Dear Friends of St Alban’s,

I am very happy to share with you that I am now back after my three-month sabbatical. It has been a very full and precious time away with my family, and Helen and I are very thankful for the gift of this time together.

I would especially like to express my thanks to Fr Joshua. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the way he has looked after St Alban’s in my absence, I am enormously grateful for his ministry and dedication to our parish community.

I returned to parish life celebrating the great Epiphany of the Magi visiting Christ in his home — God’s light revealed to all nations. This coming Sunday, we celebrate another great Epiphany in the life of Christ: his baptism in the River Jordan, as we mark the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Although the weather may be rather abysmal, please be assured of a very warm welcome at St Alban’s. I very much look forward to seeing you all again being back among you with our family as we continue our journey of faith together.

With every blessing,

Fr Sean