He has refrained from issuing a pastoral letter until he had formed a "tolerable accurate idea of our Diocese". He has nearly completed an extensive round of visits to missions. So few churches, so few priests, so few Catholics. Encourages a greater devotions to mass, the sacraments and to the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. An apostolic blessing for the diocese has been received.
Amherst, Francis Kerril Rev (1819-1883)Letter
168 Archive Record results for Letter
The good Shepherd knows his sheep. The Bishop declares that from 2nd Sunday after Easter ("Bonus Pastor Sunday") he will start a Visitation which will remain open until he declares it closed. "The Bishop will therefore diligently visit the Church, the Presbytery, the Schools, the Cemetery and everything therein contained, and will examine the sacred vessels and furniture, the Altars, tabernacles, and whatever belongs to the worship of God or the administration of the sacraments." Visitation will be announced and confirmations should be arranged for then.
To the clergy: have ready two sheets of foolscap containing - a return for 1958 of Marriages, Baptisms, Conversions, Easter Communions, Deaths; list of details of mass obligations; List of all documents relating to the Mission; Statement of Mission . School property; Account of all debts and liabilities; Mission 1958 income/expenditure balance sheet; same for Schools; exact inventory of Church, Sacristy, House and Schools.
Suspension of remaining Visitations in the diocese for the winter month. Authorising omission of the Deus refugium from 9th instance until further notice.
Amherst, Francis Kerril Rev (1819-1883)Provides an indication of his complicated arrangements for visiting the area. Apologises for treating everyone shabbily: has to include Gillingham (Mrs Kenyon), Beccles (Fr Campbell), Bungay (Fr MacEvoy), Woodbridge and Wroxham (Traffords) in one visit with no motorcar available.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Suggest Wednesday July 2nd - arriving on the day as have another appointment in the area. Sorry to hear about Dr Helsham, his Jesuit brother gave a poor account of it. Cyril Banham is doing well - have to curb his enthusiasm to keep him within his health compass.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Thanking Fr Clothier for the day - full of the Spirit. Good learn of the congregation's view of your pastoral care and that Tom Murray has chaperoned you into East Anglian parochial life. Thanks him for the Sony Clock/radio with the generous offering. Hope you can bring the Abbot with you for lunch on 1st July. Do take care of yourself - having a proverbial day-off and cosseting/feeding yourself!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Confirming that proposed schedule acceptable. Will visit the sick, spending 10 minutes in each house, but prioritising those unable to get to church. Easy run back so will not accepting the offer of a bed for the night.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Wonderful welcome - delighted to see you settled in and happy. Parishioners like you. Shall try to become "un vescovo alla mano" [a bishop in hand]
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Just back from Lourdes via Walsingham. Accepts programme in toto. Bishop's father's birthday (92) on Monday so shall leave after Ramsey - send me off with a sandwich!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks for the warm welcome and good company. Apologies if not at best - had a mini-migraine. Offering is (see appropriate Ad Clerum) is for the "running of the diocese" and is set at half the Sunday collection. "It's not for my pocket. It's the only way to subsidise the diocese - I am not looking for loot, I assure you"
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Programme is:
- leave Poringland and arrive at 9.30pm - bed for the night please
- preach 8.45 mass at St Michael's
- opening words at 10am mass at The Good Shepherd
- confirmation mass at St Michael's
- lunch with neighbours
- sick visits
- cuppa and head for Poringland - to prepare for the November Hierarchy meeting on Monday
Thanks for the big cheque - this goes into the fund for "...running of the show..", it is not my personal emolument. Paragraph on the "centrality of the priest as THE Eucharistic Minister in collaboration with the bishop." Sorry for the people of Oxmoor but there was no alternative. "You will have found my fur hat" - arrangements for passing it on.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks Fr Hammond for the super welcome. Found the parish to be humming with devotion and fidelity. Encloses [not present] a letter received that morning.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thank you to Fr Mossey and Miss Cooper for the welcome and hospitality on Sunday. Obvious that he had to be at Buckden; but his own bug was developing fast and by the time he reached home he was not well and the doctor has confined him to the house for the next three days.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Will have to miss Benediction with the nuns - Bishop grant has an infection and asked Bishop Clark to cover a Sunday Confirmation at Buckden.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Likes the arrangements for the visitation.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Issues about the church: suitable for today's liturgy, etc,; whether a financial transaction is involved; enough money for necessary restoration. No diocesan funds at the moment - the bishop has his own roof problem!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks for the cheques - generous and helpful. Well thought out programme allowing him to move at a measured and peaceful pace!
Please explain carefully the siting of the Blessed Sacrament at Gaywood - Our Lady's can wait. I prattled on like a parrot at UEA on Monday evening!
Having returned from an episcopal funeral in Portsmouth, invited to another in Liverpool by Archbishop Worlock for +Anthony Hitchen. You now know why the visitation is cut short - proposes to leave for Liverpool after lunch and hence cannot attend the school on Monday but offer Wednesday instead.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Reschedule visitation from 19 September to 3 October? Bishop due in Westminster for Compline at 6pm on previous Saturday.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)