Dear brothers and sisters of St Alban’s,
I am very much looking forward to this coming weekend, which I am sure will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Firstly, on Saturday at 12 noon, I will celebrate a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit in thanksgiving for ten years of my ordination to the priesthood. At this Mass, I will also have the great joy of baptising my son, Freddie. Many family members and friends will be present for this wonderful occasion, and I do hope that you will be able to join us. Afterwards, there will be a glass of something fizzy available at the back of the church as we continue the celebration together.
Secondly, we look forward to Pentecost Sunday—the great culmination of the Easter season. On this day, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, upon the apostles, granting them every grace needed to carry out the work of God.
Just as the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, so we are called to be likewise filled and sent out—to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, risen and ascended. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthens and guides us, giving us the courage and grace to live out our faith and share it with the world.
I very much look forward to seeing you at both of these occasions. Please keep me, my son Freddie, and our family in your prayers, that we may be open to the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean
New Churchwardens
Congratulations to Margaret & Gloria on their nomination as new churchwardens at the APCM last Sunday! They will do an amazing job and we will continually pray for them.
Their official commissioning is the visitation service at All Saints, South Croydon CR2 9AB on Tuesday 2nd June, 8pm, which we encourage you to attend to support of their new ministry. Thanks once again to Jenny, she will be churchwarden emeritus and will continue to support Fr Sean and the new churchwardens, until they’ve found their feet.
Thanks to the new members of the PCC, those continuing, and those who have served; your hard work is very much appreciated.
Divinitus
There are often many groups and initiatives for youth and older generations, and those aged 25 to 40 can sometimes feel as though they are drifting between stages, without a strong sense of community or belonging.
Members of our church and St Michael’s Croydon have created Divinitus to bridge this gap. If this feels like something you’ve been looking for, they would love for you to become part of theDivinitus family. While they particularly focus on this age group, they want to be clear:
Everyone is welcome to join!
Notices
Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noon
The Walsingham National Pilgrimage – Monday 25th May
Pilgrims from all over the country will be gathering at The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham this bank holiday Monday. Please keep them in your prayers and we will be praying for you!
New Vicar of St Mark’s, South Norwood – Monday 1st June, 7pm
Revd Jessie Daniels-White, will be licenced at St Mark’s Church, Albert Road by the Bishop of Southwark. All welcome.
Corpus Christi – Sunday 7th June 10am
Stewards are needed for our 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. Signup sheet or speak to Fr Joshua if you’re interested.
Electrical Repair Party – Saturday 13th June, 1pm onwards
Also on this day you’re welcome to bring and electrical items that are broken to St Alban’s Church. Fixers will be on hand to help you repair your broken electronics for free.
Carroty Wood – Tuesday 27th October
Calling all young people from 8-17 years of age. If you would like to attend our one day retreat at Carroty Wood please collect an information sheet/ expression of interest from Jenny. Due to its popularity, spaces may be limited so don’t delay.
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!
St Alban’s Patronal Festival – 21st June, 10am
Fr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal 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
