Catholicism is a documentary film-based study program the explores the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Catholic faith.
Our first Catholicism meeting will take place in Saint Aloysius Social Hall on Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 pm.
CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Welcome to Saint Matthew Parish ALPHA information and registration site!

Our first Alpha meeting will take place in Newmeyer Hall on Saturday, October 1 at 9:00 am.

What is ALPHA?

Alpha is a Christian based program that encourages people to engage in honest and open conversation about faith and life. Alpha is an opportunity for people from various backgrounds and with different religious experiences to discover and develop their relationships with Jesus and their fellow human beings. Alpha programs are run all around the world! Learn more by watching this short video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/204052948

Who can participate in ALPHA?

Alpha is for all those who are searching for meaning in their lives. Alpha is for people at all stages of their faith journey: life-long Catholics and believers (parishioners and non-parishioners), non-believers, and skeptics. Alpha is ideal for those wanting to explore the Christian faith, and for those who want to deepen their existing faith. Alpha is a powerful means of developing and becoming part of a supportive faith community. These short videos might help you get a better sense of why Alpha is for you and your friends. https://player.vimeo.com/video/455830970

What is the difference between Alpha and Catholicism?

Catholicism is an exploration of the sacred mysteries underlying the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Alpha is an exploration of Christianity. Both offer spiritual experiences that can lead to a deepening relationship with Jesus. We encourage participants to experience an Alpha program before Catholicism but also recognize that individuals may decide on one program or another depending on what stage they are at in their faith journey.

What is the format for an ALPHA meeting?

Our in-person ALPHA meetings begin with a shared meal (continental breakfast), followed by a video presentation (approximately 25 minutes), and then a discussion in small groups (usually 8 people). The videos are designed to be thought provoking and facilitate dialog. Each week focuses on a different question or issue to do with life, meaning, faith, religion, Jesus, and God.

Is there a cost to participate in ALPHA?

No, our ALPHA program is entirely free.

How long is the Alpha program?

Each Alpha session lasts approximately 90 minutes (breakfast, video, and discussion), and there are 13 sessions. (See schedule below.)

When does SMP Alpha program start? End?

Each weekly Alpha session will start at 9:00am and end at 10:30am.  The Alpha program starts on  October 1st and runs on consecutive Saturdays (excluding November 26th, December 24th and 31st) until January 14th.  

Do I need to attend all sessions in an Alpha program?

It has been our experience that you will want to attend every Alpha session! You will be meeting and sharing with the same group of people over the 13 weeks and will become an important part of the group dynamics and community. However, understandably, prior commitments or unexpected events may mean that on occasion, you have to miss an Alpha session.

What about COVID-19?

Although Alpha has been run online during COVID lockdowns, we are committed to running our Alpha in-person this winter as long as it is deemed to be reasonably safe. We encourage all participants to protect themselves and others through vaccination and by wearing a mask when not eating or drinking.

Do you have further questions?

Please contact our team leader, Joanna Crammond, by email: Alpha@saintmatthewpgh.org or or phone: 412 877-8133
 

Where are the Alpha meetings held?

Our Alpha meetings will be held in Newmeyer Hall or the Parish Center (Saint Bonaventure) to facilitate the attendance of parents with children in the CFF program.

Dates and locations of Alpha meetings:
October 1 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

October 8 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

October 15 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

October 22 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

October 29 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am SB Parish Center

November 5 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

November 12 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

November 19 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

December 3 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

December 10 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am SB Parish Center

December 17 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

January 7 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

January 14 Saturday 9:00 – 10:30 am Newmeyer Hall

To register, please fill out the form below.