A couple have been providing instruction in the Cambridge area on Natural Family Planning. They request the bishop's permisson to continue. Address provided.
Fr Byron is the deanery representative at the Senate of Priests.
Rev Hawkes, a deacon with Fr Birch at Walsingham, does not receive Ad Clerum.
manuscript annotation: "Dealt with by 'phone - Bp's decision: (1) discrete enquiries as to .... competence, etc. (2) The Deanery decision."
Changes at the Marist English Province necessitated changes at Walsingham. Fr Tulloch to be replaced by Fr Michael Griffin. Peter Rollings, a student, to be attached to Walsingham Community whilst finishing his BEd course. Hope to assemble the Wells/Walsingham Marists in a community in Walsingham itself.
Graystone, Henry Rev SM (1928-2019)Wants to proceed with his incardination into the Diocese of East Anglia. There are some issues which include that the Marists are unlikely to accept responsibility for the appointment of a Deputy Director- suggests using the contract already forwarded by Fr Birch.
Hawkes, John Edward Bro SFO (-2005)Councils that Hawkes needs to be very cautious than he is about the path he is treading. Your Deputy Director appointment is not an Executive appointment but one that Fr Birch has made himself. The new Director and the Marist Congregation have to be consulted. Clarifications: 1. cannot endorse proceeding to priesthood; 2. You are a Permanent Deacon with a licence for this Diocese; 3. Only wear the Franciscan habit on very restricted occasions- it is causing confusion.
This may seem hard but it is for your benefit. Feel free to discuss with Canon McBride.
- Vicar General compliments slip: "E&OE bashed out quickly. Forgot to ask what about Stan Tucker. Mac"
[E&OE - Errors and Omissions Excepted - document may contain mistakes or may not include some details] - Notes for a no-nonsense meeting with Fr Birch. Many issues to address largely to do with Fr Birch doing his own thing despite directions from the bishop, the Vicar General and the Executive Committee. Several examples given of wayward behaviour - "my position becoming intolerable as a result". Decisions and actions taken which were not within Fr Birch's remit. Peter Wilson: "did you think we were fools... ?"
Pagella attached. Consent for the Sacrament of the Sick to be given to groups of pilgrims in need
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMConfirming Fr Birch's appointment as "Priest-in-Charge" (Vicarius Economus) of the parish of Walsingham and Wells
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Copy of contract enclosed [not present]. Monies come from Shrine income. Questions to be passed to Fr Wilson.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Points briefly, but not intended to be brusque.
- irresponsible to promote this distasteful campaign to induce a visit
- No decisions taken; matter surely on the agenda of the November Hierarchy Meeting; to involve Carding and Archbishop Worlock
- finances do not work out - the Irish still paying off a large debt [for the Papal visit to Knock]
- issues over meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury at Walsingham
- disparaging remarks about "taking out Lady to the Pope" do not deter Bishop Clark - she is more important than her shrine
- Fr Birch exaggerates. Canterbury visit (probably) of far greater significance
- Once the Hierarchy decided on priorities, Bishop will be clear and uncompromising - no blame nor chiding - his idea can be sold to the nation and a community which wants to glimpse the Pope
- "I am not letting you down..."
Surprised by the date of the National Pilgrimage - understood it always took place on the Sunday "between the two Madonnas". But if Cardinal Hume is coming then fine - but needs to be kept in the picture. Cannot accept Colin Gill's offer. Happy to commission Sister Elizabeth but if needed doing sooner then ask the Dean.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Apologises for not informing the Bishop of the date for the National Pilgrimage.
Cannot make the meal a "home fixture" as Revd Gill invited him. Suggest instead that the Bishop invites him, Revd Gill and Revd Colven to Poringland for a meal.
[Manuscript annotations about arrangements at a later date]
Purpose to establish Appeal Fund for Slipper Chapel Development. Cardinal agreed to be patron, ditto Duke of Norfolk. Appeal to be in Cardinal's name.
List of actions
Sr Cathaldus recently elected as Provincial of Marist Sisters; Fr Graystone recovering from an accident.
