Grateful for the warm welcome to Deacon Matthews. Will allocate a chunk of "Ransom Money" for the first year plus trust you to allocate Dersingham collections to them with a grant from Hunstanton to cover the anticipated £1000 per year costs for Dersingham. Set up an account in your and Len's name which he could manage in situ; he will account to both Diocese and you.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The £1,000 was to cover immediate expenses in year one. Now that you have had a year behind you please reflect on the issue. Anxious that the "cost" of St Cecilia' may dominate exchanges.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Confusion over Foundation Mass arrangements partly due to handover between priests. Apologises for hurt due to a genuine misunderstanding - apologies have also been provide by the priest and the Deacon.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)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
Some very polarised views being received by the Bishop. Concerned that the sick and elderly should be visited. A meeting is to be convened between, Fr Dobson, Deacon Len Matthews, the Dean and the Vicar-General to discuss all the issues and to devise a workable solution for the pastoral care of all parishioners.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)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)Following telephone conversation, the Bishop will be seeing Deacon Matthews who will elaborate on the situation at Dersingham. Do not give up hope at St Cecilia's - might not be able to offer an instant solution, but at least more informed about the community's difficulties at Dersingham.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Thanks Deacon Matthews for his temporary arrangements. Ought not to alter Mass times - so if no supply, do lead a Eucharistic service. The matter is being addressed.
Matthews, Len RevThanks for informing the Bishop about the meeting and the points raised. He does not expect immediate change but dialogue, patience and forbearance will needed all round to accommodate different sensitivities involved.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Thanks for the 3 year appointment of Fr Dobson. Meeting being arranged between the Vicar General (Fr P Shryane), the Dean, Fr Dobson and Deacon Matthews. Hope to resolve the issues.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)[not recorded]
Correspondent[not recorded]
Correspondent[not recorded]
Correspondent[not recorded]
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.
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.
Correspondent