Alpha / RCIA

I just looked it up. It is presented in a Catholic context.

Catholic — Got Questions - Try Alpha

There is more info on it if you Google it.

 

Praised be Jesus and Mary, JM! I don't know much about the Alpha course. I hope your RCIA goes well!

There's a channel here which is helping me a lot; perhaps it will help you, too. These guys are really great! Very wise and practical.

franciscanfriars

 

Ah, ok, friend. I hope it goes well for you.

 

Sorry to hear about the Alpha course.

 

That is a question, isn't it?
Do you have a good answer for it?

 

Learn?
RCIA

Please everyone. Do NOT get your hopes up as JM said.

 

I don't know but I'm vehemently against this. I checked out Alpha way back when I was an evangelical (circa 2006) because I wanted to see if it was something I'd ever recommend to someone who was exploring Christianity. Even then I didn't think it was something I'd advise a newcomer to see.

It's theologically specious and has no place in the Catholic Church. If the Church wants to create something comparable in it's delivery but filled with Catholic content, I'd be all for it. I'd even volunteer to help create it, but the Alpha course will do nothing but undermine the Church.

My priest mentioned in announcements a few weeks ago that the parish was considering the Alpha course, I have a long e-mail I wrote to him expressing my opposition to that but it's saved in my drafts folder because I'm not sure how comfortable I am sending it to him. A) I've only been a convert for two years, and B) I get a weird vibe from this priest, like I'm in disfavor with him despite not knowing him.

 

Lots of Catholics want to water down the Faith as a way to appeal to more people

 

When I did RCIA, Alpha wasn't even considered as an option, although it was well known in Protestant circles. That was about 22 or 23 years ago. Our parish is running Alpha now, and there is a bit of a Catholic polish to it, with Pope Francis appearing in at least one episode.

However I quote the lady of the home where I did the RCIA course that "We didn't think you'd go through with it (conversion to the Catholic Church, from a 'Presbyterian' background), as you asked so many questions! But you're the one who has stuck around, and done things."