Enclosed letter describes a situation on which Fr Sloan requests guidance. A divorcee "re-married" some time after her divorce has been taken Communion and had her confession heard. She is elderly and her husband expects marital relations. She would like to have Communion - that is the problem.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Copy of July newsletter [not present] which mentions Fr Sloan's application to retire. Warning that a reporter may pick it up and write about it.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Advising the bishop of the "Songs of Praise" programme coming from Blythburgh Church on 6 June. He and his choir will be there.
manuscript annotation: "Blythburgh 'Songs of Praise' June 6th"
Will write to the Brothers at Warrenpoint to say he is out of the running for the chaplaincy. A parishioner has offered to buy a tabernacle in memory of his late wife; could the Bishop bless it when installed?
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Confirming that very few people know of the situation. The parishioner thanks the Bishop for his kindness and sympathy.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)The attendance permission applies to the people as well? But, can they receive communion at this Eucharist? Will put your answer in the monthly newsletter.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Outlines to the bishop a disagreement between himself and a parishioner, who he understands is seeking an interview with the Bishop. The parishioner is attempting to undermine Fr Sloan's position in the parish and does not see why he should consult Fr Sloan.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Ruling on a mixed marriage issue - groom cannot sign to bring up the children in the Catholic faith. What are the Bishop's views on girls serving Mass? (Apparently Fr Little at Beccles allows it). Include a copy of a church history [not present] written by Fr Sloan; also has a letter by Fr Howarth about Canon Mason's last hours - but last page missing.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Anglican Eucharist to be celebrated at Blythburgh Church on January 25th. An Anglican clergyman must officiate but Fr Sloan has been asked to read the Gospel. He said no, he can't even attend - was he right?
manuscript annotation: "Answered as indicated (permission given, but no obligation to read Gospel) 24/11/82"
Will be 71 in August and wishes to resign. Finding the demands of 5 week-end masses, 4 hospitals, driving to Halesworth are too much. Offered a home by a couple and would like to give an answer by June 20th.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Many requests for a Saturday evening mass from visitors and parishioners. Suggest commencing from Holy Saturday and continue until end of September. Will not interfere with masses here and at Halesworth.
manuscript annotation: "Permission granted: 2-3-77"
Advising the Bishop that two doctors are planning to write to him about retiring Fr Sloan, even though he as advised them of the shortage of priests.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)The Finance Board do not meet until May - need permission to have repair work done on the tower. Canon McBride suggest write to the Bishop and obtain permission post-event. Cost is £4250 to make the tower as good as new. £8000 held by the Diocese for us, so can afford it. Jeremy Rafe, a young architect, will supervise; he is qualified though not a member of ARIBA. The work will be done by Woods and Sons who are currently working on St Johns.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Schedule for visitation on 5 November.
8am Mass - Fr Sloan, Southwold
9.30 Mass - Bishop, Halesworth
11.00 Mass - Bishop, Southwold - confirmation for half a dozen candidates
Visit sick in Parish
Lunch with the Copperwheats (husband and wife)
Travel down on the Sunday morning?
manuscript annotation: "Fine To travel down on Sunday morning OK"
Had no idea of the problems faced by the Bishop - will stay on for another year.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Encloses a cheque for £1295-15 and lists the collection elements.
Request received to put broken glass on the wall separating the church from the garage next door. Canon McBride sees nothing wrong with agreeing but suggests gaining the Bishop's views.
Estimate regarding the clock - £200. Would like to sell it (need the money) but will accede if the Bishop says it should go to Mrs Sykes.
Tell-tales have been placed to register movement in the stonework. Mr Taylor, the builder, thinks movement has stopped. Redecoration would be about £1000 and it should be done at this time of the year. If allowed then it will start after Christmas.
manuscript annotation: "Offer it to Mrs Sykes for £200?"
Encloses details [not present] of work done on presbytery and sacristy. A lot need to be done to make the place habitable - and there are three rooms yet to do. Fr Pritchard had done much when here - what it was like before...? Still more to do. Church at Halesworth not been touched since it was built 17 years ago.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Acknowledges receipt of the cheque from Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. Delay in responding due to services in the week of prayer for Christian Unity. Will write to Fr Stark. Thank the Bishop for his kindness and assure him of our prayers for a complete and speedy recovery.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Thanks for the cheque [from Guild of Our Lady of Ransom] - will write to Fr Stark. Not done anything about the right-of-way as a sudden death in Halesworth has upset all plans. African mission collection enclosed.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)