Welcome to Alpha
Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God.
We are a community of faith. We are Catholic. We live in, work in and serve the local communities across Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.
The Bishop is the “Chief Shepherd” of the Diocese: he is appointed to govern, teach and guide the priests and people of the diocese.
Our mission is to live out our Catholic faith and through witness and example bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.
The parish lies at the heart of every community. Families, churches, schools, chaplaincies to hospitals and prisons. Parishes provide an inclusive hub for people of all walks of life to journey together in faith and to reach out to the wider community to serve in social action.
Young people are visible in the Church. They are involved in parish life, school and university communities and the wider community, witnessing to their relationship with Jesus Christ. The Diocese supports young people to respond to the invitation of faith in various ways.
The fast pace of today's world often has us rushing through our daily life, with little direction or thought as to the kind of life we should be leading. Fortunately, the Catholic faith provides us with a solid moral compass and many great role models to help us find our way.
Got Questions? We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and discover their purpose in life.
Whether you want to offer your time and talents or support our vital work financially, it's all part of Christian Stewardship and you can really make a difference.
Good communication is really important to us. Whether it's sharing the impact of our community projects and sharing the witness of inspiring individuals, or reaching out to collaborate and dialogue with groups and individuals, and providing resources to enable others, we want to build long lasting effective relationships and help people to develop their faith journey.
Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God.
Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God.
We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore faith, ask questions and share their point of view.
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe and everyone is welcome. It runs online, in cafés, churches, universities, homes—you name it! No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: hospitality, a talk and good conversation.
Connecting with others is important; friends gathered around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha.
All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each one is around thirty minutes long and given by a speaker live or played as a video. They explore important issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
Alpha is running across the globe and many of our parishes across the diocese run Alpha at various points throughout the year. Contact your local parish priest or visit their website to find out more. Alternatively, search below for an Alpha being hosted near you. There is no cost, no pressure and no follow-up if you decide after the first session not to come back. Alpha is typically 9-12 weeks long.
© Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth 2023 | Registration number: England Registered Charity No. 1199568 Jersey Registered Charity No. 457 and Guernsey Registered Charity No.CH263 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy
Website by Eldo™