Yesterday, I walked into the large Exhibition room at the EY Centre in Ottawa where the Monet Exhibit was on. It was like a cave with his historic art being projected onto the walls and floors in huge proportions. Classical music was playing and spectators were roaming, taking photos as the art gently moved. It was thirty minutes of colour, brushstrokes, motifs, story and reflection. I came to the conclusion that being transported into the tranquility of the cave of immersive paintings is similar to the experience of being whisked into an evening of Alpha.
In Fall 2021, I shared my video testimony after participating in the Alpha Program with St. Benedict’s Parish. At St. Maurice Parish, I then helped with the online Alpha. Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about life, faith and Jesus. I continue to believe it is a wonderful experience for ALL Christians. I would like to encourage you to consider joining us in September 2022. Here is a reflection about my Alpha experience I had while attending the Monet Exhibit.
Each week with Alpha, I was transported to a cave of deeper meaning that was safe to explore in. Sometimes, I was surrounded by the friendliest faces that I encountered during my week. The dynamics of how discussions are led, means that EVERY question and opinion is welcome. This makes the Alpha program both unique and popular worldwide. It was attractive to come back each week.
Alpha is an opportunity to escape the reality of busyness, life’s hardships, loved ones asking for things and plunging deep into the realm of something new. During my Alpha weeks, it wasn’t that those challenges disappeared completely, however, I found support in my group members and more lightness. Going deeper in my faith, I found a stronger foundation for the storms of life. The colours of Alpha were soft, soothing and vibrant.
When I look into Monet’s paintings, I am asking for an experience that is different than my own. I’m asking to go to a garden in France, to meet a mysterious person, to sail away or be lost in an abstract. With Alpha, I am asking for answers to the meaning of life, of whether Jesus is real, or how the Holy Spirit can help me in my life? Although I have been engaged in my faith to varying degrees for 20 years, there is always more to know and it is always possible to live my life in a way that is more fully alive. I appreciate how engaging the topics are; just like seeing a painting for the first time.
I hope you join us but it could be Alpha doesn’t fit into your life at this time. Maybe Alpha is a program you could share? This morning, I read the parable of the Lost Sheep, where the Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one missing sheep. Is there is one missing sheep in your life, that the Alpha program would be perfect for? If so, please pass on this link. https://www.stmauriceparish.com/pages/alpha
All pictures on this page were taken by Andrea Fitzsimons
