Dear brothers and sisters,
This weekend the Church lifts her voice in joy as we sing the familiar hymn, “’the happy birds Te Deum sing, ’tis Mary’s month of May.” In this beautiful season, we give thanks for the gift of Our Lady, who always leads us more deeply to her Son.
This Saturday there is an opportunity to join with many churches and clergy connected to the Society of Mary at St Silas, Kentish Town. You do not need to be a member to attend, and all are warmly welcome. We are especially grateful for the Society’s generosity, through which they provide grants supporting our pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Without their help, much of what we are able to offer at St Alban’s simply would not be possible.
Honouring Our Lady is not an optional extra to the Christian life, but a natural part of our vocation. In Mary, we see the perfect disciple—one who hears the Word of God and keeps it. Her “yes” is the pattern for our own.
This Sunday, we will also have our own crowning of Our Lady here in church—a simple act of love and devotion as we begin this Marian month together.
I will be away this coming week on my post-Easter break, but Fr Joshua will be celebrating. As you heard on Sunday, he will be leaving us on St Alban’s Day ahead of his licensing at St Andrew’s, Kingsbury in July. I know you will want to express your thanks for his faithful ministry among us.
And so, as May begins, let us pray:
O Mary, Mother of the Church,
teach us to follow your Son with faithful hearts.
Obtain for us the grace to say “yes” to God in all things,
and lead us ever closer to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean
Notices
Society of Mary 2026 May Devotion – Saturday 2nd May
12noon: Solemn Mass at St Silas’ Kentish Town, Procession through the streets to Holy Trinity 1.50pm: Lunch in Holy Trinity Church Hall A £10 donation towards lunch is asked for. 3.30pm: AGM of the Society 4.00 pm: Vespers, Sermon & Benediction.
Quiz Night
We had a fantastic Quiz Night last Friday and we’re already looking forward to another occasion. £140 we raised towards our on-going works for the church.
Fr Sean post Easter break – from the 1st to the 9th of May.
Junior Choir Taster Day – Saturday 9th May 10am-2pm lunch included
Do you love to sing? Want to join a fun community? Come add your voice to our growing choir
No prior experience needed. We offer professional tuition free of charge. A highly regarded ‘Voice for life’ medal scheme. Lead the singing each week. Choir club for fun and snacks. Events and socials each term free of charge
The Ascension of the Lord – Thursday 14th May, Solemn Mass 7pm, followed by fellowship at the Prince George afterwards.
APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am Mass
Please collect the Trustee’s report after mass. Or see it/download it on our online weekly news bulletin from next week.
New churchwardens and PCC are elected for a new term.
Do you feel called to be on the Parochial Church Council or Deanery Synod Representative?
Speak to Fr Sean, Fr Joshua, or Jenny about submitting your application.
Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noon
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean & Helen’s son’s Baptism followed by drinks reception at the back of church. This also marks Fr Sean’s 10th anniversary of the Priesthood and he will offer a votive mass of the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost.
Announcement of the Appointment of Fr Joshua as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury:
Fr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal Festival, Sunday 21st June 10am, where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party.
In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions.
This Week at St Alban's
Contact
Vicar:
Fr Sean Gilbert SSC (020) 8653 6092
Assistant Curate:
Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714
Churchwarden:
Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607
Safeguarding Officers:
Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188
Margaret Earle 07972647007
Hall Hire:
Tammy Sprosen 07944435013
hmalbanse25@gmail.com
