The Journey Home

Over these coming days we will be posting some stories of people’s lives, and how a course which is run at St Joseph’s called Alpha is literally transforming people’s lives. Today, we hear from Peter who is retired and recently moved to Caton.

I am a convert going back to my school days at St George’s College, Harare, Zimbabwe, and baptised in 1960. Back in 1983 I experienced an incredible infilling of Holy Spirit whilst alone in my vehicle on a long trip. I was sceptical whilst this was going on and I challenged God that if what I had experienced was of His Spirit He should immediately stop me from my smoking habit and my continual delving into porn. Needless to say this is exactly what happened as proof that it had happened whilst I was basking in this amazing experience. In 2002 I lapsed from going to Mass. I guess I was punishing the Church for allowing all the pedophilia that was coming to light amongst some of the clergy. But recently I moved to be with my son in Caton and tried Mass a few times in Caton but I lacked confidence to pull through. My daughter Hilary mentioned she was on an Alpha course at St Joseph’s and how fulfilling it was. Gavin, my son, and Hilary would go to Mass at St Joseph’s. In early February I was invited by them to come with them to Mass and my spirit and soul were zapped at that Mass. Churches were closed because of COVID and I discovered the many electronic activities of St Joseph’s during lockdown . I attended Electronic Mass every day thereafter and have my place back in the embrace of the Church, fully alive and refreshed having been to confession recently with Father Darren in Hornby as a starter. It is a crazy story that I have to tell.

St Joseph’s is running its next Alpha Course, beginning on Thursday 14 January at 7pm online. Why not join us? From the comfort of your home you can join and watch the videos, share your own thoughts, and make new friends in what is a life-changing experience. For further details, email alphalancs@gmail.com