Dear friends,
This Sunday we celebrate All Saints’ Day, giving thanks not only for the great saints whose names we know and whose lives inspire us, but also for the countless saints whose names are known only to God. Ordinary men and women who lived lives of faith, love and kindness and who are now at home in heaven. We believe that they continue to pray for us, reminding us that we are part of a much bigger family of faith than we can see.
All Souls’ Day – Monday at 7pm
Please do join us on Monday evening at 7pm for our All Souls’ Day Mass, when we will remember and pray for our faithful departed by name. It is a special opportunity to bring before God those we have loved and lost, entrusting them to his eternal mercy and love.
As we begin November, we enter a month of remembering the saints and praying for the souls of the departed. Next Sunday, Remembrance Sunday, we will also give thanks for those who have died in war and conflict, remembering especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
May this month deepen our hope in the resurrection and remind us that, in Christ, love never ends.
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
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.
St Alban’s Panto – Saturday 28th November, 1.30pm
Join us at St Alban’s on Saturday 28th November for our family pantomime, Dick Whittington! All children and families are warmly invited for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. Doors open and please be seated by 1.15pm, with the performance beginning at 1.30pm. Admission: £1 for adults – Children FREE! We look forward to seeing you there!
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
