Shortage of priests / ageing priests does not obviate a compromise to bring priests back into the area. Miss Insley's house could be bought (£28,000) and used for Mass if not for a Rest/Holiday Home for priests who could also supply in the area. Desirable area close to Sandringham. Dersingham could grow into a young town in 10 to 30 years; vision is called for; an opportunity for a Mass centre. Hunstanton is 8 miles away and difficult for some to get to on a Sunday for Mass.
CorrespondentFr Hammond and correspondent visited neighbours to discuss problem. Trees are too high and not managed, they block the light to their residence and so the church is responsible to sort it out. Observed that to correct the issue requires radical pruning which will entail significant cost - neither the Church nor the neighbours have sufficient funds. This was seen as unhelpful and the meeting ended.
CorrespondentWriter is retiring and moving to Beccles. She provides information and background about a priest staying with her and being cared for by her. Wonders if the Bishop has a place for him in the Diocese - she would continue to look after him.
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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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