Dear friends,
This Sunday, we celebrate Black History Month at St Alban’s, giving thanks for the richness and diversity of God’s creation. Our Parish Mass will be followed by an African-Caribbean lunch in the hall, so please do join us for worship, food and fellowship.
A quick reminder: Please bring your food to the hall by 9.30am on Sunday morning so that everything is ready for our shared lunch.
As a parish, we are guided by the Southwark Diocesan Anti-Racism Charter, which calls us to build a Church where everyone is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity. Our differences are a gift from God, and when we come together in Christ, our different cultures, experiences and gifts enrich our worship and strengthen our life together.
Celebrating diversity also means being active in challenging racism wherever we encounter it. We are called not simply to welcome everyone through our doors, but to make sure that everyone feels they truly belong. This means listening to one another, recognising prejudice when it occurs, and working together to ensure that our church is a place of justice, equality and love.
As we gather this Sunday, may we give thanks for the many ways God’s love is reflected in one another, and continue to grow as a Christ-centred, outward-focused community in which all are welcomed and all can flourish.
With my prayers and every blessing,
Fr Sean
Notices
Calling all young people in Years 6- 12
Youth Pilgrimage at Walsingham 2027 -week beginning 2 August
Next year’s Youth Pilgrimage has a whole new look! Pilgrims will not be camping this time, but will be staying at The Shrine and will be one day shorter. If interested, please come along (bring your parent too if possible) to a meeting at 11.30am after the Parish Mass on 18th October to find out more.
Let Jenny know if you are unable to come but want to find out more.
We do need an idea of numbers by 23 October.
How to help our foodbank
Our foodbank has been awarded a grant by Tesco. The value of the grant is between £500 and £1,500 and is decided by public vote. If you are shopping in Tesco, please pick up a blue token when you go through the till. You can use this to vote for our foodbank in a clear display box near the tills. You can vote in various Tesco stores in the Croydon area not just Thornton Heath.
Black History Month Service at St Alban’s– Sunday 11th October
Followed by African-Caribbean lunch party in the church hall. Tickets on sale!
Why not come to mass in the clothing of your heritage?
Divinitus – Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
Young adults join us for Mass (30 mins) followed by a social in the Prince George.
Divinitus Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 17th October
Join for a group visit to St Albans Cathedral, the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. All details and booking are on the website: www.divinitus.co.uk
Mothers’ Union 150th Celebration – Saturday 17th October, 10.30am
The local MU chapters from various churches will be joining us in St Alban’s for a celebration Service of the 150th anniversary of the MU.
Electrical repair Party – Saturday 17th October, 2pm
Following the MU celebration, the electrical repair party will be in church to fix any electrical items you may have for FREE.
All Saints’ and All Souls’
Halloween is quickly approaching, which means All Saints’ Day is nearly here celebrated on Sunday 1st November 10am, followed the next day by All Souls’. Please add a name of a dearly departed on a list at the back of the church, they will be prayed for during the Requiem Mass, 7pm.
To give regularly, please visit the Giving section of our website:
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
