each day at work and at home and as a result I've found a calmness which has been most welcome. I would encourage you to join the next Alpha group, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you will take away from the experience.
Posted Aug 17, 2017, 4:56 AM by Robert Borg -
Fabian Byrne ...I tried Alpha as my wife Tracey was starting a new job working in a Catholic school and I was taking Long Service Leave, my youngest child having completed year 12 in 2016. I finally had some time for myself to devote to the things that I normally had to say 'No, too busy' to.The Alpha program is stimulating and challenging in many respects. Opening up to others in discussion about deeper issues is not always easy and the supportive nature of the discussion groups assists open exchange and works well. The format of starting with a meal is a universal ice breaker.I think many people would enjoy and benefit from the Alpha course. You will meet new ...
Posted Aug 7, 2017, 11:54 PM by Robert Borg -
Sean Burke ...I was always keen to attend the Alpha course but found myself inventing reasons why I shouldn't attend: Am I the right candidate? Is it too far out of my comfort zone? How could I spare the time? What will my family think?But after signing up, it became the highlight of my week. I started looking forward to Monday nights at the parish hall. The two and a half hour session seemed way too short. Do we really need to break for school holidays? Is a one-day retreat long enough? Is there a follow-up course?It's true that the things you're most unsure about can become the most wonderful experiences. Learning more about Jesus ...
Posted Jun 9, 2017, 1:49 AM by Robert Borg -
Josie Gradwel My name is Josie Gradwell and I am 24 years old. Being a Catholic has always been a profound part of my life and family. I went to Catholic schools, attended Mass weekly and had, what I thought, was a clear understanding of the Catholic faith. As I quietly continued on my faith journey the simple question of “why” kept occurring. “ WHY are you a Catholic?”, “WHY do you believe in GOD?”, “WHY are they your values/beliefs/faith”. When you are questioned about your faith and your own response feels inadequate, you begin to question yourself. Becoming a reader at Church has helped me to understand and learn about the Scripture. However, I still had questions, thoughts and ideas ...
Posted Feb 16, 2017, 5:41 PM by Robert Borg -
Brendon Dalton Hi, my name is Brendan and I have lived in Narrabeen for approximately 7 years I am not a frequent goer to Mass but Fr Rex did ask if I'd like to join his Alpha program on the odd occasion that he did see me in church. I honestly had no idea what to expect or what it was all about so I went in with an open mind and nothing to lose. Once I started the program and started to meet lots of different people of all ages and personalities, I started to embrace what was going on. We would start by sitting and sharing a beautiful meal together and talking casually about our daily lives to then ...
Posted Nov 24, 2016, 2:40 PM by Robert Borg -
Chloe Davis When I was first asked to write a few things about my Alpha experience, I wasted no time at all, and started brainstorming all the different excuses I could use to get out of it. After days of pondering, I spoke to a friend (also from Alpha) who encouraged me to give it a go, reminding me there's no right or wrong answers. For me, a huge reason I go to Alpha each week is the encouragement I get from the group. You can just be yourself, with your own ideas and points of interest, with no right or wrong answers. I was invited along to Alpha by a good friend, and although nervous to step outside my comfort ...
Posted Oct 25, 2016, 8:38 PM by Lakes Parish Office -
Aleksandar - Just Do IT! I came to join the Alpha course after my dear wife, Michelle, sent me a flyer that she had received through our children’s school St Rose. Reading the flyer it sounded interesting but I was still a little hesitant until noticing a familiar name as one of the Alpha team members. So I dropped Bampto a line via email and with the attitude ‘what have I got to lose?’ I joined. My experience thus far, 6 weeks into the course, has been really good. The course is run one evening per week and includes a meal, some wine, a dvd, group discussion and singing. Initially I found the singing confronting but as time went on, friendships built and the ...
Posted Oct 13, 2016, 8:51 PM by Robert Borg -
Di - My Experiences so far... Hi, my name is Di and I've recently moved into the Parish. Having known and been on the RCIA team with Fr Rex at another parish years ago, he approached me to join a team to help run this first Alpha. We're just over half-way through, so I thought I'd offer my perspective as an 'insider' who is doing Alpha. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I have to say that it has been a wonderful and very positive experience. Not only have I become part of the larger community of St Joseph's and St Rose, but I've been blessed to meet and befriend a whole lot of amazing people. I ...
Posted Oct 13, 2016, 8:46 PM by Robert Borg
