New Churchwardens
New Churchwardens! Congratulations to Margaret & Gloria now officially churchwardens of our parish! It was wonderful to see so many from the church supporting them during the Archdeacons Visitation. Please continue to hold them in your prayers. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
Sunday 31 May 2026 – Trinity Sunday
Download Sunday Booklet Dear friends, I hope you’ve all been enjoying the hot weather, we had a scorcher at the National pilgrimage this year! Thanks for all who joined and thanks once again for all who made Freddie’s baptism such a joy. This coming Sunday we celebrate Trinity Sunday, one of the great feasts of the Church, when we reflect on the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we proclaim in the Creed, we believe in “one God, the Father almighty… and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God… and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.” Though three persons, they are one God, united in perfect love — a mystery at the very heart of our faith. There is an enormous amount happening in our church and local community from June onwards, so please do read all the notices carefully in the coming weeks. In particular, please note that this Saturday marks the first wedding we have had in a while. Do keep Anna and Daniel in your prayers as they prepare for their marriage, and also remember Fr Joshua as he celebrates his first wedding! Have a good week, and as it says in our second reading at Mass this Sunday: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Fr Sean Divinitus There are often many groups and initiatives for youth and older generations, and those aged 25 to 40 can sometimes feel as though they are drifting between stages, without a strong sense of community or belonging. Members of our church and St Michael’s Croydon have created Divinitus to bridge this gap. If this feels like something you’ve been looking for, they would love for you to become part of theDivinitus family. While they particularly focus on this age group, they want to be clear: Everyone is welcome to join! Notices New Vicar of St Mark’s, South Norwood – Monday 1st June, 7pmRevd Jessie Daniels-White, will be licenced at St Mark’s Church, Albert Road by the Bishop of Southwark. All welcome. Archdeacon’s Visitation Service – Tuesday 2nd June, 8pmCongratulations to Margaret & Gloria on their nomination as new churchwardens!Their official commissioning is the visitation service at All Saints, South Croydon CR2 9AB, which I encourage you to attend to support of their new ministry. Thanks once again to Jenny, she will be churchwarden emeritus. Corpus Christi – Sunday 7th June 10amStewards are needed for our outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament, please speak to the churchwardens about volunteering. Thank you! Day Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 13th JuneFr Joshua, along with Fr Stephan and the people at St Peter’s, Streatham, are having a day trip to St Alban’s Cathedral. Mass will be said at St Alban’s Shrine and Fr Joshua will give a tour. Signup sheet or speak to Fr Joshua if you’re interested. Electrical Repair Party – Saturday 13th June, 1pm onwardsAlso on this day you’re welcome to bring electrical items that are broken the Church. Fixers will be on hand to help you repair your broken electronics for free. Divinitus Welcome Drinks – Saturday 13th June, 5.30pm in the church hallAre you 24-40 years old and seeking friendship in faith? Join us for our first meeting Funeral of Daphene Cumberbatch RIP – Wednesday 17th June, 11.30amThere are some who remember Daphene who was a member of our church but has been care for the last several years. Her funeral will be in church and the committal is at South London Crematorium at 1.30pm. If you would like a lift, see Fr Sean. Carroty Wood – Tuesday 27th OctoberCalling all young people from 8-17 years of age. If you would like to attend our one day retreat at Carroty Wood please collect an information sheet/ expression of interest from Jenny. Due to its popularity, spaces may be limited so don’t delay. Ordination SeasonPlease keep those who will be ordained deacon and priest in your prayers, particularly Fr Antonio who will be ordained priest at St Michael’s, Croydon Saturday 4th July 10.30am, first mass the next day at 5pm. All are welcome! St Alban’s Patronal Festival – 21st June, 10amFr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party. In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions. Called to be a sidesperson or help with refreshments?If you can help, please speak to Jenny in regard to sidesperson duties, and Gloria in regard to refreshments at mass 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
From Our Trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for Nationals.
