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Alpha and Evangelization

During the last three weeks, we have been talking about Alpha. We said that Alpha is a tool of evangelization rooted in the proclamation of the gospel. We said we want to proclaim the love of God the Father revealed in the risen Lord. To begin this journey we must depend completely on the power of the Holy Spirit. We also stated that Alpha will be utilized only as a window of evangelization open to everyone (especially to those who come to us asking for sacramental preparation) followed by an appropriate family-oriented process of formation of the Church teaching.

     Alpha’s framework creates a process that combines witness, small group open dialogue, and presence with the proclamation of the gospel. Alpha is not primarily concerned with Christian Initiation, but rather only with the initial introduction of individuals to the person of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis reminds us of the fundamental nature of this kerygmatic proclamation: “The first proclamation is called “first” not because it exists at the beginning and can then be forgotten or replaced by other more important things. It is first in a qualitative sense because it is the principal proclamation”.

     In other words, Alpha is a kerygmatic process and it is not designed to capture the fullness of the Church teaching. It is an invitation to meet Christ and to surrender our life to Him. When proclaiming the good news to someone who has never responded to it, for instance, it is enough to say that Christ died for our sin and salvation. The reality of Christ’s love for the person is communicated by that simple proclamation. Moreover, after the proclamation of the love of God in Jesus, “a discipleship process must foster real personal growth, not only in knowledge, but also in maturity of faith, experience of prayer, and discernment of the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Fr. Mallon). Discipleship is a way of life. When talking about the proclamation of the gospel, Saint Paul says: “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning” (1 Corinthians 1:17).

     This has become our mission: To call everyone again into a profound and personal experience with Jesus Christ so that our catholic Community of Saint Brendan and Saint George’s may give glory to God and rejoice in the growth of our relationship with Christ. 

     So, I invite all of you to pray with me by saying: “Faithful and Merciful Father, we place into your heart this our Community of Saint Brendan and Saint George, that You may abundantly bless us, and that all of us, guided by your grace, may have a personal and profound encounter with the risen Christ, our Savior. Pour out into our hearts the gift of the Holy Spirit and a great desire to grow and share our faith in Jesus Christ with those who have not yet met Him. Give us joy and perseverance in our faith that, together as one family, we may become what You want us to be and do what You want us to do. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen”.

May God bless you always! 

Fr. Jesus

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