Concerned about the saga concerning Downham Market. Great respect for Fr Sketch in the short time he has been with the parish he has cone a great deal. There are many who feel that Fr Sketch is well able to tackle the problem.
CorrespondentIncome in the parish has increased - so, not living on a "pittance". Willing to accept position as a curate so that the parish priest from Swaffham does not have to travel to Downham. His weekly visit to the convent in Swaffham means he could easily report to the PP. Changes would be detrimental to this parish. Suggest that any priest free to officiate do so at Oxburgh instead. Not impelled to move; willing to stay.
Baker, Oswald Charles Rev (1915-2004)ink manuscript insertion "Dear Gary [Dowsey]"
Holy Week 1981; The Day of the Diocese - 16 May 1981, 5th anniversary; The ministry of the Parish - named various groups in the parishes and diocese; The Role of the Bishop - "my charge to strengthen and develop that network", development of the "Christ-community-priest" relationship in each locality
signed "+Alan" with annotation "the not-the Diocesan-Council!" [a reference to Cambridge]
A considerable reorganisation of parishes and pastoral responsibilities in the area of Dereham and Swaffham. Downham Market will become part of the Swaffham parish with Fr Peter Marsh as its first parish priest; it may be re-established as a parish in the future. Fr Baker must be living on a pittance now that RAF Marham has its own chaplain. Providing him with an overview of intentions which will not happen until arrangements have been made for Fr Baker.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Christmas Greetings 1983; 1983; 1984; Combined Parishes / Lay Ministry - shortage of priests; Growth - Walsingham, Bernard Warwick, Slippper Chapel, grave of Charlotte Boyd; Sickness and Death; Sadness; Greetings; Mission Awareness
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)"..It is only just to you to hear from me the extent of the reasons why this change in the status of Downham Market has been judged imperative by both the Bishop and myself."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Compliments slip: Bishop Secretary: "Tony Sketch will arrange to deliver the enclosed - less the carbon - to all Downham Market parishioners when he distributes his invitations to the real Mass."
Page 1: letter to the congregation at Downham Market - explaining, now that the legal procedure is over, the sorrow he feels in acting against Fr Baker. Obedience to the Holy Father means accepting the changes away from the Tridentine Mass. Expects support for Fr Sketch. Notes of explanation included.
Page 2-3: Notes headed: "1. Your present position"; "2. The Missal of Pope Paul VI"; "3. The Bishop's dealings with Fr Baker"
Bishop's heraldry on cover
Diocesan Youth Agenda - Youth Leadership course in Newmarket; strong feelings in young people about the church; cannot go back 25 years; circustances are so differernt today; appointment of a Youth Officer; whole of life is an ever-changing faith journey; major and imaginative change is needed; parishes to work with their commuities; responsibility for the young and their faith; joint workign between parishes and schools; make demands of the church - but not self-centred ones