Announcement of the Appointment of Fr Joshua as Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury
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. 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
Good Shepherd Sunday
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we reach the midpoint of our Easter celebrations, the Church gives us Good Shepherd Sunday—a moment to pause and remember that Jesus is the shepherd of our souls, the one who knows us, calls us by name, and leads us into life. This theme is deeply woven into the story of our own parish. Did you know that our founder, Fr. William Fairbairn La Trobe Bateman, while serving as Vicar of St John’s, Upper Norwood, came to a profound realisation? He saw that something must be done for “all the poor, a mile and a half away. God would not let us rest until they had their own church as well.” And so, in the autumn of 1878, two small houses on Ely Road in South Norwood were rented. The ground floor of one was transformed into a simple chapel and dedicated to “The Good Shepherd.” From those humble beginnings grew the parish we cherish today. (You can read more about this remarkable history on our website: stalbanse25.com/history-architecture ) It is no coincidence, then, that we have our Good Shepherd statue to remind us of who we are and why we exist. At the very heart of our foundation is a mission: to shepherd the souls of South Norwood and Thornton Heath, particularly the poorest and most in need in our community. This calling has not changed. God will not rest—and neither will we—until all are known to Christ. This Sunday will be made even more joyful as we baptise Sha’Nyla into the Body of Christ. We pray that she will always be held safely in the arms of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guided and loved throughout her life. With every blessing in this Easter season, Fr Sean Notices Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall – TONIGHT!£5 per person. Bring your own snacks and we’ll bring refreshments and there will be a PRIZE for the winning team. This is a joyful fundraising event for the church and family and friends are welcome. PCC Meeting – Thursday 30th April, 6.30pm Mass followed by meeting. Fr Sean post Easter break – from the 1st to the 9th of May. Electoral RollThe Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM. This process 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. 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. 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 APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am MassNew churchwardens and PCC are elected for a new term. 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. 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
3rd Sunday of Easter
Download Sunday Booklet Dear friends, Continued Easter greetings to you all! As we celebrate Jesus Christ risen from the dead, this Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who recognised Him in the breaking of the bread. Each time Mass is celebrated, we share in that same precious moment, recognising the risen Lord present with us in the Eucharist, the bread of life that nourishes and sustains us. Let us rejoice this Easter season in the gift of this spiritual food and celebrate with joy. This week we also mark the solemnity of St George, and next Friday at 8pm we will be holding our parish quiz night—do come along and join in the fun! With every blessing,Fr Sean Notices Electrical Repair Party – Saturday 18th April 1pmBring any small electrical items that need repairing and the repair party at the back of church will service it for free! Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall Please register your team on the sheet at the back of church. £5 per person Electoral RollThe Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM. This process 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. Children’s Society Boxes. Please can these be brought back to church by the end of April. Hand them in to Gussie, Jenny or a Sidesperson. 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. 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 APCM Sunday 17th May after the 10am MassNew churchwardens and PCC are elected for a new term. Freddie Gilbert’s Baptism – Saturday 23rd May 12noonEveryone is welcome to join the celebration of Fr Sean’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. 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
Divine Mercy Sunday – 12 April 2026
Download Triduum booklet Dear friends, A very Happy Easter to you all! It has been a great joy to journey together through Holy Week and to celebrate the glory of Easter Sunday as a parish family. Our services over the past week were marked by reverence, devotion, and a deep sense of faith, and it was especially wonderful to see such strong attendance—indeed, record numbers over the Easter weekend. This shared witness to the Resurrection is a powerful sign of the life of our community. To share in the joy of the Resurrection is truly the heart and highlight of our Christian faith. Christ is risen, and in Him we are given new life and hope. As we now continue into the Easter season—a full seven weeks, fifty days of celebration leading us to Pentecost—we are invited to keep that joy alive in our hearts and in our lives. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to our Holy Week and Easter services. Whether through music, readings, serving, preparation, or the many unseen acts of care and dedication, your efforts helped make our worship both beautiful and prayerful. The church has been so wonderfully kept, and it reflects the love and devotion of this community. I look forward to continuing to celebrate this joyful season with you in the days ahead, and especially this coming weekend. With every blessing, Fr Sean Highlights of Holy Week Notices Electoral RollThe Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM. This process 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. Children’s Society Boxes. Please can these be brought back to church by the end of April. Hand them in to Gussie, Jenny or a Sidesperson. Parish Pilgrimage 24-27 July. There are 2 places left – see Jenny ifinterested. Letters to be going out shortly regarding the pilgrimage. Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall Please register your team on the sheet at the back of church. £5 per person 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
Quiz Night!
Save The Date!Join us for a quiz night! Email: Rebeccahitchcock25@gmail.com Email 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
Easter Sunday
This morning’s Easter service in snapshots. Happy Easter to all! 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
Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Some photos from our beautiful Eater Vigil service on Saturday. 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
Join us at St Alban’s tonight for our Easter Vigil Mass!
Join us at St Alban’s tonight for our Easter Vigil Mass! We begin at 8pm as we transition from darkness into the joy of the Resurrection. 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
You are warmly invited to St Alban’s Church today at 3pm for the Good Friday Passion Liturgy.
You are warmly invited to St Alban’s Church today at 3pm for the Good Friday Passion Liturgy. Announcements You are warmly invited to St Alban’s Church today at 3pm for the Good Friday Passion Liturgy. 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
A Few Moments Captured from Yesterday’s Maundy Thursday Mass. Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer and reflection.
A Few Moments Captured from Yesterday’s Maundy Thursday Mass. Thank you to everyone who joined us in prayer and reflection. 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
