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The Great Triduum; Walsingham and Easter TV Mass, parish participation in Diocesan Pilgrimage; The Permanent Deacon - guidance of Mgr J Drury and Mgr Tony Philpot, 3 year training programme being established; The Place of Women in the Church - promotion of women in the life of the Diocese and parishes, woman priests a last straw for our anglican brothers; Anglican Reconciliation - not easy for either side; New Financial Responsibilities; We, the Priests - brutal attack on Fr Michael Clothier in Beccles, Paul Hypher ordination in 1994, Mgr Michael Cassidu as Emeritus Chancellor; The Diocesan 'Team' - next Bishop will be reassured by the 'service to the Diocese'; More? - Bill Mason to be ordained as our second former anglican priest

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.

Acknowledges that he had read the Downham Market article and advised others to read it. The holiness of Fr Baker is for God to judge but his ministry leaves a lot to be desired; have tried to contain this because of the hurt and scandal its disclosure would cause; this assumption of holiness hurts other priests in the area. "It is appalling that Downham Market has associated itself with the Abbe of Nantes."
Short discussion of Apostolicae Curae; leave off the offensive "final decision" from the front cover.
The proceedings of Oxford was kept completely confidential but the last sentence of the press release is a "humble and abiding confidence in what we are doing."

Detailing the immediate consequences of the Decree sent on 20 November:

1. not entitled to live in the Parish house - must be vacated without delay - contact the Bishop for support arrangements
2. not entitled to use the Church - will not evict Fr Baker but will not tolerate him remaining
3. not entitled to administer parochial funds - make arrangements to settle up
4. not entitled to officiate at marriages - any married by you will be in an invalid marriage
5. if celebrating mass in disobedience must make this clear to those attending and handle monies appropriately

"The Vatican has granted permission for another former Anglican clergyman, a married man, to be ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church." Mr. John Heley was CofE vicar at St Edmund's Hunstanton.
Permission had also been given for two other former Anglican ministers earlier in the year.

pg 1: Clerical appointments by Bishop Clark
pg 2: Appointment of Parish Priests; Appointment of Assistant Priests

Went to Downham for the Mass and stayed a week. Why do you persecute a priest because he refuses to be a heretic? 5 years ago deviant behaviours (pop masses, dancing masses...) would have resulted in excommunication on the spot. Who is right Fr Baker, or those in a free for all.
Copied to Cardinal Heenan, Apostolic Delegate, Bishop Grant

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.

Income 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.