Abbot Richard Yeo thanking the Bishop for helping in the release of a priest for a long retreat at Belmont. Also for lining up "all sorts of things in Beccles" - new liturgy, rededicating the altar, receiving converts and confirmations - should be pretty busy this weekend.

The good Shepherd knows his sheep. The Bishop declares that from 2nd Sunday after Easter ("Bonus Pastor Sunday") he will start a Visitation which will remain open until he declares it closed. "The Bishop will therefore diligently visit the Church, the Presbytery, the Schools, the Cemetery and everything therein contained, and will examine the sacred vessels and furniture, the Altars, tabernacles, and whatever belongs to the worship of God or the administration of the sacraments." Visitation will be announced and confirmations should be arranged for then.
To the clergy: have ready two sheets of foolscap containing - a return for 1958 of Marriages, Baptisms, Conversions, Easter Communions, Deaths; list of details of mass obligations; List of all documents relating to the Mission; Statement of Mission . School property; Account of all debts and liabilities; Mission 1958 income/expenditure balance sheet; same for Schools; exact inventory of Church, Sacristy, House and Schools.

Programme is:

• leave Poringland and arrive at 9.30pm - bed for the night please
• preach 8.45 mass at St Michael's
• opening words at 10am mass at The Good Shepherd
• confirmation mass at St Michael's
• lunch with neighbours
• sick visits
• cuppa and head for Poringland - to prepare for the November Hierarchy meeting on Monday

Will have to miss Benediction with the nuns - Bishop grant has an infection and asked Bishop Clark to cover a Sunday Confirmation at Buckden.

Likes the arrangements for the visitation.

Bishop has asked Peter Wilson to deal with the matter of reimbursing £1,000 to Miss Magoris. Suggests that the Parish might contribute more to the St John's fund. Thanks for the picture - "it was a good occasion."

A good evening and the ministry of Confirmation is always new and fresh. Did not get the chance to speak formally with Fr Webb but did comment on pastoral disciplines of secular clergy - the need to be "in".

Felt at home with the young people; enjoyed his food; trip home was fast and easy.
Tony W [Webb] said he'd be seeing the Bishop soon - wonders what about.

Confirms that the building may commence according to the terms of the will. Keep Fr Wilson informed.

Permission to confirm an individual

Grateful for Fr Shryane having sorted out the business of Confirmations at Hunstanton. It must have been a difficult meeting but at least a possible point of controversy has been sorted out. As for the rest, we shall wait and see.

Confirmations went well. Looked after by David Baker. Informal ceremony before mass with the Diocesan Medal given to Mrs Louis Smith. Looking forward to your induction in Ely on 6th November.

Back from Australia at the beginning of the week. Happy with the programme. Be there for 9.30 am Mass and preach at the others. Visitation of the sick could be done on Sunday or he could come over again on Monday afternoon. In the evening he has to be in Lynn for a Penitential Service.

Grants faculty to administer Sacrament of Confirmation on Miss Jean Teague and wishes her well in her perceived vocation with the Visitation Sisters in Walden. Thanks for the kind words - quite helpful to receive feedback.

Confirmation on 14 January 1996. Bishop thanks Fr Kerby for wondeul hospitality at a great occasion and a lovely atmosphere during the Mass. Bishop did speak to many people and they seemed happy with everything. Thanks for the generous cheque. Enjoyed meeting Lucien who gave him quite an insight into Eastern Catholic Churches.

Depends on percentage already preparing for Confirmation. If numbers small then willingly waive new stipulation regarding age. If majority "underage" , then might have to rethink. Dubious about reasons for Mums' disquiet. Rather inclined to say "yes" to a busy Parish priest. "Just reassure me on the points raised".

Bishop is not a "fundamentalist" on the issue of age of Confirmation. Fr Kerby should warn his people in the New Year that in future (underlined) candidates will be from 14+ group. His case pled with skill and subtlety. Important to hold the group together expecting Confirmation in the near future. Please do as you wish.

Bishop requesting a general programme for the visitation - assuming that it would start with 5pm Mass and Confirmations.