Writing to Catholic Group in Dersingham. General position remains it being impossible to envisage a priest appointed to Dersingham. A retired priest is a retired priest. Very keen to help the Catholics at Gaywood who have a heavy debt for their new church. Regret that Miss Insley did not see the growth of Lynn as in need of her generosity.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)manuscript annotation: "26-I-88 Our letters crossed - but are, I think, substantially the same".
Off to Peru soon. Outlines the parameters in the design of a church with associated priest's bungalow. Dersingham is in the Hunstanton parish and therefore its monies will be subsumed into that account. Whilst Fr Flynn's personal expenses will be quite small, need to consult Fr Nesden about the expenses for running the church from parish funds.
Defective screen letter passed onto Fr Richard Wilson (Finance Office).
Whilst the departure of Andrew Kingcomb is a blow you are showing great courage in filling the gaps left by him. However, the appointment of Eucharistic Ministers is made by the Parish Priest (Fr Nesden) and approved by me - after a period of training. Fr Charles Howarth has his duties in Massingham and his residence there.
Fr Nesden is your parish priest; happy for Dersingham to be in the care of Fr Flynn. No problems in saying Mass. Don't go too fast about "Proposed new Church Building" - some prior discussion is necessary.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Property transfer to Diocese of east Anglia trustee soon. Fr Nesden has a convert Anglican clergyman looking after house, church and grounds (Andrew Kingcomb). Do not wish to install a priest at Dersingham so for now I need to halt your initiative. Fr Charles Howarth says Sunday mass at Dersingham.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Will need to speak to Fr Nesden and Fr Shryane. Currently reduced numbers of priests means unlikely to establish a priest in Dersingham. Also, need to think carefully about establishing a mass centre - tell more about the Catholics you have identified.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks Fr Mossey for his priestly work in the diocese over the years; apologises for any failure in support. Fr Mossey will be missed; the sisters remarked how in spite of frailty he does his utmost to provide their daily Mass. Ben Hammond's generosity means Henry will cover when Fr Mossey leaves for Northampton on June 9th. Bernard [Nesden] will be launched once more on the pastoral road - please pray for him there has been too much grief in his life.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Quite willing to take this applicant for the Permanent Diaconate. However, he is of a mind that all applicants should take a proper course of formation and training. The Southwark course is full and it is too late to add this candidate onto the course.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Cannot contact by phone. Time to accept a new church at Dersingham as part of Diocesan Trust; hence assuring responsibility for it and caring for the congregation. Structure: mission within Hunstanton parish with Fr Nesden as the parish priest over a priest-in-charge in Dersingham.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)When advising that you could claim the (Dersingham) money forgot to say taking into account the need for auditors spread over the Deaneries - hoping to meet your needs in the matrimonial field. "It was good to see you snug and comfortable at the Council Meeting."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Grateful for the warm welcome to Deacon Matthews. Will allocate a chunk of "Ransom Money" for the first year plus trust you to allocate Dersingham collections to them with a grant from Hunstanton to cover the anticipated £1000 per year costs for Dersingham. Set up an account in your and Len's name which he could manage in situ; he will account to both Diocese and you.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Presented situation following the publication of the Insley Will to Catholics in the Dersingham area - 40 attended out of an estimated 160. Small committee to be formed to further development and growth of facilities for Catholics in the area. Will also compile a register. Fr Nesden will be informed.
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CorrespondentOutlines a situation in which Dersingham has become isolated from the parish of Hunstanton through a lack of attention and engagement by the parish priest. The deacon does his best but since the death of Fr Howarth, Fr Dobson's approach is distant to the congregation at Dersingham. Requests that the Bishop makes some intervention to try an restore happier times.
CorrespondentDersingham Catholic Group (Chair, C Handley): canvassed the Dersingham Catholics and produced a list of saints names for the Church with number of votes for each - a total of 48 votes. This has been discussed with Frs Nesden and Flynn. Church drawings should be ready in Autumn.
CorrespondentSt Cecilia's Church Committee describe a number of factors which convince them that a resident priest is needed for Dersingham: the departure of Andrew Kingcomb leaves a large gap as he fulfilled many roles - organist, Eucharistic minister, religious instruction for children; Fr Nesden is not well and needs support for the Parish; accommodation is available and can only be occupied by a priest; they believe that Fr Charles Howarth (from the Convent of The Daughters of Jesus, Great Massingham) would be interested in parochial duties.
CorrespondentProgress so far: value of estate established at £330,000. Survey of area identified 158 Catholics - possibly 200 in total. Plan to refurbish the house - sufficient for an Oratory/Chapel in one large ground floor room. The can seek a priest to reside temporarily; he could say mass in a local hall. Hope then to be able to persuade the Bishop to build a church in the village. Fr Nesden is kept informed.
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