From Our Trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for Nationals. A wonderful day shared together. 🙏 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
This Sunday – Pentecost – 24 May 2026
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters of St Alban’s, I am very much looking forward to this coming weekend, which I am sure will be filled with the Holy Spirit. Firstly, on Saturday at 12 noon, I will celebrate a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit in thanksgiving for ten years of my ordination to the priesthood. At this Mass, I will also have the great joy of baptising my son, Freddie. Many family members and friends will be present for this wonderful occasion, and I do hope that you will be able to join us. Afterwards, there will be a glass of something fizzy available at the back of the church as we continue the celebration together. Secondly, we look forward to Pentecost Sunday—the great culmination of the Easter season. On this day, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, upon the apostles, granting them every grace needed to carry out the work of God. Just as the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, so we are called to be likewise filled and sent out—to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, risen and ascended. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthens and guides us, giving us the courage and grace to live out our faith and share it with the world. I very much look forward to seeing you at both of these occasions. Please keep me, my son Freddie, and our family in your prayers, that we may be open to the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. With every blessing,Fr Sean New Churchwardens Congratulations to Margaret & Gloria on their nomination as new churchwardens at the APCM last Sunday! They will do an amazing job and we will continually pray for them. Their official commissioning is the visitation service at All Saints, South Croydon CR2 9AB on Tuesday 2nd June, 8pm, which we encourage you to attend to support of their new ministry. Thanks once again to Jenny, she will be churchwarden emeritus and will continue to support Fr Sean and the new churchwardens, until they’ve found their feet. Thanks to the new members of the PCC, those continuing, and those who have served; your hard work is very much appreciated. Divinitus There are often many groups and initiatives for youth and older generations, and those aged 25 to 40 can sometimes feel as though they are drifting between stages, without a strong sense of community or belonging. Members of our church and St Michael’s Croydon have created Divinitus to bridge this gap. If this feels like something you’ve been looking for, they would love for you to become part of theDivinitus family. While they particularly focus on this age group, they want to be clear: Everyone is welcome to join! Notices Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noon The Walsingham National Pilgrimage – Monday 25th MayPilgrims from all over the country will be gathering at The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham this bank holiday Monday. Please keep them in your prayers and we will be praying for you! New Vicar of St Mark’s, South Norwood – Monday 1st June, 7pmRevd Jessie Daniels-White, will be licenced at St Mark’s Church, Albert Road by the Bishop of Southwark. All welcome. Corpus Christi – Sunday 7th June 10amStewards are needed for our outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament, please speak to the churchwardens about volunteering. Thank you! Day Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 13th JuneFr Joshua, along with Fr Stephan and the people at St Peter’s, Streatham, are having a day trip to St Alban’s Cathedral. Mass will be said at St Alban’s Shrine and Fr Joshua will give a tour. Signup sheet or speak to Fr Joshua if you’re interested. Electrical Repair Party – Saturday 13th June, 1pm onwardsAlso on this day you’re welcome to bring and electrical items that are broken to St Alban’s Church. Fixers will be on hand to help you repair your broken electronics for free. Carroty Wood – Tuesday 27th OctoberCalling all young people from 8-17 years of age. If you would like to attend our one day retreat at Carroty Wood please collect an information sheet/ expression of interest from Jenny. Due to its popularity, spaces may be limited so don’t delay. Ordination SeasonPlease keep those who will be ordained deacon and priest in your prayers, particularly Fr Antonio who will be ordained priest at St Michael’s, Croydon Saturday 4th July 10.30am, first mass the next day at 5pm. All are welcome! St Alban’s Patronal Festival – 21st June, 10amFr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party. In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions. Called to be a sidesperson or help with refreshments?We are grateful for those who continue in these ministries. We require more. If you can help, please speak to Jenny in regard to sidesperson duties, and Gloria in regard to refreshments at mass. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
Our Two New Churchwardens!
