Outlines a situation in which Dersingham has become isolated from the parish of Hunstanton through a lack of attention and engagement by the parish priest. The deacon does his best but since the death of Fr Howarth, Fr Dobson's approach is distant to the congregation at Dersingham. Requests that the Bishop makes some intervention to try an restore happier times.

Differences of opinion between Fr Dobson and Deacon Matthews are escalating. Fr Dobson no longer providing masses at Dersingham - Canon Ryan is providing cover - this happened without the congregation being informed of changes on the way. Seems as though St Cecilia is to be cut adrift and there are great difficulties between the two men. The letter is an attempt to provide insight and balanced input into feedback the Bishop may have received following a meeting held by Deacon Matthew without the presence of Fr Dobson. The situation is not what Alice Insley wanted for Dersingham.

Describes the situation at Dersingham; outlining that a long-time missionary priest is out of his depth in an east Anglian parish; need for support, guidance and presence of other priests. Will the Bishop consider this?

There is an expectation that a priest will undertake his pastoral duties - visiting the sick, bringing Communion, providing spiritual support. Gives examples about self and friend. Whilst Sr Berhard provides some support; it is the duty of a priest to lead on this.

Deacon Matthews is doing his best; Fr Ryan is an old man and cannot supply at all 9.30 Masses. Deacon Matthews is under great strain - he collapsed while at the Convent in Massingham; we are worried for his health. Why are married convert priests ordained into the Catholic priesthood but married convert deacons are not?

Speaking on behalf of fellow parishioners. Summarises aspects of recent and current history of the Catholic community and its presence and impact in Dersingham. The difficulties require help/assistance from outside.

Fr Dobson not celebrating Mass at St Cecilia's (current attendance 75-100) requires arrangements for supply: Canon David Ryan (retired) will celebrate Sunday 9.30am Mass when he can; perhaps Marist fathers at Walsingham; or Fr Brian O'Reilly (Massingham) might assist. Failing that Deacon Matthews will offer a Eucharistic service with a ciborium filled with reserved Sacrament. .

Despite the meeting with Dean at King's Lynn on 17 July, no further meetings have been held. It is the PP to call them. The Bishop's visitation on 24 September: a meeting was held in Hunstanton but no-one from Dersingham knew of it. This is not going well. Need to know the arrangements so can inform five youngsters preparing for confirmation what is planned.

Report covers: Church buildings; Parish Registers; ; Parish life; Ecumenism; personal

Dersingham Catholic Group (Chair, C Handley): Miss Insley's house left for priest accommodation is occupied by Fr Flynn. Requesting that the Bishop grant permission for Fr Flynn to say Masses in the Community Centre, this house, or St Nicholas Church (CoE, Dersingham) to hold trial Masses in readiness for new Church building.

Dersingham Catholic Group (Chair, C Handley): canvassed the Dersingham Catholics and produced a list of saints names for the Church with number of votes for each - a total of 48 votes. This has been discussed with Frs Nesden and Flynn. Church drawings should be ready in Autumn.

Meeting points:
Fr Flynn established in Dersingham; Growth in the area to 9000 by 1991; go-ahead on building the church; Bishop to advise Architects; Priest's maintenance fund being set up and will transfer to Diocese; Bishop cannot guarantee to appoint a priest to Dersingham so the Catholic group will have responsibility. Press release attached.

St Cecilia's Church Committee describe a number of factors which convince them that a resident priest is needed for Dersingham: the departure of Andrew Kingcomb leaves a large gap as he fulfilled many roles - organist, Eucharistic minister, religious instruction for children; Fr Nesden is not well and needs support for the Parish; accommodation is available and can only be occupied by a priest; they believe that Fr Charles Howarth (from the Convent of The Daughters of Jesus, Great Massingham) would be interested in parochial duties.

Proposed Altar
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Proposed Ambo
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Detail of Presidential Chair
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Proposed Font Details
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