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Sally Dean
 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. |
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 people and learn about them and about yourself. You will deepen the acquaintances you have with other parishioners. |
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 in such a relaxed setting has been wonderful. |
Josie Gradwel
 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 that I needed to explore. When I first heard of Alpha my first thought was “it‘s just not for me”. But as the days passed and I thought more about it, plus a subtle hint from Fr. Rex, I thought “why not”. Starting Alpha I felt hesitant and very much out of my comfort zone. Whilst doing Alpha last year in our parish, I was truly blown away. It was such a positive and fulfilling experience. My Alpha group was made up of people with different lives, personalities, and experiences, not one of us the same - making this the catalyst for positive and interesting conversation as we explored various avenues. It is a beautiful moment when you look around a room at people of all different ages and realise that it is ok to be unsure and to question. But it’s because of this that I want to learn and deepen my understanding. I have been very lucky to become a part of such a supportive group, I have learnt a lot from the leaders who through their kindness and understanding have been a great example to follow. This experience has given me the opportunity to see how every person’s relationship with God is different. The way they see Him, think of Him, love Him, and speak to Him. The experience has given me comfort in knowing that there is not just one 'right' way to know God. I remember a beautiful quote that we looked at in week 2 “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with the person, and they with me”. Revelations 3:20. Alpha has given me a deeper knowledge of history, it has supplied me with the chance to meet others, explore, discuss and enjoy their company by sharing a meal and a laugh. Alpha has created an atmosphere of understanding, belonging and courage. Josie Gradwell |
Brendon Dalton
 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 listening to the daily topic on hand and discussing our own views and experiences on that topic. It has really opened my eyes to the bigger picture and what life is more about. I have been going through a tough period in my life and I feel that this whole experience has really helped me pull through and has given me a different outlook on things. It has given me courage and inspiration when I didn't know what else to do and has put a different perspective on life now. Listening to everyone else's stories and experiences also means that you can help and give each other advice on how to deal with life's ups and downs. No one is alone and I feel that we all have renewed faith. It has certainly made me feel more a part of this wonderful community that we live in, as well as giving me the strength and courage to deal with what lies ahead. I would recommend to anyone to give Alpha a go. Have an open mind and let your faith guide you. It might help you to deal with those different pathways in life or just give you that feeling of belonging to the community as a whole. Either way, it's a beautiful experience and one that you will enjoy. Brendan Dalton |
Chloe Davis
 I was invited along to Alpha by a good friend, and although nervous to step outside my comfort zone, knew that this course was exactly what I needed. I'm working through the RCIA stages at present, and Alpha has really helped to piece a lot of information together for me. With each new week, I am genuinely excited to go to Alpha - and not just because of the delicious dinner and dessert! I look forward to seeing the smiley faces of the group, the friends I have made, and I love the weekly video we watch (each session a new topic). I'm naturally quiet, and in group situations prefer to listen to what others have to say - it's just who I am. For me, I get the most out of the group discussions after the video as I'm interested in what others have to say. I love hearing their interpretations and life experiences, highlighting I'm not alone with many of my thoughts. I would highly recommend the course to everyone, as people at all levels of faith will get something out of it. If you're similar to me and new to the idea, it's a great source of knowledge, courage and support. |
Aleksandar - Just Do IT!
 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 words imprinted in my mind I have found a joy in singing some of the songs. It’s interesting and thought provoking listening to different views and experiences in the group discussions after watching the well-made Alpha DVD’s. Most of all I have enjoyed the friendships developed. It is nice to be able to recognise a few more people and say hello when in church. A greater sense of community. It’s a small world as evident with bumping into one of the Alpha team in my work's building foyer. All that and of course the hope that Fr. Shiju knocks up another wonderful curry. Yummy is an understatement! Like Nike….’Just Do It’ – what have you got to lose? Aleksandar Popovski ALPHA RETREAT 17th September Come Holy Spirit    |
Di - My Experiences so far...
 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've charted the course since our first night, where we were all a little bit out of our comfort zones, meeting new people, being in unfamiliar territory... but six weeks in, we have such a lovely rapport and if you dropped in to watch our groups, you'd see people who have genuine concern for each other and have forged some truly lovely friendships. Our group is made up of all ages and personality types, and yet we all feel at home and included, and a part of something bigger than ourselves. Apart from the wonderful meal, inspiring talk and engaging format of the night each week, to me the real winner is the fellowship and faith Alpha provides and nourishes within the group. I hope as many of you as possible will consider joining Alpha next February, or joining the later ones the parish will offer next year. If you want to be inspired and encouraged, or just want to feel more involved and part of this wonderful community, I know without a doubt that you'll find these within Alpha. I hope to meet lots of you at our next Alpha beginning in February! Di Aylward |
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