Explore the meaning of life with ALPHA series at St. Thomas

How does God guide us? How can I resist evil? What does the Holy Spirit do? What about the church? How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

Intriguing questions … and you may have others that you’d like to explore in a relaxed setting among good company. If so, consider attending the free ALPHA program that will meet from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Nov. 20, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

Open to all ages and denominations, ALPHA promises to stretch the mind, stir the conscience, touch the heart and engage the will. “There is no commitment to join the church, and no question is off limits or out of bounds,” said Chari Rosales, director of S.T.A.F.F.S. (St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality).

Each session will begin with a meal followed by a movie and small group discussions. Rosales briefly outlined the meetings:  “Guests will watch a video presentation on some aspect of the Christian faith then divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the video and raise their own questions. Everyone will remain in the same group for the duration of the series so guests can make new friends and build that trust that comes with good friendships.”

Rosales added, “It’s a great way to cap off a day and the timing is perfect for commuters, couples and singles.”

A retreat experience on Oct. 25 -26 also is part of the ALPHA program.

Sponsored by S.T.A.F.F.S. (St. Thomas Adult Faith Formation & Spirituality), the ALPHA series is part of St. Thomas’ official observance of “The Year of Faith,” Oct. 11, 2012 – Nov. 24, 2013, as proclaimed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Registration is requested by Friday, Sept. 6, to facilitate planning. Registration forms are available at St. Thomas Church or can be downloaded from the parish web site, www.stapostle.org.

Completed forms should be returned to Rosales at the Adult Faith Formation office, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 or at crosales@stapostle.org.

For information about registration or ALPHA, contact Rosales at (360) 355-8980, ext. 138 or crosales@stapostle.org.

St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God’s unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,300 households of more than 11,000 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs can be viewed at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980 or visit www.stapostle.org.