The Alpha Experience

By Bob Shaff, parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle in Tucson 

My faith journey started while attending Catholic grade school and high school. Additionally, I have attended Mass almost every Sunday of my life. Because of this, I didn’t think I also needed to read the Bible or do much else to strengthen my faith. 

As I became busy after college with studies, dating, marriage, kids, career, six relocations, and climbing the IBM corporate ladder, I kept having this recurring thought: “I just have to get a bit closer to God someday.”  

Then, three years ago, I was ASKED to participate in a program called Alpha. I turned it down because of conflicts with the UofA basketball schedule. I was ASKED again the next year, and turned it down again. 

The POWER OF THE ASK 

Then I remembered Jesus’ words the day he returned to heaven after his resurrection…the Great Commission…His ASK... “Go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This is exactly what the Alpha program does. So, I joined Alpha. 

I have come to view my purpose as bringing more people to Jesus, to faith, and to good works by my example, outreach to others, and ASKING them to try Alpha. By attending Alpha, I found that it greatly helped me do those exact things.  

If you are having thoughts as I did, “I just have to get a bit closer to God someday,” try the Alpha program. 

Alpha is an experience at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish that does exactly that. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions run over 11 weeks where people can explore life and the Christian Faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. 

Everyone is welcome. It is for people of all faiths and no faiths, but is particularly valuable for people who would not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers.  

Should dedicated Christians attend Alpha? For sure! It takes you back to basics, offering an inspirational experience that will also magnify your faith, and provide an example to others that will bring them closer to Jesus. 

What happens during an Alpha session? You will enjoy a complimentary delicious meal, a short video, and a small group discussion over a two-hour timeframe, from 6-8pm on Thursdays. 

There is no homework, no reading, no fees… just 2 hours each week to talk about important things with some really good people and a delicious meal. 

Here’s my request. Use your POWER OF THE ASK to ask people you know to come try out Alpha. Attend a session yourself. Let your friends see if Alpha is of value. Some will dismiss your invitation. Some will attend. Some will come closer to Jesus. Some will learn how to pray. Faiths will be strengthened. 

We all have the responsibility to spread God’s word and to introduce people to Jesus and Christianity. Alpha is a tool that will help you do just that. 

To register for this no-fee program, go to www.statucson.org/alpha-spring-2024. Come try out Alpha! 

The Alpha program begins on January 4, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 5150 N. Valley View Rd. in Tucson. 

For more information, contact Herman Johannesmeyer at 520-971-5366 or [email protected]. 

COME TRY ALPHA!