St Joseph's By The Sea in Williamstown was the perfect venue to welcome participants to the Alpha Holy Spirit Day (Saturday 21st May 2022). A fresh and cool morning soon turned into warm fellowshipping and scintillating conversations over morning tea. Bonds of friendship were forged and strengthened as the day wore on. It was funny to watch a small group of participants debating with great gusto whether John the Baptist had doubts on the messiahship of Jesus. There were great bursts of laughter and intense emotions as people were delving deeper into the topic. In the end both parties agreed to disagree.
There was a slight air of uneasiness as some people were not sure what to expect during the prayer session but in the end, it was exactly what it needed to be. One participant commented 'I had tears in my eyes during the prayer session'.
Between the videos, discussion and 'so much food', it is without a doubt that everyone was well nourished body and soul and participants emerged with a greater resolve to build a stronger relationship with God. Comments from participants include:
'The day was not good, it was AMAZING. Wow. Thank you Lord.'
'Before Alpha, I had no one here in the parish. Now, I have friends to connect with.'
'My sister and brother-in-law have commented that I am more engaging and inspired. It's because of Alpha. They are coming to the next Alpha program.'
'Yes, we are moving forward.'
'Come Holy Spirit...thank you Lord for such a wonderful day.'
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.'