Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we move deeper into Holy Week, we now stand on the threshold of the Sacred Triduum — the three holiest days in the Church’s calendar. From Maundy Thursday through to Easter Day, we are invited not simply to remember these sacred mysteries, but to enter into them.
On Maundy Thursday, we gather to commemorate the Last Supper, where Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist and the commandment to love one another. In the washing of feet, we see a powerful sign of humble service. The liturgy ends in silence, as the altar is stripped and we watch with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good Friday is a stark and solemn day, as we walk the way of the Cross and venerate it. There is no Mass — instead, we hear the Passion, pray for the world, and come before the Cross in reverence. It is a day of stillness, sacrifice, and recognition of the love poured out for us.
Then, in the darkness of Holy Saturday night, we gather for the Easter Vigil — the most beautiful and dramatic liturgy of the year. Beginning in darkness, we light the new fire and the Paschal candle, hear the great story of salvation in Scripture, and celebrate the triumph of Christ’s resurrection. Light breaks into darkness, and death is overcome by life.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the risen Lord — the victory of hope, life, and love.
Last Sunday, I preached about what Jesus may have been thinking during these sacred moments. He was thinking about us. And our response is simple, yet profound: to be present — physically and spiritually — with him.
I was greatly encouraged by the attendance on Sunday and over these past few days, particularly at the Chrism Mass with the Bishop of Fulham. It was a joy to share that occasion with so many clergy and faithful.
Let’s keep that momentum going. I warmly encourage you to invite friends and family to join us for these most precious days. There is no better time to encounter the heart of our faith.
I very much look forward to being with you in worship as we journey together through these sacred days and celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour.
With every blessing,
Fr Sean
Flowers for Easter
Please do make a contribution towards the flowers for Holy Week, so the church looks bright and beautiful for Easter.
MAUNDY THURSDAY 8pm volunteers to have their foot washed, please.
GOOD FRIDAY 3pm Day of Fasting- 2 small meals and 1 large- no meat. 10am Stations of the Cross. The Walk of Witness 11.45am begins at the Job Centre.
HOLY SATURDAY 9.30am Clean, decorate, flower arrange, and generally get the church ready for Easter. 8pm Vigil of Easter begins in the church hall car park for blessing the Easter fire.
EASTER SUNDAY 10am Mass of the Resurrection followed by Easter egg hunt in church after the parish mass, with fizz at the back of church.
Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall
Raising much needed funds for church. Please register your team on the sheet at the back of church. £5 per person.
National Pilgrimage
Booking forms are available for the National. £35 per person. Please complete your forms ASAP. Due to rising costs and dwindling grants, this year’s day pilgrimage visit may well be our last as a group.
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM . This process begins today ( 5th April) and ends on 25th April. If you did not submit a form last year or since last year’s APCM, please do so before the closing date . Any questions, see Bronwyn .
Vicar:
Fr Sean Gilbert SSC (020) 8653 6092
Assistant Curate:
Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714
Churchwarden:
Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607
Safeguarding Officers:
Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188
Margaret Earle 07972647007
Hall Hire:
Tammy Sprosen 07944435013
hmalbanse25@gmail.com
© 2026 St Alban’s Church | By Mweb
Registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 1211575)
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST ALBAN THE MARTYR SOUTH NORWOOD IN THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK