2 April 2026 The Next 3 Days – The Sacred Tridium
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we move deeper into Holy Week, we now stand on the threshold of the Sacred Triduum — the three holiest days in the Church’s calendar. From Maundy Thursday through to Easter Day, we are invited not simply to remember these sacred mysteries, but to enter into them. On Maundy Thursday, we gather to commemorate the Last Supper, where Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist and the commandment to love one another. In the washing of feet, we see a powerful sign of humble service. The liturgy ends in silence, as the altar is stripped and we watch with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Good Friday is a stark and solemn day, as we walk the way of the Cross and venerate it. There is no Mass — instead, we hear the Passion, pray for the world, and come before the Cross in reverence. It is a day of stillness, sacrifice, and recognition of the love poured out for us. Then, in the darkness of Holy Saturday night, we gather for the Easter Vigil — the most beautiful and dramatic liturgy of the year. Beginning in darkness, we light the new fire and the Paschal candle, hear the great story of salvation in Scripture, and celebrate the triumph of Christ’s resurrection. Light breaks into darkness, and death is overcome by life. Finally, on Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the risen Lord — the victory of hope, life, and love. Last Sunday, I preached about what Jesus may have been thinking during these sacred moments. He was thinking about us. And our response is simple, yet profound: to be present — physically and spiritually — with him. I was greatly encouraged by the attendance on Sunday and over these past few days, particularly at the Chrism Mass with the Bishop of Fulham. It was a joy to share that occasion with so many clergy and faithful. Let’s keep that momentum going. I warmly encourage you to invite friends and family to join us for these most precious days. There is no better time to encounter the heart of our faith. I very much look forward to being with you in worship as we journey together through these sacred days and celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour. With every blessing,Fr Sean Bishops and clergy at the Fulham Chrism Mass Big Church Clean this Saturday Join us at 9am for morning prayer on Holy Saturday followed by 9.30am Clean, decorate, flower arrange, and generally get the church ready for Easter. 8pm Vigil of Easter begins in the church hall car park for blessing the Easter fire. Thank you! Notices Invitation to Holy Week and EasterThe best way to grow the church is by invitation. Bring a friend or neighbour to our wonderful services. It’s the week that changed the world! Flowers for Easter Please do make a contribution towards the flowers for Holy Week, so the church looks bright and beautiful for Easter. MAUNDY THURSDAY 8pm volunteers to have their foot washed, please. GOOD FRIDAY 3pm Day of Fasting- 2 small meals and 1 large- no meat. 10am Stations of the Cross. The Walk of Witness 11.45am begins at the Job Centre. HOLY SATURDAY 9.30am Clean, decorate, flower arrange, and generally get the church ready for Easter. 8pm Vigil of Easter begins in the church hall car park for blessing the Easter fire. EASTER SUNDAY 10am Mass of the Resurrection followed by Easter egg hunt in church after the parish mass, with fizz at the back of church. Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall Raising much needed funds for church. Please register your team on the sheet at the back of church. £5 per person. National PilgrimageBooking forms are available for the National. £35 per person. Please complete your forms ASAP. Due to rising costs and dwindling grants, this year’s day pilgrimage visit may well be our last as a group. Electoral RollThe Electoral Roll needs to be revised in time for the APCM . This process begins today ( 5th April) and 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 . 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
Maundy Thursday 2 April 2026 at 8pm
Maundy Thursday 2 April 2026 at 8pm You are warmly invited to join us at St Alban’s, South Norwood, on Maundy Thursday for a Solemn Mass at 8.00 pm.🙏On this holy night, we remember the Last Supper, when Jesus gave us the gift of Holy Communion, washed His disciples’ feet in humble service, and gave the new commandment to love one another. 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
Clergy and Parishioners from St Alban’s enjoyed the Chrism Mass yesterday with our Bishop Of Fulham
Clergy and Parishioners from St Alban’s enjoyed the Chrism Mass yesterday with our Bishop Of Fulham 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
Blessed Palm Sunday from all of us at St Alban’s South Norwood🌿
Blessed Palm Sunday from all of us at St Alban’s South Norwood! 🌿 Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning as we began our journey through Holy Week together. It was wonderful to see the community gathered in prayer and reflection.We invite you to join us as we continue this sacred walk:- Maundy Thursday: 8:00 PM- Good Friday: 3:00 PM- Holy Saturday: 8:00 PM- Easter Sunday: 10:00 AMAll are welcome to join us for these moving services as we approach Easter. 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
29th March 2026 – Palm Sunday
Download Sunday Booklet Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This coming Sunday we enter into Holy Week, the most sacred and significant week of the Christian year. It is the time when we walk closely with Our Lord through His Passion, death, and glorious Resurrection. I want to encourage each of you, as strongly as I can, to make space in your lives this week to take part fully in these holy mysteries. Too often, the busyness of life crowds out what matters most. Holy Week is not just another set of services—it is an invitation. An invitation to deepen your faith, to encounter Christ more profoundly, and to be renewed. Time and again, I have seen lives changed and hearts awakened when people truly enter into this week with intention. It is also a time when new vocations are heard and embraced, when God’s call becomes clearer in the stillness and prayer of these sacred days. Please clear your schedules where you can, come along, and be present. Our principal services are as follows: Palm SundayProcession of Palms and Parish Mass – 10.00am Holy TuesdayChrism Mass at St Andrew’s Holborn – 11.00am Maundy ThursdayMass of the Last Supper & Watch until Midnight – 8:00pm Good FridayStations of the Cross – 10:00amLiturgy of the Passion – 3:00pm Holy SaturdayLighting of the Easter Fire, Vigil & First Mass of Easter – 8:00pm Easter SundayParish Mass with Easter Egg Hunt – 10:00am Each of these liturgies reveals a different part of the great story of our salvation. Together, they form one continuous act of worship that culminates in the joy of Easter morning. Whether you are a regular worshipper or have been away for some time, this is the perfect moment to return, to reflect, and to be renewed. Let us walk this journey together. With every blessing,Fr Sean Church Clean this Saturday 28 March Please any volunteers to help us clean the church in preparation for Easter. From 9.30am, see you there! Notices Invitation to Holy Week and EasterThe best way to grow the church is by invitation. Bring a friend or neighbour to our wonderful services. It’s the week that changed the world! Flowers for Easter Please do make a contribution towards the flowers for Holy Week, so the church looks bright and beautiful for Easter. Church Clean 28 March Please can you help us clean the church in preparation for Easter. From 9.30am PALM SUNDAY 29 March Begins in the church hall car park at 10am. Stewards meeting 9.30am in the hall. Chrism Mass, Tuesday 31 March Make your own way to St Andrew’s, Holborn for the Chrism Mass at 11am. There is easy access by train, do see Jenny if you need help with travel details. The Holy Oils will be consecrated for a new year. MAUNDY THURSDAY 8pm volunteers to have their foot washed, please. GOOD FRIDAY 3pm Day of Fasting- 2 small meals and 1 large- no meat. 10am Stations of the Cross. The Walk of Witness 11.45am begins at the Job Centre. HOLY SATURDAY 9.30am Clean, decorate, flower arrange, and generally get the church ready for Easter. 8pm Vigil of Easter begins in the church hall car park for blessing the Easter fire. EASTER SUNDAY 10am Mass of the Resurrection followed by Easter egg hunt in church after the parish mass, with fizz at the back of church. Quiz Night Friday 24th April 8pm in the hall Raising much needed funds for church. Please register your team on the sheet at the back of church. £5 per person. National PilgrimageBooking forms are available for the National. £35 per person. Please complete your forms ASAP. Due to rising costs and dwindling grants, this year’s day pilgrimage visit may well be our last as a group. 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
5th Sunday Of Lent – Passiontide
Back To ‘News’ Download Sunday Booklet Dear sisters and brothers, This Sunday we celebrate Passion Sunday, and begin Passiontide. Many of the precious images and statues in our church are veiled, so that we may focus deeper on our Lord, and on His suffering, as we journey with Him to Jerusalem and His crucifixion – through which we gain eternal life. Please find the booklet attached which contains the notices and events for next week. Can particular attention be drawn to the need for help with cleaning the church on Saturday 28th March from 9.30am. We apologise that there is no email bulletin this week due to an internal glitch. This will be resolved next week. God Bless Fr Joshua Notices Fulham Lay Congress, St Alban’s Holborn- Sat 21st March 10am – 3.30pm Our Bishop Jonathan invites us for an inspiring time of formation and sharing our hopes as disciples of Christ. Bishop Lindsay Urwin is the keynote speaker. Flowers for EasterPlease do make a contribution towards the flowers for Holy Week, so the church looks bright and beautiful for Easter. Palm Sunday StewardsFor our outdoor palm procession, we will need stewards to help organise the zebra crossings. Please see Jenny.Have your say on the next Bishop of Southwark Our Diocesan Bishop – Bishop Christopher – will be retiring this summer, after many years of faithful leadership in our diocese. Because of this, we’re preparing to begin our search for the next Bishop of Southwark – and in doing so, we want to ensure that we hear the views of as many people as possible across our communities. We’d love for you and those in your parish to fill it out. The survey is anonymous and should take no more than 5-7 minutes to complete. Please use the link below to fill in the survey: Survey Link NEQE Safeguarding NEQE Safeguarding Group has been commissioned to conduct an Independent Safeguarding Audits of the Church of England to make sure dioceses and cathedrals are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. Please see below a letter and the link below from the INEQE audit team explaining the need for surveys to be answered. Letter Link Survey Link 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
St Josephs Husband Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Back To ‘News’ Solemn Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St Joseph. Today at 7pm. We are unable to livestream this service today so it would be good to see you there! 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
Stations Of The Cross
Back To ‘News’ Stations Of The Cross The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a sacred fourteen‑step devotion that invites us to walk with Our Lord through the final moments of His earthly life — from His condemnation by Pontius Pilate to His burial in the tomb. Through prayer, reflection, and quiet contemplation, this devotion allows us to draw closer to Christ, to give thanks for His immeasurable love, and to enter more deeply into the mystery of His sacrifice. At St Alban’s, we walk the Stations together each Saturday during Lent and on Good Friday. It is a gentle, prayerful journey undertaken as a community, usually led by the priest, and open to all. There are two Saturdays remaining, as well as Good Friday, and we warmly invite you to join us. If you have never taken part before, please don’t worry — booklets are provided to guide you through each Station, and you will be led every step of the way. Whether this devotion is familiar to you or entirely new, you will be most welcome. Come and walk with us. 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 truly blessed Mothering Sunday at St Alban’s this morning.
