Stamped in ink: "St Joseph's Catholic Presbytery / The Croft / Sudbury / Suffolk"
Responding to a letter fro the Province of Westminster - "both wise and important", "nothing but the truth", "... wisely in issuing a solemn warning against the subtle and insidious spread of Rationalism...", "... Catholics should always pay a holy submission and obedience to the Roman See..." quotes from the Venerable Bede [Hom. lib. 16].
Printed Pastoral Letters from Bps of Northampton; other letters on process/procedures
RCDEA ArchivesCopies of Pastoral Letters from Bps of Northampton
RCDEA ArchivesPastoral Letter from Bishop Grant on Holy Communion and, whilst only the priest can consecrate the host, delivery by others to those unable to attend the Mass. Pope Paul has just removed the requirement for only a priest to deliver the host. Lay people commissioned by the Bishop can now do this.
Grant, Charles Alexander Rev LCL BA (1906-1989)2 part pastoral letter:
1st to be read on 19 April 1970 - pg1-3
2nd to be read on 26 April 1970 - pg4-6
Pastoral Letters from Bps of Northampton
RCDEA ArchivesFr D Morgan (Bishop's Secretary) provides a copy of the letter from Bishop Grant to Fr Baker, to be hand delivered by Fr Hammond. The Bishop had hoped that time would heal (the Code does not provide for a time limit to Fr Baker to reply). However, anxious by the activities of Fr Peter Morgan and the pastoral situation seemed to offer a way out without a rumpus.
Bishop's OfficeCovering letter for Decree; Fr Baker has the right to appeal to Rome.
Grant, Charles Alexander Rev LCL BA (1906-1989)Detailing the immediate consequences of the Decree sent on 20 November:
- not entitled to live in the Parish house - must be vacated without delay - contact the Bishop for support arrangements
- not entitled to use the Church - will not evict Fr Baker but will not tolerate him remaining
- not entitled to administer parochial funds - make arrangements to settle up
- not entitled to officiate at marriages - any married by you will be in an invalid marriage
- if celebrating mass in disobedience must make this clear to those attending and handle monies appropriately
Quoting from an article in the Daily Telegraph which the Bishop indicates could mislead a reader with some untruths about Fr Sketch. Writing because "this and similar one-sided reports cause distress..." "... you will instruct your staff to present both sides of the picture, and not accept uncritically the propaganda of an interested party in the controversy."
Grant, Charles Alexander Rev LCL BA (1906-1989)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"
1992; The Ageing Process - retirement; The Hugging Diocese; Ars December '92 - retreat organised by Tony Philpot; Tomorrow - what are we returning to; Women's Ordination - Church of England decision, enlargement of the ministry of women within its own specific and necessary role in the community; The New Situation consider the way ahead for the Anglican clergy who are ill at ease; Visitation - value of this programme; Death and Retirement - Frs. Hacon, Lynch, Houghton, Brophy, Howlin, Diamond, Bustin; Diocesan Development - developments in remote areas of the diocese, enormous expenditure in schools
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)