Benefits of the Weekend Away

Thank you to Dick Hertel, St. Bonaventure Catholic church, Mpls, MN 

The Weekend, or Day Away on the Alpha course is important for a number of reasons:

• The Weekend is a highlight of the course for most participants.
  
• It is one of the most significant opportunities for the guests to commit their lives Christ.  Often people comment that during the Weekend, the information about God went from their “heads to their hearts”.
  
• Four of the teachings are given during the Weekend (25% of the course material).
  
• Time of greater bonding with the other guests.
  
• The first chance on the course for the guests to receive prayer. 
  
• An opportunity to receive new or increased spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.
  
• It’s a special time to let God minister to you as a Leader or Helper.
  
• It is challenging to “make up” the Weekend.  (Some course leaders offer a “make up” day near the end of the course for those who were not able to attend the Weekend or Day Away.  If you chose to offer this, it is wise to not publicize or talk about it as an option, or people will be less likely to sign up for the original retreat).