Back To ‘News’ Mothering Sunday at St Alban’s. 🙏 💐 A truly blessed Mothering Sunday at St Alban’s this morning. 🙏 There is no greater joy for a parish than seeing our children lead the Liturgy with such reverence and heart. Hosting today’s Mass and distributing flowers was a beautiful testament to the faith they are growing into. We pray that the flowers taken home today serve as a reminder of God’s constant grace and the beauty of the maternal bond. Blessed Sunday 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
Mothering Sunday – 15th March 2026
Back To ‘News’ Download Sunday Booklet Dear friends, This Sunday we celebrate Mothering Sunday, a lovely and uplifting moment in our Lenten journey together. It is a time of refreshment and rejoicing as we continue to draw nearer to the Cross and the glory of the Resurrection. Holy Week and Easter are now not far away, and before long we will be keeping the most important week in the whole Christian year. As we approach these sacred days, do please think about inviting friends, family, and neighbours to join us at St Alban’s. A simple invitation can make all the difference, and it would be wonderful to welcome many people through our doors as we celebrate the heart of our faith. On Sunday we give thanks for our mothers and for all who have cared for us with a mother’s love. We will remember in our prayers our mothers, living and departed, our families, and the life of Mother Church which nourishes us in faith. We will also ask the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, that she may intercede for us and ask God’s blessing upon all our worship in the days to come. I look forward very much to seeing you on Sunday as we gather in thanksgiving and prayer. With my prayers and every blessing, Fr Sean Notices Mothering Sunday – 15 MarchPlease invite family members, especially mothers, to our Mother’s Day service. Our Children’s Church will help lead and included is our distribution of flowers. Fr Sean annual leaveFrom Tuesday next week Fr Sean will be away and will return Wednesday 25 March. Solemnity of St Joseph – Thursday 19 March 7pmWe’re delighted that Rev’d Peter Welby (Archbishop Justin’s son) will be celebrating the Mass of St Joseph. A welcome break from our Lenten Fast on this Feast Day! Join us for a fish/sausage and chips supper afterwards. Fulham Lay Congress, St Alban’s Holborn- Sat 21st March 10am – 3.30pmOur Bishop Jonathan invites us for an inspiring time of formation and sharing our hopes as disciples of Christ. Bishop Lindsay Urwin is the keynote speaker. Flowers for EasterPlease do make a contribution towards the flowers for Holy Week, so the church looks bright and beautiful for Easter. Palm Sunday StewardsFor our outdoor palm procession, we will need stewards to help organise the zebra crossings. Please see Jenny.Have your say on the next Bishop of Southwark Our Diocesan Bishop – Bishop Christopher – will be retiring this summer, after many years of faithful leadership in our diocese. Because of this, we’re preparing to begin our search for the next Bishop of Southwark – and in doing so, we want to ensure that we hear the views of as many people as possible across our communities. We’d love for you and those in your parish to fill it out. The survey is anonymous and should take no more than 5-7 minutes to complete. Please use the link below to fill in the survey: Survey Link NEQE Safeguarding NEQE Safeguarding Group has been commissioned to conduct an Independent Safeguarding Audits of the Church of England to make sure dioceses and cathedrals are doing all they can to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. Please see below a letter and the link below from the INEQE audit team explaining the need for surveys to be answered. Letter Link Survey Link 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
