Bishop Alan Clark with group that he confirmed during a visitation to Sawston in Summer 1977
O'Toole, Laurence RevRev Dowsey replies to Mrs Richardson and thanks the parish for their donation towards transport costs at St Bede's. Further information on the situation might be obtained from Mgr Hypher (Diocesan Commissioner for Schools in Cambridgeshire).
Dowsey, Gary Rev (1955-)Julie C Bell writing to raise the quesion, on behalf of the committee, of there being a Diocesan Old People's Home. Parish could not finance this project but decided to contact the Bishop to see if there are plans to do this.
Sawston Parish Advisory CommitteeBishop arriving the night before; an engagement possible for Sunday but Bishop is trying to sort it out.
Celebret included.
Fr Smith confirms the visitation programme. Expects the Bishop to arrive about 7pm, "..in time for a little something to eat?"
Smith, John Burley RevLast year the question of Special Ministers of Holy Communion arose - but not addressed. In August & September Fr O'Toole was incapacitated with torn ligaments and the need for these ministers became more relevant. Could Bishop come and commission them? Possibly before 1st April because of the special Mass to dedicate all those parishioners engaged in supporting roles in the Church. Would like Communion from the Chalice.
This event will be a stepping stone for Norwich on 16th May.
Manuscript note: "6th April Monday pm"
Fr O'Toole's programme for the visitation: 4 Sunday masses (Sawston / Great Shelford / Hauxton / Sawston) + Confirmation Mass + visiting the sick/housebound + evening meeting with parishioners. Fr O'Toole invites comments from the Bishop on his programme.
O'Toole, Laurence RevFr O'Toole informing the Bishop that the site at Shelford is agreed for sale at £20,000. However, Miss Margaret Magoris (only native of Shelford belonging to the parish) gave £1,000 for the church in Shelford. Whilst Fr O'Toole acknowledges that the sale fee will go to the parish, some parishioners believe that it will go to the Diocese and Miss Magoris money has "been pocketed by the Diocese!" He will correct this misinformation, but, suggests to the Bishop that perhaps they aught to reimburse Miss Magoris. The parish committee have discussed this.
Enclosed is a photograph of the Bishop with the children confirmed.
Fr O'Toole sending a copy of the report prepared by Sawston parishioners for the Joint Working Party responsible for "A Time for Building". This is very much the parishioners view and Fr O'Toole does not agree with it all especially the fourth report from the Harston / Haslingfield area.
O'Toole, Laurence RevFr O'Toole sending a reponse to the questionnaire on "Twenty Years after the Second Council". He has his own responses to Question 1 to 4 and has tried to isolate himself from the views expressed by parishioners. He attended the meeting and listened only.
O'Toole, Laurence RevFr O'Toole sends Bishop his thanks via a photo-card: "With thanks for making it a great week-end for a "little" parish which, please God, will become more "beautiful and good"!
O'Toole, Laurence RevFr O'Toole cannot accept invitation to Chrism Mass because of a prior commitment to take Communion to 16 Old people on Maundy Thursday. Not a trivial reason for not coming.
O'Toole, Laurence RevDetails for Visitation; recommission special Ministers; arranging for visiting housebound & elderly. Requesting leave of absence from 23rd May to 3rd June.
O'Toole, Laurence RevSt Bede's financial problem over bussing was discussed, response agreed but with serious misgivings (see chairman's letter separately). £2000 may be deducted from Sawston Parish Account.
(manuscript note on letter - "and St Philip Howard")
Fr O'Toole describes the items within the programme for the Bishop's visitation.: Meeting with Tony Philpot & the vicar from Bar Hill; 4 masses; Children's Liturgy in one Mass; commissioning of Eucharistic ministers; coffee in hall; Confirmation Mass; tea in Hall; 13 elderly folk to be visited.
O'Toole, Laurence RevFr O'Toole says that the newly appointed Headmistress, Mrs Pat Flett, would like to meet the Bishop (at 5.30pm)
Also, he has written to the lady from Hatley St George asking which parish she is in - it is in St Neots parish.
Fr Smith says the Bishop can arrive / leave as he pleases. Assures that the Bishop will be looked after "rather like the British Airlines advert."
Annotated in red with "To arrive at 3.30pm"
Mrs Richardson writes as Chairman: St Bede's problem over bussing finance was discussed, and it was agreed that £2000 may be deducted from Sawston Parish Account. They have concern over how this problem arose - therefore more details would have been appreciated to indicate where responsibilty lies. Assurance required that this is a one off payment and not on-going. Want a school govenor to attend their meeting to explain toi them and the parish.
Sawston Parish Advisory CommitteeRequest to Fr O'Toole to provide a programme for the visitation from the Bishop
Smith, John Burley Rev