Bishop's heraldry on cover
Anglicans received into Catholic Church i East Anglia; approval of Holy See for some to become Catholic priests; married men and celibacy; not same situation as Catholic priests who left to be married - not accepted to become married after being ordained; be generous; pray for vocations
Documentation
First time writing as your Bishop; patience whilst waiting for a new Bishop; priorities (teaching, working with religious leaders); proclaim the Good News
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)solemn sending forth of delegates to the National Pastoral Congress; our motto "Christi ministerio addictus"
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)"The East Anglia Diocesan Youth Service started the year with a bang with a special candlelight Mass for young people, followed by hot dogs, a bonfire and fireworks." Story continues
image 1: Three flautists playing
image 2: candles being lit
Pope Benedict and "Year for Priests"; diocesan theme is "Sacrificial Love"; fewer priests for the future; 53 parishes, 4 without full-time priests, 17 will retire in the next 10 years; 6 seminarians; average age is 59; plans for sharing & using priests; expectations by parishioners of their priests are high; collection for East Anglia Sick and Retired Priests Fund; Report written for 5 yearly Ad Lima visit in Rome - difficulties, but overall positive
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)a day getting off to a poor start; the journey towards Christmas; Tertio Millenio Adveniente references; wake up now
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Spring coming - a rebirth; the Paschal Mystery; John Paul's Lenten message; visit to John Drury in Duran, Ecuador; commend this appeal
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Our life is God's gift; Diocesan theme is "I offer my life to God"; baptism; God given dignity and responsibility; offer ourselves to God;
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)Our Cathedral celebrates 100 years; 2 to be ordained - the first nine years; 6 seminarians; need vocations from within the diocese; Jesus the Good Shepherd
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)He is with us; joys and sorrows; Bishops thoughts on the evils of today issued
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)opinion from the supermarket on the Millenium; passage of time; the Incarnation 2000 years ago; " ...feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and those in prison."
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Pope Benedict visit; diocesan mission "Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all Creation"; Pope Paul VI and evangelisation; you are all apostles; expore ways to share your faith with others
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)reflecting on our own family; new start with the new Millenium; work for justice and peace in the world
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)prayer and penance; a time for return; 16 May - Day of the Diocese; 5 years as a Diocese; come to the Cathedral; renewal of Christian vocation
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Easter greeting; Lent is the triumph of the Cross; Fr John Drury leaving for 5 years in South America
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)My dear friends,
Over the last five and more years, since my diagnosis with advanced prostrate cancer, I have managed to cope with my developing illness, its ongoing treatment, the general decline in my health, and generally - I think - continued my ministry as best I can.
We have moved forward and outward together as a diocese, although not all of you may be have been happy with the directions we have taken. I am sorry for any ways I have failed in my ministry during those years. There remain a number of difficulties on my desk which will need to be handled by others.
In the last few weeks, the cancer has rather quickly taken control. My oncology and palliative care consultants informed me openly and honestly just before Christmas that I now probably have only weeks to live, and I am as prepared for that as I can be, accepting it with faith as a gift of God's grace.
I have received wonderful care from Dr Adrian Harnett and everyone at the Colney Centre at the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, and the local surgery, and I would like to thank them for their dedication which continues. My thanks also to so many people in our team at the White House and across our diocese.
Rather than resign, I would like to continue among you as your bishop and the father of our diocesan family until this stage of my life ends. I do not know how long that will be. I am most grateful for the ways you have cared for and so prayerfully supported me in recent years. You remain very much in my thoughts and care. As I am sure you understand, I am able to do very little, and will need to rely on others. Please can I ask you to limit any expressions of care to prayer for now, rather than anything else to which I cannot respond.
As I live now under the shadow of death, my prayer is very much that of St Paul that I may know something of the power of Christ's resurrection and a share in his sufferings, trusting that the Lord is with me. I pray that even now I can joyfully witness something of the good news we are all called to proclaim.
With my warmest good wishes, my prayers and my love as always
Yours in Christ,
- Michael
Rt Rev Michael Evans Bishop of East Anglia
Evans, Michael Charles Rev MTh (1951-2011)garden with Spring blooms; "We have so much to thank God for."; news of disatsers ion Mozambique / East Timor / Balkans / Holy Land; appeal for £40,000 raised £180,000 in 12 months, provided medical centre, school and dining room for Duran in Ecuador; visited there; thanks for generosity
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)many glad to see back of this year; new year in Christ; historic discussion of possibility of a diocese of East Anglia; renewing the vision and mission of East Anglia; Second Vatican Council implementation;
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)introduction by Bp Clark; Pastoral Letter: Holy Father comes in 6 months; plands bein gconsidered in Rome; Security costs money; no figures but bills to be paid; collection on 3rd January; Wembley Mass May 29th and Youth Event in Cardiff on 2nd June.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)