Using Alpha for mission

Aug 30, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 70 participants from nine parishes gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart to experience Alpha, which was conducted in two languages, English and Mandarin.

The aim was to give participants an overview of Alpha, as well as to provide basic training on how to run Alpha in their parishes. Participants engaged in interactive sessions that allowed for group discussions and reflections. There were moments of fun amidst the training, with ice-breakers, games and songs.

The hospitality of the host church and the organising team allowed the participants to get a first-hand experience of what it was like to be welcomed and served with love, a fundamental value of Alpha.

Fr Simon Lau, who celebrated the Mass, reminded everyone that as leaders, there are spiritual expectations, even in leadership at Church – to give Jesus to others and to share their personal experience with Jesus. He emphasised that you cannot give what you do not have! “People want to hear your story and how Jesus touched your heart,” he said, as he encouraged those gathered at Mass to write their personal story with Jesus.

The day ended with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.

This event was organised by the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Alpha Malaysia as part of the Extraordinary Missionary Year (EYM) programme.

What the participants had to say:
“It was a nice introductory workshop to allow us to have a feel of what Alpha is and what is necessary in running it in the Parish. I believe the concept of Food, Talk and Discussion would work very well and the essence can be replicated in ministries to cultivate a sense of belonging and also of discipleship. -- Reuben Chen Yong Soon, Social Communications Lead, Church of the Holy Family, Kajang

was not disappointed. Our parish is using the Alpha Youth series as preparation for our pre-confirmation class. The sessions in the Alpha youth series are well adapted to the psyche and interests of the youth. I am confident it will succeed in engaging the youth in meaningful discussions while stirring their interest in the Faith. -- Anita Pelly, Catechist, Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam

“Do you want to be loved by God? Knowing God is exciting if you allow yourself to be loved by this God through Jesus, and not by just following a set of moral rules and regulations. I rediscovered this while reading the book co-authored by Fr James Mallon, Unlocking Your Parish which I received at the recent Transforming Parishes conference, organised by Alpha. I pray that more and more Catholics will rediscover and experience this.” -- Fr Edwin Peter, Parish Priest, Church of the Sacred Heart, KL

“Alpha is a fun filled programme and a powerful tool to encourage others to a dialogue and to share the faith.” — Daniel Ganapathy, Church of the Sacred Heart, KL