San Juan parish, led by parish priests, Fathers Henri Brenon and Christian Pineau, recently opened the doors to Christ in a more profound and spiritually uplifting way, with the launching of the Alpha Programme, in the parish.

This programme was founded by an Anglican priest, by the name of Nicky Gumbel, and it invites one and all to learn about the principles of living a great Christian life while growing in an intimate relationship with God, through Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit alive within us.

It's all about getting to know the heart of our God, who is so real, renewing our minds daily through his Word, recognizing his voice, and becoming aware of his plan and purpose for our lives.

Each life, designed and gifted with many talents and treasures, when united and merged together, forms “One Body”, “His Kingdom on Earth”.

Parishioners at Alpha programme sessions

The Alpha programme is based on a series of talks and is all about God's people coming together to fellowship with one another, share a meal, discuss and exchange ideas, in a totally relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

It takes us on a journey that awakens our interest, strengthens our faith, draws us into a new perspective about things, changes our attitudes and helps us to develop a more positive approach to situations.

It encourages an appreciation and bonding with our brothers and sisters, and a desire to reach out in service to those in need, thus adding new flavour and meaning to life. It is a great tool of evangelisation for bringing together and uniting all of God's people, “The Body of Christ”, with the common understanding that the breath of God within us, unites us all, in the same Spirit. This was Jesus' last prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, “May they all be one. ....”

The Alpha Programme was wholeheartedly embraced by our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in the Catholic Church and has been welcomed and is presently being promoted by many other denominations.

The programme was introduced to the parish and facilitated by Louise Zamora and Linda De Four, and co-ordinated by Heather John with the assistance of group leaders and helpers of both San Juan and Mount Lambert parishes. It recently came to a close with a celebration dinner that took place at the parish hall on December 11, 2005 .

San Juan parish invites and welcomes one and all, to invest in “A Great New Life”, by participating in the Alpha programme. It is an life-changing experience.

The Lord God invites you to a higher level of spiritual experience. Just make the decision to be there, be open to God's Spirit, submit to his Holy Will for your Life, and let His Holy Fire fall......