Our Two New Churchwardens, Gloria and Margaret! Duly elected after the Mass during the APCM today, we’re delighted that they are taking on this new role. We also gave thanks to Jenny, who has been a steadfast and inspiring churchwarden for over a decade and we look forward to her role as churchwarden-emeritus to help guide our new churchwardens. We consecrated our new PCC to the prayers of the blessed Virgin Mary in this month of May. May she point our church and mission to the salvation of Christ her son. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
Ascension of the Lord
A glimpse of our celebration of the Ascension of the Lord — a beautiful and prayerful Mass, followed by joyful fellowship as clergy and parishioners gathered together afterwards, sharing in the warmth of our parish community. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
7th Sunday of Easter – 17 May 2026
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters, We have now entered Ascensiontide, those ten days between the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord—kept yesterday, Thursday 14th May—and the great feast of Pentecost. This is a precious and prayerful season in the life of the Church. During these days, we are especially called to pray for the unity of the Church, for the descent of the Holy Spirit, and for a renewed growth in holiness and faithful leadership among us. In this spirit, this coming Sunday we will hold our Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting. This is an important moment in our shared life: a day to reflect on where we have been, to understand where we are now, and to look ahead to where God is calling us next. As part of this, we look forward to electing two new Churchwardens, along with members of the PCC, who will help lead and guide our church into a new season, serving both present and future generations. Please do hold this time in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit fill us, guide us, and draw us ever closer together, that through our unity the world may come to believe in the risen and ascended Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. With every blessing,Fr Sean APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am Mass Please collect the Trustee’s report in church, see it here or download it below. Please check your entry on the electoral roll on the noticeboard by the font. If you would like to join the electoral roll, please speak to Bronwyn. Download Annual Report 2025 Notices Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noonEveryone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean & Helen’s son’s Baptism followed by drinks reception at the back of church. This also marks Fr Sean’s 10th anniversary of the Priesthood and he will offer a votive mass of the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost. Corpus Christi – Sunday 7th June 10amStewards are needed for out outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament, please speak to the churchwardens about volunteering. Thank you! Day Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 13th JuneFr Joshua, along with Fr Stephan and the people at St Peter’s, Streatham, are having a day trip to St Alban’s Cathedral. Mass will be said at St Alban’s Shrine and Fr Joshua will give a tour. More details will be shared soon, but please speak to Fr Joshua if you’re interested. Transport will be by train. Ordination SeasonPlease keep those who will be ordained deacon and priest in your prayers, particularly Fr Antonio who will be ordained priest at St Michael’s, Croydon Saturday 4th July 10.30am, first mass the next day at 5pm. All are welcome! Announcement of the Appointment of Fr Joshua as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury:Fr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal Festival, Sunday 21st June 10am, where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party. In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions. Called to be a sidesperson or help with refreshments?We are grateful for those who continue in these ministries. We require more. If you can help, please speak to Jenny in regard to sidesperson duties, and Gloria in regard to refreshments at mass. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
Trustees Report 2025
Back To ‘News’ Annual Report 2025 St Alban the Martyr, South Norwood Charity No.1211575 Powered By EmbedPress 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
6th Sunday of Easter
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters, In the gospel this week, Jesus tells his followers that genuine love for him isn’t just about words—it shows itself deeply through obedience to his teachings and living out our faith. He also promises that they won’t be left alone after he’s gone; the Holy Spirit will come to guide, comfort, and live within them. Let us be reassured by these words, and take action, knowing that through Jesus, we experience God’s presence in the Holy Spirit, which stirs and moves us in a most beautiful way, as we seek to fulfil God’s will. We are delighted that Dayo will preach for us this Sunday. All are warmly welcome to join us. May I please remind you too of several things that are coming up in the next week, including our junior choir taster day, and also our APCM. Information on these can be found below. With every blessing,Fr Joshua APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am Mass Please collect the Trustee’s report in church, see it here or download it below. Please check your entry on the electoral roll on the noticeboard by the font. If you would like to join the electoral roll, please speak to Bronwyn. Download Annual Report 2025 Notices Fr Sean post Easter break – from the 1st to the 9th of May. Junior Choir Taster Day – Saturday 9th May 10am-2pm lunch includedDo you love to sing? Want to join a fun community? Come add your voice to our growing choirNo prior experience needed. We offer professional tuition free of charge. A highly regarded ‘Voice for life’ medal scheme. Lead the singing each week. Choir club for fun and snacks. Events and socials each term free of charge The Ascension of the Lord – Thursday 14th May, Solemn Mass 7pm, followed by fellowship at the Prince George afterwards. Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noonEveryone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean & Helen’s son’s Baptism followed by drinks reception at the back of church. This also marks Fr Sean’s 10th anniversary of the Priesthood and he will offer a votive mass of the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost. Announcement of the Appointment of Fr Joshua as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury:Fr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal Festival, Sunday 21st June 10am, where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party. In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions. Called to be a sidesperson or help with refreshments?We are grateful for those who continue in these ministries. We require more. If you can help, please speak to Jenny in regard to sidesperson duties, and Gloria in regard to refreshments at mass. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
5th Sunday of Easter
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters, This weekend the Church lifts her voice in joy as we sing the familiar hymn, “’the happy birds Te Deum sing, ’tis Mary’s month of May.” In this beautiful season, we give thanks for the gift of Our Lady, who always leads us more deeply to her Son. This Saturday there is an opportunity to join with many churches and clergy connected to the Society of Mary at St Silas, Kentish Town. You do not need to be a member to attend, and all are warmly welcome. We are especially grateful for the Society’s generosity, through which they provide grants supporting our pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Without their help, much of what we are able to offer at St Alban’s simply would not be possible. Honouring Our Lady is not an optional extra to the Christian life, but a natural part of our vocation. In Mary, we see the perfect disciple—one who hears the Word of God and keeps it. Her “yes” is the pattern for our own. This Sunday, we will also have our own crowning of Our Lady here in church—a simple act of love and devotion as we begin this Marian month together. I will be away this coming week on my post-Easter break, but Fr Joshua will be celebrating. As you heard on Sunday, he will be leaving us on St Alban’s Day ahead of his licensing at St Andrew’s, Kingsbury in July. I know you will want to express your thanks for his faithful ministry among us. And so, as May begins, let us pray: O Mary, Mother of the Church,teach us to follow your Son with faithful hearts.Obtain for us the grace to say “yes” to God in all things,and lead us ever closer to Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen. With every blessing,Fr Sean Notices Society of Mary 2026 May Devotion – Saturday 2nd May12noon: Solemn Mass at St Silas’ Kentish Town, Procession through the streets to Holy Trinity 1.50pm: Lunch in Holy Trinity Church Hall A £10 donation towards lunch is asked for. 3.30pm: AGM of the Society 4.00 pm: Vespers, Sermon & Benediction. Quiz NightWe had a fantastic Quiz Night last Friday and we’re already looking forward to another occasion. £140 we raised towards our on-going works for the church. Fr Sean post Easter break – from the 1st to the 9th of May. Junior Choir Taster Day – Saturday 9th May 10am-2pm lunch includedDo you love to sing? Want to join a fun community? Come add your voice to our growing choirNo prior experience needed. We offer professional tuition free of charge. A highly regarded ‘Voice for life’ medal scheme. Lead the singing each week. Choir club for fun and snacks. Events and socials each term free of charge The Ascension of the Lord – Thursday 14th May, Solemn Mass 7pm, followed by fellowship at the Prince George afterwards. APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am MassPlease collect the Trustee’s report after mass. Or see it/download it on our online weekly news bulletin from next week.New churchwardens and PCC are elected for a new term.Do you feel called to be on the Parochial Church Council or Deanery Synod Representative? Speak to Fr Sean, Fr Joshua, or Jenny about submitting your application. Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noonEveryone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean & Helen’s son’s Baptism followed by drinks reception at the back of church. This also marks Fr Sean’s 10th anniversary of the Priesthood and he will offer a votive mass of the Holy Spirit on the eve of Pentecost. Announcement of the Appointment of Fr Joshua as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury:Fr Joshua’s last day at St Alban’s will be St Alban’s Patronal Festival, Sunday 21st June 10am, where he will celebrate and preach the Parish Mass followed by a party.In the days ahead we pray for Fr Joshua and wish him well with thanksgiving in all he has given us through the grace of God to our parish. He will be missed! We look forward to joining him at St Andrew’s 21st July 7.30pm for his licensing. All are welcome to both occasions. 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 Assistant Curate: Fr Joshua Pollard SSC 07466 574714 Churchwarden:Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607 Safeguarding Officers: Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188Margaret Earle 07972647007 Hall Hire: Tammy Sprosen 07944435013hmalbanse25@gmail.com Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Back To The News Page Previous PostNext Post
