Dear friends,
Over the next three Sundays, our Gospel readings will bring us some of Christ’s most famous and beloved parables. These simple stories have been inspiring, challenging, and transforming Christians for centuries, and each one invites us to look more deeply into the mystery of God’s Kingdom.
This Sunday we begin with the Parable of the Sower. At first glance, its meaning seems straightforward. Jesus Himself explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the different types of soil represent the different ways people receive it. Some hearts are hardened, some receive the Word only briefly before falling away, some allow life’s worries and distractions to choke its growth, and some receive it with faith, bearing abundant fruit.
Yet, as is so often the case with Our Lord’s teaching, there is far more happening in this parable than first meets the eye. The more we listen to it, the more it reveals…
Whether this is the first time you have heard this parable or the thousandth, I warmly encourage you to join us this Sunday to know and understand more. Together we will reflect more deeply on Christ’s words, allow them to take root in our hearts, and rejoice in the friendship we share as we gather around the Lord’s altar to celebrate the Holy Mass.
We look forward to welcoming you!
With every blessing,
Fr Sean, Vicar
Notices
Last Toddler Tuesday of Term – Tuesday 14th July, 9.30am
TT will return after the summer break on September 8th. Have a good Summer!
Bishop Christopher’s 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 on the Divinitus Website or speak to Natalie. 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.
Fr Joshua’s Licensing at St Andrew’s Kingsbury– 21st July 7pm
For catering purposes, please let Fr Joshua’s parish know you’re coming by signing up on a sheet at the back of church. More details will be given on how to get there, but a general direction is:
Train from Thornton Heath to Watford Junction – get off at Wembley Central – 83 Bus – get off at Deanscroft Avenue – 3 min walk to St Andrew’s Kingsbury.
Funeral of Harry Chapman RIP in St Alban’s Church – 22nd July, 12noon
A short said Requiem Mass in the presence of Harry Chapman RIP and family, followed by Funeral Service at Croydon Crematorium at 1pm.
Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 24th-27th July
Any prayer requests while the parish are on Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, please speak to Fr Sean.
150th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union – Sunday 9th August, 10am
We are celebrating 150 years of the MU this year and we look forward to praying and giving thanks for our own MU and it’s members during the Parish Mass on this day. Please pray for the mission and work of the MU and for all families.
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
