Commentary on attached sketch/plan. Options A, B & C for placing of the new Hall. Alo a new road is being built for a development of 35 houses - consider possibility of buying some additional land from UDC. The larger Hall option is becoming a necessity.
Ketterer, John Joseph Rev SJ (-1973)Letter from Gambling - Wells getting cold feet - not use them after Christmas. Walsingham Trust will be in place to ensure the Appeal is pursued. Laurie Tanner's (General Secretary of the Catenians) devastating constructive criticism has been very helpful. Can't be with you because at Lowestoft to bless the new cemetery.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Meeting with Mr Henderson and Mr Gambling. Requesting confirmation that Michael Kelleher should prepare a draft Trust Deed for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and therefore supply the property deeds.
on reverse: manuscript draft for response to Kelleher.
Good news that the eye surgery date is fixed for the Bishop.
Item 3 in the Ad Clerum 7/75 - Travelling Mission (TM) - an example of why there was cynicism in the Deanery meeting, decisions are made without consultation. The small committee to discuss this matter was to have its first meeting on 18 November. The next paragraph discusses the value of the TM for small parishes in the time of a priest shortage.
The blunt statement in the Ad Clerum about the TM makes it more difficult to take future consultation seriously.
Second matter is about the doxology of the Eucharistic Prayers - how can one stop the congregation from spontaneously joining in, as they have been doing so for many years? More the spirit of the law than the letter of the law.
Off to USA for his annual holiday but hopes the Bishop won't take a rigid line on the second matter and put priests in a very embarrassing sitiuation with their congregations.
Covering letter for a petition which was also sent to Bishop Grant
CorrespondentFr Wace about the Red Chapel procession being during the week instead of a Sunday. If the Bishop can advise whether he'll be able to attend and then they can continue with plannig the event.
Will see Gerald [Moorcraft?] at the siver jubilee (in a lugubriious mood). Permission to lift excommunication on a woman - provides background detail - [annotation "yes"].Annotation "No!" against a suggestion about baptism.
Bishop hoping to find money to reduce Walsingham debt. Legacy of £9000 from the late Thomas Wood is proposed to be transferred to Walsingham. What options will Fr Connelly select to meet the wishes of the deceased having Masses offered for him?
Moorcraft, Gerald William Rev (1936-2011)Massive incoming post causes delay. Can debate the central point of the letter: the inadequacy of the New Order Mass compared to the Tridentine Mass. Vatican II debated extensively and profoundly and from there was promulgated the "Constitution of the Sacred Piturgy" in 1963 from which came the April 1969 Apostolic letter of Pope Paul. Fr Baker has known of the1970 Hierarchy directive and has deliberately put his Bishop in an impossible position but is following Canon Law; he could have acted summarily.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Fr D Morgan (Bishop's Secretary) provides a copy of the letter from Bishop Grant to Fr Baker, to be hand delivered by Fr Hammond. The Bishop had hoped that time would heal (the Code does not provide for a time limit to Fr Baker to reply). However, anxious by the activities of Fr Peter Morgan and the pastoral situation seemed to offer a way out without a rumpus.
Bishop's OfficeFr John Kennedy has suggested that his brother, the late Fr Michael Kennedy, would have liked to have given something to Walsingham. Bishop has accepted this and £100 cheque enclosed is to be used to furnish the new sanctuary. Please write to let him know what you will be doing with the money.
Moorcraft, Gerald William Rev (1936-2011)Inviting "Your Eminence" [Cardinal Hume] to King's Lynn to celebrate the leasing of the Red Chapel to Bishop of Northampton [Grant]. to be the first Cardinal to set foot inside the chapel. Some history about the chapel. Service not finalised; request suggestions for ecumenical dignatories to be invited.
Wace, Harry Montague Anthony Rev (1926-2002)Town Clerk writing to confirm lease. Adjustment to Committee of adminstration: add Alderman JAJ Claxton, Hon. Mrs Dawnay, the Borugh Surveyor and one other to be nominated by the Borough Committee.
Cleaning works may commence - keys from Mr Haigh in the Surveypr's department. Repairs for the chapel not in current budget, but minor works may be done if funds available from any underspend.
annotation: "Asked +Grant for Michael Ward as solicitor 5/5/68"
"..It is only just to you to hear from me the extent of the reasons why this change in the status of Downham Market has been judged imperative by both the Bishop and myself."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Tragedy that Fr Baker has decided to re-open the issue after a good compromise by Bishop Grant. Norwich Deanery priests felt strongly that it was churlish and mean-minded to turn the attack on to the Bishop's Secretary.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Work progressing on St Martha's but still waiting for the paperwork for the loan agreement. Bishop Grant on a visit said they needed to apply for it soon.
"I hope you have chosen us a nice bishop and he in turn will find a modus vivendi with the divorce." [setting up new Diocese of East Anglia?]
Loan agreement is now ready for signature. Send it to Hunting who keeps the seal and he will pass it to the Bishop.
manuscript annotation 1: "Do not [underlined] date the Agreements. / Do [underlined] initial alteration to +Charles Grant. / I have squared this with the Department." [Fr Brewer]
manuscript annotation 2: "Lynn. / All duly signed and witnessed H" [Fr Wace]
manuscript annotation 3: "+ Charles Grant"
Need to call off the loan £2,000 with an option for £1,000 held in reserve (perhaps for the new church site on the new estate). On 21 September Bishop Grant will open the school: mass & blessing in the morning followed by a civic reception in the afternoon. Is this grand enough to warrant Fr Brewer attending? It is "perhaps rather small beer". Invite Lincoln Ralphs [LEA Head of Education] too?
Wace, Harry Montague Anthony Rev (1926-2002)Abbot John Roberts: Dom Aelred Watkins, thirteen years as Headmaster of Downside, is to replace Dom Little at Beccles.
Downside AbbeyThe proposed Mass has no ecclesiastical authority - Fr Baker has not sought leave to offer Mass. Despite Fr Baker's defence of following his conscience he has overlooked the duty to educate his conscience - cites a few examples. Bishop says the Fr Baker is neglecting the guidance of Vatican II, the Pope, Bishop Grant and Bishop Clark. Even if you cannot accept these, consider deeply before leaving Downham Market to share your personal difficulties in other dioceses.
Lindsay, Hugh Rev (1927-2009)Closure announcement a surprise especially after saying there was no intention to close only a few months ago. Mr Parkin now has 136 on roll instead of his estimate of 123.
Manuscript p.s.: The OSM Provincial, Sr Amadeus, has discussed the closure with Bishop Grant