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CorrespondentThanking the Bishop for his help. Rev Matthews visited his mother and made his apologies - but the damage is done and despite many years of service to the church she will not maintain her links with the Parish.
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.
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?
CorrespondentThere is an expectation that a priest will undertake his pastoral duties - visiting the sick, bringing Communion, providing spiritual support. Gives examples about self and friend. Whilst Sr Berhard provides some support; it is the duty of a priest to lead on 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.
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Correspondent"Chris Heath, who served for 24 years as a deacon in the diocese of East Anglia, passed away just before Holy Week." Story continues
Image caption: "Pictured left are Chris and Eilish Heath (left and centre) marking an event with a godson"
Fr Dobson not celebrating Mass at St Cecilia's (current attendance 75-100) requires arrangements for supply: Canon David Ryan (retired) will celebrate Sunday 9.30am Mass when he can; perhaps Marist fathers at Walsingham; or Fr Brian O'Reilly (Massingham) might assist. Failing that Deacon Matthews will offer a Eucharistic service with a ciborium filled with reserved Sacrament. .
Matthews, Len RevDespite the meeting with Dean at King's Lynn on 17 July, no further meetings have been held. It is the PP to call them. The Bishop's visitation on 24 September: a meeting was held in Hunstanton but no-one from Dersingham knew of it. This is not going well. Need to know the arrangements so can inform five youngsters preparing for confirmation what is planned.
Shryane, Philip Bernard Rev (1950-)Bishop Peter Smith reaching up to annoint a cross on the wall of St Nicholas Church, Lowestoft. Deacon behind him holding up a container of chrism.
Reverse: affixed is a statement declaring the dedication of the church with date. [Possibly cut from the order of service]
reverse: "Diocesan Children's Pilgrimage / Tuesday 26th May 1998 / led by Bishop Peter Smith / Walk along new Pilgrim Walkway / Photographer: Father Peter Murray"
Murray, Peter Rev SMRecord of the Diocesan Silver Jubilee Mass
2 plastic sleeves - strips of 35mm negatives (Bishop poses)
7 plastic sleeves - 56 photographs (8 per sleeve)
4 plastic sleeves - 6 images (Bp Smith posing for camera)
1 paper envelop - 18 images (Bp Smith posing)