Slipper chapel development - Mr Wingate: estimated completion 15 August 1981; 340 seated and 300 standing; Fr Birch's designated Sacristy gifts not included in firm estimate and amount to £20,000.
Financial Report.
Constitution discussion deferred.
Slipper Development - architect report (Mr Michael Wingate)
Appeal Report by Michael Ward
Director's report
Constitution - agreed
Minute secretary - to be appointed
Inviting Canon Anthony Hulme to serve on the Shrine Council in the light of service given by him and his brother, Gerard.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Matters arising: National Feast Day of Our Lady of Walsingham – Bishop Gray (chairman of National Liturgical Commission) approached, matter not raised at Hierarchy meeting yet.
Directors report: Chapel of Our Lady of Reconciliation handed over by the builders on 11 November; Appeal £440,000 raised; Repair work to Slipper Chapel; Canon Francis Kieran's bequest; Security at Slipper Chapel; Dedication of Chapel of Reconciliation on 25 March; Season 1981; Railway Track; Sick Pilgrims Accommodation; Properties in Village Report; Liturgy on the new Chapel; Ecumenical relationships – Pope's visit.
Constitution: Amended to reflect requirement to have independent audit when soliciting funds from the public.
Bursar's Report – Staff reorganised
Post meeting – viewing of video made by employees of Anglia Television used by Walsingham Association and others.
Phillips, Murial MrsCouncil Members names, addresses and telephone numbers. Those with an "*" are Executive Committee Members
Appeal Committee members listed.
Discussions with the Cardinal (in Denmark, with Canon McBride) suggest that the Shrine will be the National Shrine. The Shrine Council should not forget the intense efforts over the last 15 years, in which Roland Connelly should receive much credit. Given that the Ordinary of East Anglia is considered “accountable” for Walsingham Shrine, then the Bishop has directives:
- the Vicar General (Canon McBride) to be chair of the Executive Committee
- the Cardinal insists that “we get it right”: the Mass will be the Mass of Our Lady, statue of Our Lady is to go to Wembley for the Pope’s visit; Fr Birch to produce the detailed programme
- A statue of our Lady of Walsingham should be in the Chapel of Reconciliation – tapestry idea is troubling
- Anglican Administrator invited to Wembley for Ecumenical representation
- Slipper Chapel development to be completed before property initiative
- Consecration on 25 March to be low key with Shrine Council members in attendance and any others who can attend; not specifically inviting the Hierarchy.
Having missed the last three meetings, Canon Burditt suggests he is out of touch and therefore requests that the Bishop release him from being a member of the Shrine Council.
Burditt, Noel Rev (-2000)Chairman's report:
- Chapel of Reconciliation – legacy is invested in Singapore and will eventually be re-invested to fund maintenance
- Shrine Administration – bankruptcy? (but for goodwill of bank); moratorium not effective (shop still placing orders); financial management required (hence a financial sub-committee; Stan Tucker as part-time Administration Officer); auditors consider an 18 month programme to manage debt and finances; Staff structure; Bro. Hawkes to be Deputy Director.
Director's report:
Agreed sale of property not a regular practice but would help in erosion of current debt.
Liturgical:- Permission given to retain Blessed sacrament in the Slipper Chapel – revisit decision in a year
- Sacrament of the Sick – approved by Cardinal and Bishop
- Masses timetable – working satisfactorily
- New Organs – commercial recording – referred to Administration Officer
- Sister Marina – her last meeting.
Sub-committee report: - old school; Youth Hostel; Sue Ryder; Newsletter article
- agreed, when time comes, feasibility study to be lead by Catholic Medical Practitioner
Railway Track – negotiation with Mr Gurney continue
Publicity: - Permanent Adornments
- Notices
- Brochure – 2,000 copies
- Advertisements
- Papal Mass
Executive Committee – given the number of issues, important to hold soon - next on 11th May
Walsingham Association – 47 branches/groups; another shrine council representative?
AOB: - Builder's liquidisation issues
- National Feast Day of Our Lady of Walsingham – formal petition for 22 May
- Papal flag – can be flown
- Stations of the Cross – Sheffield WA donated £400 for this purpose