SMYRNA—On the Deck, a program of the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Young Adult Ministry, will present Alpha on Tuesdays June 14 to Aug. 2 at the Chancery of the archdiocese, 2401 Lake Park Drive, SE, Smyrna. The free programs begin at 7 p.m. and are for college students, ages 18 to 25.

Alpha is a chance to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. On the Deck nights include a meal, talk, and praise and worship.

A tool for evangelization, Alpha is being used in Catholic parishes in more than 70 countries and by other denominations to introduce people to the message of Christ. It focuses on the Kerygma, the starting point or initial proclamation of the faith.

Alpha explores several questions, including “Is there more to life than this?”; “Who is Jesus?”; and “How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?”

“Alpha really does help people to come to a personal encounter with Jesus,” said Bishop Michael Byrnes of the Archdiocese of Detroit. “Many Catholics have been Catholic their whole lives and they have a relationship with Jesus, but they are not conscious of it and not intentional about it. Alpha helps them discover the intense relationship that Jesus wants to have with them.”

Musician Matt Maher said that the Alpha program gives heart knowledge and not just head knowledge.

“It’s a fantastic way to begin to draw people into a deeper communion with the Church,” said Maher.

For more information on Alpha or On the Deck, contact Damellys Sacriste, associate director of adult ministry, at 404-920-7642 or email alpha@archatl.com.