Mandarin Alpha
Alpha, originally an introductory Christian course initiated by the Church of England, aims to provide a relaxed and friendly environment for exploring important questions of life and faith through group meals, film viewings, and discussions. Over 27 million people worldwide have participated in the course in over 169 countries, and it is adopted and used by multiple Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
“Catholic Chinese Alpha” is a version tailored specifically for the Chinese-speaking community, focusing on Chinese culture and experience. It aims to allow participants to explore questions of faith through a familiar language and cultural background, such as “Is life like this? Who is Jesus? Why pray?”
“Catholic Chinese Alpha” is an evangelization program that is both accessible and culturally resonant. Combining meals, videos, and group discussions, it aims to help Chinese-speaking participants openly explore the Christian faith and the meaning of life. It is held in a warm and welcoming manner, allowing people to more easily engage with their faith in a culturally familiar context.
Currently, the Catholic Chinese Alpha Program is being promoted annually by the St. Paul Evangelization Team, which rotates among parishes. The teams from St. Anne’s Basilica, Church of The Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi, Church of The Sacred Heart of Jesus Kulim and the Church Of The Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary are also members of the Enlightenment Team. Interested parties can follow the parish newsletter.
“启发”原为英国圣公会发起的一项基督教入门课程，旨在提供一个轻松友善的环境，通过聚餐、小组观看影片与讨论等方式，探索人生与信仰的重要问题。全球已有超过 2,700 万人参与过此课程，涵盖超过 169 个国家，并被多个基督教宗派包括天主教、新教和东正教所接受和应用。
“天主教中文〈启发〉”则是专门为华语群体所量身打造的一种版本，聚焦于华人文化与经验，旨在让参与者透过熟悉的语言与文化背景探索信仰问题，例如“人生就是如此吗？耶稣是谁？为什么祈祷？”等
“天主教中文〈启发〉”是一种富有亲和力与文化共鸣的福传课程，结合聚餐、影片与小组讨论，旨在帮助华语参与者开放地探索基督信仰与生命意义并以温馨方式举办，让人们更自在地在文化熟悉的语境中接触信仰。
目前天主教中文启发将会一年一次由圣安娜圣殿福传小组，峇冬丁宜圣母圣名堂，居林耶稣圣心堂及北海圣母圣诞堂的启发团队组成圣保禄福传组小组轮流的在不同的堂区推动天主教中文《启发》。有兴趣参与者可以留意堂区通讯。