Growing a Missional Parish with Divine Renovation

Sharing our faith can often feel daunting, and many express a sense of uncertainty about how to do it. In response to this, the parishes of St Mark’s and St Mary Magdalen in Ipswich have embraced the Alpha course as a practical and welcoming way to help parishioners grow in confidence and understanding.

Under the guidance of Fr Luke Goymour, Alpha has been running twice a year since October 2023, offering a space where people can explore the foundations of the Christian faith, ask questions freely, and encounter the love of God in a fresh and personal way.

The course has become a powerful tool for evangelisation within the parish, creating spaces where people feel safe to ask questions, share experiences and encounter the love of God in a new and personal way. One participant shared:

“I remember the first time I heard about the Alpha course. I was hesitant and unsure, thinking it might not be for me. But something inside me nudged me to give it a try. I took a leap of faith, and it turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The talks were enlightening, breaking down complex theological concepts into relatable and understandable ideas. I remember one particular session where we discussed God’s love. It resonated with me deeply, and for the first time, I felt a personal connection to Jesus that I had never experienced before. It was as if a veil had been lifted, allowing me to see my faith in a whole new light.”

This growing openness and renewed faith among participants is at the heart of the parishes’ partnership with Divine Renovation, a Catholic ministry that supports parishes seeking to move from maintenance to mission. With Alpha forming the foundation of this renewal strategy, the parishes have seen encouraging signs of transformation.

To date, over 100 parishioners have completed the Alpha course, with more than 20 stepping forward to serve as hosts, helpers or part of the hospitality team – providing the warm welcome and cooked meals that begin each session. The ripple effects have extended further still, with many participants going on to serve in various parish ministries – from catechesis and children’s liturgy, to the music ministry, finance committee, SVP, and beyond.

Some Alpha groups have chosen to continue meeting after the course has ended, forming communities of ongoing prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. As one participant described:

“Friendships have been forged that have lasted beyond the course and I’ve seen how our shared experiences have enriched our lives and strengthened our community.”

As a parish community, we are beginning to grow in confidence and readiness to reach out – to those on the margins, to our neighbours, and to our friends and family – with the invitation to discover the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Through Alpha and the support of Divine Renovation, St Mark’s and St Mary Magdalen are taking meaningful steps towards becoming the vibrant, missional Church that we are all called to be.

Article by Clare Fox
Alpha Coordinator

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