Bishop Smith standing in front of an altar with thirty men and women plus two other clerics
UnknownThanked parishioner for the letter
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Bishop Smith standing in front of an altar with eight men and women plus two other clerics
UnknownSt John the Baptist Cathedral interior; Bishop Peter Smith Consecration; view into South aisle
UnknownBishop Smith[?] at the point of consecration in a mass concelebrated with at least eight other priests. An outdoor altar - the Altar of St Bernadette, Lourdes
reverse: "24 Aug 1999"
Outlines 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.
CorrespondentDifferences of opinion between Fr Dobson and Deacon Matthews are escalating. Fr Dobson no longer providing masses at Dersingham - Canon Ryan is providing cover - this happened without the congregation being informed of changes on the way. Seems as though St Cecilia is to be cut adrift and there are great difficulties between the two men. The letter is an attempt to provide insight and balanced input into feedback the Bishop may have received following a meeting held by Deacon Matthew without the presence of Fr Dobson. The situation is not what Alice Insley wanted for Dersingham.
CorrespondentDescribes the situation at Dersingham; outlining that a long-time missionary priest is out of his depth in an east Anglian parish; need for support, guidance and presence of other priests. Will the Bishop consider this?
CorrespondentDeacon Matthews is doing his best; Fr Ryan is an old man and cannot supply at all 9.30 Masses. Deacon Matthews is under great strain - he collapsed while at the Convent in Massingham; we are worried for his health. Why are married convert priests ordained into the Catholic priesthood but married convert deacons are not?
CorrespondentSpeaking on behalf of fellow parishioners. Summarises aspects of recent and current history of the Catholic community and its presence and impact in Dersingham. The difficulties require help/assistance from outside.
CorrespondentFr Paul's Ordination at St Mary's Church, Ipswich. Bishop Smith, on his right, Revd Alan Hopes (who will become Bishop of East Anglia)
UnknownSummary of events from his appointment to Hunstanton in February 1995 until [around] 7 May 1997. Describing a series of communications / miscommunications leading to a statement by the Bishop about Fr Dobson's actions
Dobson, William Rev CSSpUpdate on Fr Josaphat. Having spoken to Fr Shannon in Yarmouth, he took him on for a trial period of two years. He is very pleased with his presence in the parish, he is eager to work, very jolly and kind to the parishioners. It is good for Nigerians to have one of their own priests, As the trial is coming to an end he is disposed to allowing him to see out his remaining two years of his visa in this parish.
Langridge, Stephen RevBishop Smith with crozier and Fr Tester
reverse: "Ordination of Rev Francis Tester to the Priesthood by Bishop / Peter Smith / Thursday 20th May 1999 / Chapel of Reconciliation / Fr Peter Murray SM"
Personal views about, and support for, the parish priest
ParishionerComments regarding Fr Gordon Twist
ParishionerComments regarding Fr Gordon Twist
ParishionerWriting in support of the parish priest
ParishionerChatty letter about the misery of wet weather at this time of the year. Thought the pastoral letter too long. Recalls being a child in the second World War (fear at nights, doodlebugs, land mines, incendiary bombs). Describes the help of Canon William Sayers when "Star of the Sea" had its problems. Not yet been able to meet the Celanese priest who is writing a book at Burnham Market.
Dasan, Vima Rev SJ