Dear friends,

This Sunday we continue through St Matthew’s Parable Discourse in Chapter 13. Last week we asked ourselves, What sort of soil will you be? This week Jesus gives us another challenge in the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds: Will you be good seed or bad weeds? Christ calls each of us to be good seed, growing in His grace and bearing fruit for His Kingdom. The weeds are thrown away into the fiery furnace…

The weather has certainly felt like a fiery furnace this week! Thankfully, it has not stopped the mission and good works of our parish, and I thank everyone who continues to serve so faithfully.

This week is a busy one as we prepare for Fr Joshua’s licensing on Tuesday among many other things (see week schedule). Please keep him in your prayers as he begins this new ministry, and give thanks for all he has shared with us at St Alban’s.

Many of us will soon be heading away for a summer break, while others will be travelling on our parish pilgrimage to Walsingham. Before holidays and pilgrimages begin, let us gather this Sunday as good soil, good seed, and people shaped by the goodness of God’s grace.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

With every blessing,

Fr Sean

Bishop Christopher’s Valedictory Eucharist

Bishop Christopher’s Valedictory Service will take place this Saturday (18 July) at Southwark Cathedral at 12pm.

All are welcome to attend, but those unable to be present in person can watch the service live on the Cathedral’s Youtube channel here.

Please join us to thank Bishop Christopher for his service. Please pray for him as he retires and for our Diocese as we enter the next stage of our life together.

Notices

Bishop Christopher’s final service at Southwark Cathedral, 18th July 12noon

Summer Break

The choir, children’s church, toddler Tuesday, and zoom bible study take a summer break and return at the beginning of September. 10am Mass on Tuesday resumes.

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. To help us plan the evening, please register for a ticket on the Divinitus Website or speak to Natalie.

Fr Joshua’s Licensing at St Andrew’s Kingsbury– 21st July 7pm
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.

Community Meeting with Thornton Heath MET – Friday 24th July, 10am
In St Paul’s Church (St Paul’s Road Thornton Heath CR7 8NB) a chance to listen to the police and hear the work they do in the local community, raise your concerns with the police, and be a part of the change by sharing your suggestions.

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 fill in the list at the back of church.

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
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 an adult) Please return completed booking form/s with payment at the end of the 10am Mass on Sundays to the people at the back of church.

This Week at St Alban's

Contact

If you or your family are in any kind of pastoral need, please do contact the clergy or a member of the church family. You are in our prayers!
 

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

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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