Dear friends,
Please forgive me for the lack of a newsletter last week! I hope that this bulletin brings you good news, health, and happiness in the Lord.
The choir, Children’s Church, Zoom Bible Study, and Toddler Tuesday have all deservedly enjoyed a well-earned break over the summer. We are very much looking forward to everything returning over the next fortnight, and to another season of worship, learning, fellowship and growth together.
I am away this weekend on holiday, but I am delighted that Fr Jothi and his family will be with us to celebrate Mass and preach. I know they will receive a very warm St Alban’s welcome.
We are also greatly looking forward to our pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham this Bank Holiday Monday. It will be a wonderful opportunity for prayer, healing and renewal as we journey together to this holy place. Although we have finally had some much-needed wet weather, let us pray for good weather on Monday!
Be assured of my prayers for you all. May the week ahead be a good and fruitful one, and I look forward to seeing you very soon.
With my prayers and every blessing,
Fr Sean
Each year, St Alban’s contributes to the Parish Support Fund (PSF) of the Diocese of Southwark. This helps provide clergy, ministry and the mission of the Church across our Diocese.
Because of the Diocese’s current financial deficit, we have been asked to increase our annual giving by 7.5%. At present, around 50% of our church and hall surplus goes to the Diocese, so this is a significant commitment for us.
Our contribution is essential to sustaining our own ministry and priest, as well as supporting the wider mission of the Diocese. Without the support of parishes, difficult decisions about the future of churches may have to be made…
Every gift makes a difference. If each of us can give a little more, and give regularly each month, we can meet this increase and continue to grow and thrive together.
Giving to our church is part of our Christian discipleship. Everything we have is ultimately a gift from God, and we are called to use those gifts generously for his work:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
And Jesus reminds us:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Please prayerfully consider increasing your giving and setting up a regular monthly donation—even when you are unable to be physically present at church.
To give regularly, please visit the Giving section of our website:
stalbanse25.com/donate
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us to build the future of St Alban’s.
Notices
Fr Sean is away on holiday this weekend
He returns on Wednesday 2nd September.
Healing Pilgrimage to Walsingham – Monday 31st August
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.
Cancellations: Mass this Tues, Foodbank this Wed, Community hub this Thurs.
Zoom Bible Study every Thursday
Returns on Thursday 3rd September. Due to family commitments Fr Sean won’t be able to begin bible study until 7.15pm. However, you’re welcome to meet and chat together beforehand from 7pm.
Choir and Children’s Church every Sunday
Returns next Sunday 6th September.
PCC Meeting After the Parish Mass Sunday 6th September.
Toddler Tuesday every Tues
Returns on Tuesday 8th September 9.30am-11am. Spread the word!
Sponsored Pilgrimage Walk – Saturday 13 September
To mark the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (which we celebrate the following day), we will be making a sponsored 10-mile pilgrimage walk from St Alban’s Church to Chislehurst, where Fr Charles Lowder, the founder of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC), is buried. All sponsorship money raised will go towards our Brickwork Project. Sponsorship forms will be available shortly, and there will also be an option to donate online. If you would like to join the walk, please speak to Fr Sean. We’d love to have you with us!
2027 Parish Pilgrimage to the Shrine in Walsingham 13th – 16th August
Booking forms available from 6th September. Completed forms plus £40 cash non-returnable and non-transferable deposit to be given to Jenny by 20th September.
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.
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
