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Mr Dungate is a non-Catholic. Testimonial (unsolicited) praising the work of Rev James Smith: enables people to see God in a new light, you are not alone, someone cares about you. Confession gives people renewed hope. Lord's work continues without being overseen. Hopes Fr Smith will be in the parish for a long time.

Sisters settled in quickly & easily. Presbytery being put to good use. Never thought they'd be using the word "Convent" but here they are. 4th sister due in December - then arrange a welcome do. At £23,000 the new presbytery is under budget. "All systems go" at March

Agreement covering the FMM sisters stay in March. Review/renew every 3 years. Presbytery to be renamed Assisi Convent; covers sisters working week, annual leave and remuneration (in the light of rent-free stay at the Convent.

Sisters want to leave old presbytery and take the furniture. Fr Berrell mentions a "scurrilous letter" from the present superior and not being informed or involved in decisions being take about the presence of the sisters. Sister churn is high. Since Sr Elizabeth went he considers that the sisters are not pulling their weight and it is all upsetting even best of parishioners. Tried to talk to the Sr Provincial but got nowhere. Not looking forward to telling the parish committee of the need to get another priest's conference table at an expected cost of £3000

Fr 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.

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.

Fr 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.

Fr 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'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.

Request to Fr O'Toole to provide a programme for the visitation from the Bishop

Fr 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"!

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"

Fr Smith confirms the visitation programme. Expects the Bishop to arrive about 7pm, "..in time for a little something to eat?"

Last 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"

Details for Visitation; recommission special Ministers; arranging for visiting housebound & elderly. Requesting leave of absence from 23rd May to 3rd June.

Bishop arriving the night before; an engagement possible for Sunday but Bishop is trying to sort it out.
Celebret included.

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.

Fr 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.

Sends completed forms & cheque for £10. Peter Wynekus of Leighton Buzzard saw Fr Nesden to talk about moving to East Anglia. At 50 he thinks that a move by "Charles" (Bishop?) might leave Peter unable to get to East Anglia. Fr Nesden grateful for the pastoral letter since he did not have to prepare a sermon and the congregation received it well.

Fr Drury has been accepted for missionary work in South America. He asks the Bishop to give him the Mission Cross at mass in St Ives. Also, perhaps, to admit John Gardner to Permanent Diaconate. Asking for a date of release to enable a language course to be booked in Bolivia. Thanks the Bishop for this great act of faith in him.