The Story of Alpha in Belvedere College

Belvedere College have been running Alpha for 7 years now and it has become a central part of the religious education programme in the school. Every 4th year student is offered Alpha as their timetabled RE class, and a 2-day overnight retreat in Ovoca manor in collaboration with Scripture Union within the programme is another important element of the Alpha experience.

Padraig Swan, the teacher co-ordinating Alpha says: ‘I highly recommend Alpha to any school or church group to explore real questions about faith and the person of Jesus Christ and his impact on our lives.’

Volunteers for this Alpha include young leaders from the area, including Gerard Hanley, Youth Development Officer for the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin: Gerard told us: ‘It was a joy to facilitate Alpha in Belvedere College. Alpha is a great tool for creating a healthy space for respectful conversation about life and faith.”