Dear friends,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. In these two commandments, Jesus sums up the whole of the Law and the Prophets. At the heart of our faith is not simply a list of rules to follow, but a relationship of love with God that shapes how we live and how we treat one another.
As we look forward to celebrating All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, we are reminded of what this love looks like in practice. The saints are those who, in different ways and circumstances, have sought to follow Christ and make his love known in the world. Their lives encourage us to grow in holiness and to discover how we, too, can reflect God’s love in our daily lives.
All Souls’ Day brings us to remember with love those who have died, giving thanks for their lives and entrusting them to the tender mercy of God. The love we share with others does not simply disappear when death comes; we hold on to the Christian hope that, in Christ, death is not the end.
As we approach these special days in the life of the Church, may we be encouraged to love more deeply, serve more generously and worship God more faithfully. May the example of the saints inspire us, and may our prayers for the departed strengthen our hope in the promise of eternal life.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean
Cornerstone Project
This is a free online tool created to increase understanding of our church’s giving culture and financial situation.
It will help us to understand and improve our giving practice and generous culture.
To do this we need your help.
Please can you complete the survey by clicking on this link:
Diocese of Southwark – Cornerstone Generosity Review
You will also be asked to include a couple of details – the name of the church/ parish – St Alban’s South Norwood– and our parish code – 637402. This information makes sure that your answers are allocated to St Alban’s. The questionnaire itself is anonymous.
Electronic surveys must be submitted by 8 November.
If you would rather complete a paper copy, collect a copy from the back of church. Please return the completed form in the designated box by 5 November so it can entered electronically on your behalf.
Notices
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.
Remembrance Sunday – 8th November, 10am
We pray for all who have lost their lives in war. The Parish Mass will be followed by an Act of Remembrance outside the front of church (weather permitting.)
Armistice Day – Wednesday 11th November, 11am
Following a shorter 10am Mass, Fr Sean will lead the Act of Remembrance outside Whitehorse School, which we are invited to attend. Refreshments are available in the school afterwards.
Christmas Market – Saturday 5th December 11am-2pm
Our Christmas Market is fast approaching! Please begin preparing items for your stalls, including homemade gifts, crafts, cakes, preserves and raffle prizes. Every contribution helps, so let’s work together to make this year’s market a great success!
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.
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
