Dear friends,
This Sunday, the Church celebrates the great Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles and pillars of the Church. Their witness, faithfulness, and sacrifice continue to inspire Christians throughout the world and remind us of the apostolic foundation upon which the Church is built.
This feast also marks the beginning of the Church’s ordination season. Our Bishop of Fulham will be especially busy this weekend, ordaining a deacon on Saturday and new priests on Sunday. These are joyful occasions for the whole Church, as we give thanks for those who have responded generously to God’s call.
We look forward with particular joy to the ordination of Fr Antonio next Saturday, 4 July, 10.30 am. Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for this important step in his ministry. We’re also invited to his First Mass on Sunday at 5.00 pm, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with him and pray for God’s blessing upon his priesthood.
As we draw closer to the summer months and perhaps enjoy a little rest and respite, let us remain attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is drawing close not only to those preparing for ordination but to the whole Church, renewing and strengthening us for the mission entrusted to us.
Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Pray also for the work and mission of The Society, Forward in Faith, and for the flourishing of the catholic faith in our parishes and communities. May the Lord continue to raise up faithful shepherds for His people and grant us the grace to be steadfast witnesses to the Gospel.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean, Vicar
Fr Joshua's Licensing
We bid a fond farewell to Fr Joshua last Sunday. His licensing as Vicar of St Andrew’s Kingsbury is on the 2st July, 7.30pm and we’re all invited. Details on the invitation are at the end of the email. Here is a photo of a wonderful St Alban’s Day:
Notices
Ordination Season with the Bishop of Fulham
Ordination of Deacons : Saturday 27th June, 11am. St Andrews, Holborn
Ordination of Priests : Sunday 28th June, 5pm. St Andrews, Holborn
Ordination of Fr Antonio : Saturday 4th July, 10.30am. St Michael’s Croydon.
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!
Farewell Service for Bishop of Southwark at Croydon Minster
If you’re not at the ordination of Priests on Sunday 28th June, you’re welcome to come to the farewell service of the Bishop of Southwark at 5.30pm. This is in addition to his final service at Southwark Cathedral, 18th July 12noon.
Movie Night with Divinitus – 19th July, 6pm
Join us for a screening of: Exodus: Gods and Kings.
Enjoy your Sunday evening with us – unwind in a relaxed setting, in good company, with popcorn and drinks, and be ready for the week ahead.
St Michaels Croydon, 7 Poplar Walk, Croydon CR0 1UA
To help us plan the evening, please register for a ticket using this link . There is no set cost for tickets, however donations are warmly welcomed and can be made in any amount. We look forward to seeing you.
Healing Pilgrimage to Walsingham – Monday 31st August
The Pilgrimage for Healing and Renewal is one of the major pilgrimages of the Shrine’s year. Weather permitting, all aspects of the pilgrimage day are held in the Shrine gardens. The 12 noon Mass is followed by lunch – most pilgrims picnic in the gardens – and then Sprinkling, Laying-On of Hands and Anointing.
Coach departs from St. Alban’s 6.45am Leaves Walsingham 4.45pm
Cost £35 per adult £28.00 per child (under 18 and accompanied by a responsible adult)
Please return completed booking form/s with payment at the end of the 10am Mass on Sundays to the designated people at the back of church.
This Week at St Alban's
Contact
Vicar:
Fr Sean Gilbert SSC (020) 8653 6092
Churchwarden:
Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607
Safeguarding Officers:
Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188
Margaret Earle 07972647007
Hall Hire:
Tammy Sprosen 07944435013
hmalbanse25@gmail.com
