Apple Valley Catholic Community  
 St. Elizabeth of Hungary & St. Isidore Parishes 

"Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent." Pope Francis

ENCOUNTER Jesus Christ seeks to be in relationship with each and everyone one of us. To encounter Jesus is to experience his love in a meaningful and life transforming way. In Luke’s Gospel we hear of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, after experiencing Christ in a personal way, with their hearts burning because they caught a glimpse into the heart of God and found their world made new. 

While opportunities to encounter Christ can happen in all that we do, Alpha, our primary tool for evangelization, is an intentional process to foster this encounter. Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith, in a friendly, open and informal environment and to bring people to a place of encounter with Jesus Christ - whether for the first time or to renew and deepen one’s relationship.

CONNECT We do not travel our journey of faith alone but with each other. This is supported by lay-led fellowship groups where parishioners are known, loved, and cared for in a personal way, supporting each other along the way. These include Alpha Connect groups, as well as other small faith groups.

A Connect Group is a mid-sized group of 20-30 people who have completed Alpha. They meet twice a month in someone’s home. We are in the process of forming these groups in the parish.  At a Connect Group, members gather for a potluck meal, a time of prayer, reflection, and discussion.  If you haven't yet had a chance to try Alpha, there are other fellowship groups in the parish where you can “connect” such as our Mom's Group or Young Adult Group.