Every Tuesday night for the past eight weeks, students around the Duluth area came to the University of Minnesota Duluth campus to explore the idea of their faith. Alpha, a group created by the UMD Newman or the Bulldog Catholic organization, is a meeting space where students and faculty can explore life’s big questions.

There are a few goals of Alpha. One is to say what they think about their faith and to hear others’ points of view about faith. Another goal of Alpha is to get answers for the hard-hitting questions about the meaning of life regarding faith. 

“The best part about the meetings, for me, is the discussions around the tables,” said Sam Eichelberger, a junior at UMD this year. “That’s really what Alpha is about: it’s about getting to hear other people’s beliefs and ideas about Christianity.” Eichelberger has been to every meeting over the past eight weeks and has enjoyed every meeting since the first. 

 “There is a little something for everyone during Alpha,” Father Mike Schmitz, the Chaplain for the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry said,“If you’re here to explore your faith, meet new people or just enjoy good company and food, there is always room for anyone who is willing.” 

During the 90-minute meeting, hundreds of people could be seen chatting with their peers. Even if it was about their major or why they chose Duluth as the city for them to expand their education, students can be seen with smiles on their faces and excitement can be felt throughout the room. 

“For me, initially I was definitely nervous because you’re meeting a lot of new people and the experience can be overwhelming,” Echelberger said. “Once you come back, you see a lot of the same faces and know a lot of the people. I can say I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with it as time goes on.”

Even if it’s your first time at Alpha, the feeling of inclusion is there as soon as you step into the room. Friendly faces, comfortable conversations and good food is all available when visitors first step into the Griggs Center. 

“To me, the Alpha meetings mean that I get to share a meal with people and get to know their beliefs, and they get to know mine,” Eichelberger said. “These meetings are also important to me because it is a really good, open space for others to share their beliefs about Christianity.” 

The Alpha meetings mean something different to everyone who walks into the room. Even if you’re not faithful or are unsure about your beliefs, Alpha is a place to explore those feelings of hesitancy towards your faith. If you’re interested in attending, their Instagram account is @bulldogcatholic.