Vicar General is investigation the Attleborough "savings". The Bishop is looking into the relationship between Attleborough and Wymondham. He advises not taking on extra Masses from Fr Peters and overburdening himself.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanking Fr Brown for his "care" during the Visitation on 7/8 September. The Bishop finds that he has not yet replaced his "reserves" and will have to pace himself for some time. His heart went out to the orphans at Attleborough.
Resolution to Attleborough depends on (1) linking Swaffham to Watton, (2) re-establishing Attleborough to Wymondham parish. Thanks Fr Brown for the generous offering to the "kitty".
Valuable & vigorous time on a programme which at first seemed daunting but was fully vindicated. Bishop did visit the whole of the parish. Very much liked what he encountered and thanked Fr Brown and Sister Alies for their time & energy. Attleborough has no immediate answer; building there is still thought of, but the Bishop favours the Methodist Church as a good venue. Suggests Fr Brown should programme in some painting. The hall may still provide adequate service but for how long? Wymondham is a happy and well organised parish.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Sorry to upset Fr Brown's plans but "MOT came suddenly and I had to scamper to 'Hope'". Week at 'Hope' was a lifesaver in so many ways. The excellent VGs [Vicars General] are in danger of making the Bishop redundant! Thanks for the honorarium.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Endorses Fr Browns plan for Attleborough - even if "keeping Brendan happy" is not an overriding priority. Use of Methodist Church is our way ahead for some time.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop approves Fr Brown's Retreat with the Poor Clares at Arundel . Bishop once said daily Mass there. He is intrigues that Fr Brown is going there.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop know that Attleborough must realistically be part of Wymondham Parish. Encourages Fr Brown to get on the committee and listen to the grievances. The Terms of Reference for the Vicar-General will will ensure that Attleborough is once again served by Fr Brown.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Three large market towns and only one church. Watton seems to have priority, so long as the RAF do not pull out. Attleborough though, does it need a permanent church? The community there is small and we should be open to co-operation with other Christian churches if it is offered. He doubts that they are in the position to invest real money in the suggested venture. Instinct then is for Watton. Right? Please guide.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The Bishop insists that Fr Brown "cannot do the morally impossible". Note Dereham was erected as a parish to enable Mass at Hethersett. Attleborough should be discussed between Fr Brown and the Vicar-General or Dean to see what is possible. It is sensitive with Fr Brendan Peters only 80% well. Bishop is thinking out loud on paper. Watton: the Bishop has a candidate in mind, but will consult with Fr Brown.
"It is no 'theological nicety' that we will need (structural ) laity involvement on a deeper scale than ever before...", Bishop is uneasy if pastoral responsibility is seen as exclusively pertaining to the Parish priest.
The book is a mish-mash of fact and error written to destroy the credibility of the Catholic Church. "... not only Christ's Church but it is also a wagon-load of sinners." ".. to be loved and cherished in spite of our failures, for it is the Body of Christ." The Bishop would not refer to such libels and calumnies in a Pastoral, nor in any pronouncement from the pulpit.
p.s. looking forward to September's visitation. "Marcinkus may have been a fool and incompetent but he is not a bad man. I know him personally and he has been savagely traduced."
Papers signed, passed to "Mac" for forwarding to Fr Brown.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Until the RAF decide no real decision can be made for Watton. Fr Brown is extended to his fullest and additional demands through provision at Watton are not envisaged. Perhaps mileage in a Permanent Deacon? Maybe provision in one of the other Christian churches in the area or must parishioners arrange transport to Wymondham?
p.s. "I much appreciate your gift to the PEF - out of your legacy."
Bishop considers the points raised by Fr Brown. Setting aside the Diocese's "penury", it is important to have a goal in mind - permanent church (small such as in Blakeney) or church centre? Bishop tends to the latter with a view to ecumenical sharing. although the Anglicans are currently building their own. What about the Methodist Church and its buildings?
Re Sr. Alies, provision for her will be largely at Wymondham's expense. but the idea is worth exploring.
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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop acknowledges exchange re Miss Scarfe. Bishop thinks Fr Farrell will dominate expenditure easy - a rationalisation of Catholic papers indicated. The substantial repayment dept is due to the collapse of the Church foundations. But must ensure proper feeding - without it the hardiest collapse. Ordero!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop gives permission for a Mass be said at Wymondham College on Saturday evening. Just check with College authorities.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks Mgr Farrelly for his kind letter. Bishop was in Washington en route from Peru when he heard of Fr Chapman's sudden and unexpected death. Rev Joe Farrell has been appointed to Wymondham temporarily; Fr John Reffitt is standing in as Chaplain t RAF Watton.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Letter to Mr Hogan saying he is unable to FEPOW Memorial Mass. He is welcoming the Cardinal and Archbishop Worlock in preparation for the Episcopal Jubilee of the Cathedral.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)A covering letter for the attached Contract of Employment. Bishop mentions he is inclined to tire more easily after "heavy" visitations. "Sorry about Brendon! Don't really know what to do." In a p.s. he says he did send an apology to Q[uidenham?] ... "would have like reassurance that my failure was oversight, not uncaring"
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Contract of Employment for Pastoral Assistant covering period from April 1986. signed by Sr Alies and Bishop Clark
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)