Responding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Fr baker had issued detailed directives about what women could wear. The Bishop thought that a general directive might be more adequate - he had no idea of the lead up which horrifies him. "In many ways this miserable affair has only just begun" but your bishops are trying to find a solution compatible with Catholic faith - likely to be firm action.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Massive incoming post causes delay. Can debate the central point of the letter: the inadequacy of the New Order Mass compared to the Tridentine Mass. Vatican II debated extensively and profoundly and from there was promulgated the "Constitution of the Sacred Piturgy" in 1963 from which came the April 1969 Apostolic letter of Pope Paul. Fr Baker has known of the1970 Hierarchy directive and has deliberately put his Bishop in an impossible position but is following Canon Law; he could have acted summarily.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Pastoral letter on the theme of sin and reconciliation.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Speech by Bishop Clark on the reality of faith within a Christian church both divided and united. Whatever the doctrinal differences or theological complexities, "... tonight is a night to remember our commitment to Christ...". "The dialogue between Christian churches is a pilgrim's dialogue."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Correspondence relating to Diocesan communication with the media, the Diocesan Information Officer and related matters.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Lent and Holy Week; we are a cause of suffering to each other
(suggestion to priest: preface reading out the letter with the Bishop's personal words provided)
Bishops rarely write about themselves in their Pastoral Letters - more about how we stand with God; believing in the Good News; Lent is a time for loving; prepare for the Pope's visit; savage reactions in the Catholic Press; what is there to fear?; "The pilgrimage is hard going at times but the company is wonderful"
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Passion Sunday and Holy Week; Holy Year to mark 1,950th anniversary of Christ's death; actions for self renewal; suffering all around you; open the door to someone in need
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop's heraldry on cover
More than just "fish-on-Fridays"; realism not kill-joy message; Diocesan Social Welfare Commission set up, chaired by Fr P Shryane; a new programme; more details to come
Bishop's heraldry on cover
Title is "I Love the Church"; 20 years since Second Vatican Council; Kipling verse - the what, why, when, how and who of the Church; seeking answers to those questions; training of ministers to enable both forms of communion
Bishop's heraldry on cover
"Called to Serve" consultation; 1987 Synod preparation; the priest is the cornerstone; he is mobile and ready to take on new responsibilites; 11 students in training for the priesthood - some more to come; invitiation to become priests; 10 years as a diocese
Christmas a month away; 6 months together - 1977 an important year - new dispositions and reallocation of responsibilites - more later; plan to manage the big project at St John's Cathedral in Norwich; priests for the future - 16 seminarians - Fr Chris White and Fr Anthony Shrane there to help find vocations; an enclosure mentioned [not present]
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Easter Letters; The Diocese - all posts filled using the priestly talents, not plugging holes; The NPC; Christian Unity; Newman Pilgrimage to Rome leaving Easter Sunday; "I feel strongly that Our Lors will make heavy demands on the so-called little Diocese of East Anglia".
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)chacteristic of a priest is to do Christ's will; 1979 more burdensome than 1978; gratitude for your ministry; Financial Stability: East Anglia holding is own - not least financially; Vocations: our approach, insights into the pattern and shapeof the future; Priestly Formation Commission; Diocesan Structure: Deanery becoming a real unit of operation; ideas for setting-up the Diocesan Pastoral Council; 1980: a real killer - National Pastoral Council, ARCIC final report due; reducing involvement with the "church-at-large", feels a confidence about the approachign 1980.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Greetings; Eastertide; Vocation: quotation from Pope John Paul (Lumen Gentium n.46); The National Pastoral Congress: a gallup Poll revealed catholic commuity remains rooted in love to the Church and its teachings; Christian Unity; Statue of St Joseph by Cecily Green in the entrance of the White House; Ave et Vale
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Daughters of Jesus in Thetford, Fr Tony Shryane, Julian of Norwich, "be holy, holy, and yet more holy", Quidenham, working togther although not as members of the British Council of Churches; nuclear deterrant, unemployment, South Africa and apartheid, National Pastoral Congress, the Next Ten Years.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Easter Joy; ARCIC - final report published, thanks to Margaret (Peggy) Broughton (Diocesan Secretary); The Papal Visitor - Statue at Wembley; The Moving Diocese - "no one is a pawn, eacg is a person, Even the Bishop is a person!"; Sick Brethren; New Brethren
signed "+Alan"
John Paul II & the Redemption - thoughts from John Paul's writings; Our Own Diocesan Year - Jesus and Mary Sisters, Notre Dame School; The Sisters' Day in January - Massingham, dates of consequence
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Into 1985; The Christmas Proclamation; Pastoral Programme - Council of Priests ministry; Identify Check - "our relationship to one another and to our people"; ARCIC 1 - Agreed statement on Ministry and Ordination; Overlappping Tasks - Youth, Social Welfare, Schools; The Mission 'Ad Extra' - needs of overseas missions; Greetings and Gratitude
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)