A Rev Peter B Flynn is actually retired and is aged 76. Bishop Browne has spoken to him and he is keen to take the opportunity. If his age is no barrier then happy to release him to serve in the community in Dersingham.
Browne, Denis George Rev (1937-)Bishop Smith standing in front of an altar with thirty men and women plus two other clerics
Unknown1st draft of a letter to Cardinal Simeoni (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Propagation of the Faith) regarding an approval to assign a priest to Beccles from the Benedictine Order which has a base at nearby by Bungay.
At the base of the second side, a manuscript amendment instruction [by the Bishop?]: "(1) you will omit the 'm' in both places will you?"
Final [? not fully dated] draft of a letter to Cardinal Simeoni (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Propagation of the Faith) regarding an approval to assign a priest to Beccles (4,000 inhabitants) from the Benedictine Order which has a base at nearby by Bungay.
Riddell, Arthur George Rev (1836-1907)Rejects Downside Provincial (Abbot H E Moore) suggestion that Beccles district and Diss district should come under one priest at Bungay. Rather the Bishop will keep to the current boundaries - Diss and west of railway line will be Beccles' area. Asks the Abbot to appoint a priest to serve Beccles and start a mission there - may reside at Bungay for now.
Riddell, Arthur George Rev (1836-1907)Deacon Matthews has permission to preside at a Eucharistic Service, which is not a Mass - no deacon can say Mass, indeed the Bishop has no authority in Canon Law to allow it.
Fr Dobson is a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers and is on loan to the Diocese.
Noted the points in your letter and will discuss them with the Dean, Fr Tony Shryane, and my Vicars General
Understands the difficulties and is trying to do something about it: to relieve pressure on Deacon Matthews and to provide a priest for Sundays. Despite what is possible a full-time priest will not be provided for Dersingham.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Thanked parishioner for the letter
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Letter acknowledged
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Acknowledging that the Salvatorians have withdrawn form the Parish but hopes to appoint a good priest in the near future.
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
UnknownRefers to earlier letter from Cpt Middleton. Problem arises when local priests administer to RC soldiers in their parish without Army support or inadequate recompense and a CF (Chaplain to the Forces) is appointed y the Army. Suddenly nothing is advanced to the priest even when his church is used for services. the CF often only administers to his battalion leaving the scattered other men to local parish priests. The "whole system needs overhauling." The Bishop offers to meet when he is next in London, Thursday or Friday.
Keating, William Frederick Rev (1859-1928)Memo regarding Burnham Market
Bishop's OfficeImpending change-over between Bishops means cannot meet request. However, the Vicar General or local Parish Priest may conduct the ceremony.
Bishop's Office£20 for Leiston boys will come from Lenten Alms. Problems arranging for priests to cover certain areas e.g. Diss, Eye, Framlingham where there are tiny congregations. Bishop does not have enough priests to meet the needs such as a Travelling Mission, but hopes this will improve in time. The Franciscans have taken over East Bergholt and will be well used. Do not know of any house-keeper - not the only one to ask - domestic situation is getting bad.
Bishop's OfficeBishop's secretary writes on behalf of the Bishop: Fr Stratton is Extraordinary Confessor for Bletchley's Thornton College nuns; the Mother Superior has asked for a different priest as Fr Stratton has been unable to attend. Is he willing to relinquish this office? Fr Kennedy is helping out at Yarmouth and following a request from the nuns at Beccles for him to give conferences and hear their confessions, the Bishop is confused over what faculties to give, if any. The Bishop believed Fr Kennedy SJ to be an Army Chaplain but asks whether he is correct in his understanding and asks for more information. Also, confirms date of Bishop's visit to Yarmouth for Confirmation - 30 May at 3.30pm.
Bishop's OfficeBp Parker and Bp Ruddenham with a group of priests gathered outside the West door of St John the Baptist Church, Norwich (see image of index - provided with the group picture)
Eastern Daily PressRev Francis Murphy
Rev (now canon) Patrick John Grogan
The late Very Rev Canon Richard Duckett DD - annotation " 'The' Canon"
The late Rev George Wrigglesworth
Rev Philip Murphy
Text on reverse: "Canon Fitzgerald"
UnknownReverse of photograph: "Canon McBride & ? / St Faith's Crematorium"
Unknown