Dear brothers and sisters,
We have now entered Ascensiontide, those ten days between the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord—kept yesterday, Thursday 14th May—and the great feast of Pentecost.
This is a precious and prayerful season in the life of the Church. During these days, we are especially called to pray for the unity of the Church, for the descent of the Holy Spirit, and for a renewed growth in holiness and faithful leadership among us.
In this spirit, this coming Sunday we will hold our Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting. This is an important moment in our shared life: a day to reflect on where we have been, to understand where we are now, and to look ahead to where God is calling us next.
As part of this, we look forward to electing two new Churchwardens, along with members of the PCC, who will help lead and guide our church into a new season, serving both present and future generations.
Please do hold this time in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit fill us, guide us, and draw us ever closer together, that through our unity the world may come to believe in the risen and ascended Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean
APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am Mass
Please collect the Trustee’s report in church, see it here or download it below. Please check your entry on the electoral roll on the noticeboard by the font. If you would like to join the electoral roll, please speak to Bronwyn.
Notices
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.
Corpus Christi – Sunday 7th June 10am
Stewards are needed for out outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament, please speak to the churchwardens about volunteering. Thank you!
Day Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 13th June
Fr Joshua, along with Fr Stephan and the people at St Peter’s, Streatham, are having a day trip to St Alban’s Cathedral. Mass will be said at St Alban’s Shrine and Fr Joshua will give a tour. More details will be shared soon, but please speak to Fr Joshua if you’re interested. Transport will be by train.
Ordination Season
Please keep those who will be ordained deacon and priest in your prayers, particularly Fr Antonio who will be ordained priest at St Michael’s, Croydon Saturday 4th July 10.30am, first mass the next day at 5pm. All are welcome!
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.
Called to be a sidesperson or help with refreshments?
We are grateful for those who continue in these ministries. We require more. If you can help, please speak to Jenny in regard to sidesperson duties, and Gloria in regard to refreshments at mass.
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
