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Just back from Peru. This legislation will probably be more strongly urged in near future - that non-Catholics may not approach Catholic altars for Holy Communion. The Bishop explains this further. On Confession his advice is to leave as is for now, until there might be a reiteration of more restrictive legislation from Rome. At which point you will have to tell the lady the this permission no longer obtains. The bishop says he ought to let Fr Kerby know that John Drury is grateful to the people of St Ives.

Bishop disputes that the request for a Maundy Thursday Mass at Papworth is sufficiently cogent. He would not normally grant permission in response to this request. He expects that the church should be as full as for a Sunday. However, since no time for a reply he says it is Fr Kerby's judgement on whether to go ahead or "bus" them to St Ives.

Unable to attend Papworth Celebration - clashes with postponed Diocesan Council. (16 June 1932). Has received several letters (unanswered as yet) which indicate the parishioners do not find his ways as their ways. Do not take refuge in being "old-fashioned"; say Mass more warmly, more slowly, less exclusively "ex opera operato"? Grateful for your pastoral care and uninterrupted visiting.

Fr Kerby may seem gruff & unsympathetic - he's not really like that - he possibly did not know how many places the Parish would be assigned. The Vicar General, Mgr. McBride is writing to priests about the selection process. Bishop urges her to add her name and that she won't be the only one with a partner who is not a Catholic.

Bishop understand her frustration but will not comment on the details. Fr Kerby is a devoted priest but has his own ideas. Th Bishop will consider; he will not fail to discharge his responsibilities. "I ask you to continue your excellent and faithful catechetical ministry in spite of difficulties."

Sorry comfort in the words of Our Lady to Bernadette .. "she did not have to convince the hierarchy, she just had to give them the message and stick by its authenticity." We cannot convince Fr Kerby that his concept of ministry is out of kilter: but we can go on telling him. Bishop refers to Fr John (Drury?) being told that he lacks steel; sure that he is now making up for it in Talara. But is the congregation at St Ives too complacent? Bishop irritated that John Gardner is under employed.

Apologies for slow reply. Not the only one to write about Fr Kerby and the change of "style" at St Ives. Fr Kerby is dedicated to his priestly vocation, whatever style reservations there may be. He needs to be "discovered" and knows his Bishop does not go along with is more idiosyncratic approaches. You are not an outsider, we are all one family despite our divisions.

Notes of a telephone conversation about Hugh Byron's Building Project.
Wilson very concerned that things must be done properly using an architect and master builder. Should not be a "botch job". Fr Byron has to be persuaded to not object to paying proper fees for work done. NB planning permission might be required. Wilson quite critical and unimpressed with Fr Byron's projected house alterations. Yes, do school. Wilson suggests Fr Drury see Fr Byron and discuss the proposals. Need a known, architect e.f. Julian Limitani. Also Wilson considers getting an 85% grant to improve St MAr's school building is "just not on".

Have spoken with Fr Wilson. You should direct your attention solely to your 66 year old school. Things have to be done properly through commissioned architects whose fees are paid and builders engaged. John Drury has been asked to discuss the proposal with you. Do not do flatlets. Not "clipping your wings" but must be certain of direction and why.

Hopes that Fr Drury has recovered from his unpleasant virus infection. Fr Wilson has suggested that Fr Drury visit Fr Byron to discuss his proposals. No flats over garages. Must do things through the proper channels engaging proper architects and builders. Bishop suspects Fr Byron will get mates to do the job for him.

Contact from Fr Emerson regarding Fr Drury's release for missionary work in South America. Considering release end of September. Offers to visit St Ives to discuss the matter, and will make the release public around Eastertide.

Peter Cansdale, to be ordained deacon, to be accepted by Fr Drury into the Parish for exposure to parish work as part of his training for the priesthood.

Bishop had an enjoyable visitation and savoured the badinage between them. Obvious that Papworth & St Ives love you and cherish your pastoral care. Some points in a separate document included in the letter [see below]. Glad Fr Kerby has £700 of Travel Vouchers for his next foray into Eastern Europe and beyond. Bishop asks Fr Kerby to look after himself more - age requires more care in regular food and sleep. Thank Ann K for excellent and succulent meals.
Visitation St Ives 23/24 May 1992
Many positive points, not least the organist. Church well groomed even if the predilection for statues is apparent. But points to consider:
1,. congregation to put their own breads into the ciborium. Tabernacle hosts reserved for the exception

2. Find chalices for the Precious Blood - better than glasses - a generous donor?
3. Altar server shortage. Not suggesting using girls but let it be known that he no longer feels they can be excluded.
4. nerves happen but readings should be at a good even pace with good enunciation
5. Sacristy very small - any way of using the rooms between church and presbytery?

Sacrament of Reconciliation advice - "it is the sin that needs (and can be) to be absolved rather than release from the penalty incurred. Make a prudent judgement and decide whether the penitent has really incurred the 'latae sententiae'".
The visitation is in danger of being overloaded - whilst the Bishop is not allergic to work the programme is not without confusion - can Fr Kerby puzzle out a less complicated agenda for his Bishop?!

Bishop happy to bless Fr Kerby's pastoral action to share in the "gnadenreiche Zeit" of Christmas. Bishop details his travel plans for Jonathan Salt's diaconate ordination in Innsbruck and invites Fr Kerby to join them - Nick Kearney is travelling with him & Jonathan is joining them from Munich. Bishop comments on Salt being too intent on the "material" celebration - "I beg our dear Jonathan to apply himself to his studies and to delay designing the invitation cards!"

Full text:
Dear Ray, Thank you for your two letters and forgive me if I reply with one! Suffice it to say that in your "sanatio" letter you have done right, but record it. As to your other "casus" , you have done right.
But I also want to thank you for agreeing to give your interest to a needy parish when and if this occasion presents itself. When all have answered my plea, I will be in touch.
I registered dismay that you still feel grieved that you were not given the "go-ahead" for a hall. You could certainly have carried the financial burden. But you will recall that my response was whether St Ives needed a hall, whether your present guild room was not adequate, whether this kind of money (for it is big money) was warranted, whether your congregation really were with you, etc. Should we have authorised this? I'm still gently unrepentant.
I'm slow to read your coded message ... about OAP's and all that. I thought one had to be 65 before reaching that honoured status. 65? YOU?
As always - and it has ever been so - I am deeply grateful for your generous ministry.

Thanks Fr Kerby for the CAFOD collection. Bishop wishes he had had a word with the matron, she may have known John Marden. Advises Fr Kerby to do a good painting and repair job on the house as it is getting tatty.

Confirms he has granted a "sanatio". Document to be forwarded as soon as possible.

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".

Fr Kerby is a beloved man, a devoted priest and a treasure - but his "Hall-ideology" receives a cold response from his Bishop.
Despite Mr Latin's generosity & goodwill, the Bishop entreats Fr Kerby to consider the bigger picture of the Diocesan expansion and the fact that the hall implies a mortgage of £150,00 at least.