12 sets of dates from 17 March [1978] Westminster to 17 March [1979] Middlesborough each with contact names and telephone numbers

Ad Clerums; letters; notes

Ad Clerum; letters; notes

Writing to Mr S J Aldus. Just found out Pat Scrutton is in hospital - wondering where that leaves managing the pilgrimages. As this is a Foot & Mouth free area it should not cause any trouble. Abel to steward this year? The pilgrimage numbers can be quite large (1,100 from Northampton Diocese schools) so need to spread the net wider. Hence will be writing to parishes in the Deanaries to ask for volunteers.

Mrs Ten Broeck's letter asking Diocese to pay £125/yr to March for unexpired period of her undertaking has been found. New York Commission now "closed" so letter may not be used as evidence. Sends enclosures showing he did his best.

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.

Thanks Fr Mossey for his priestly work in the diocese over the years; apologises for any failure in support. Fr Mossey will be missed; the sisters remarked how in spite of frailty he does his utmost to provide their daily Mass. Ben Hammond's generosity means Henry will cover when Fr Mossey leaves for Northampton on June 9th. Bernard [Nesden] will be launched once more on the pastoral road - please pray for him there has been too much grief in his life.

Detailing the immediate consequences of the Decree sent on 20 November:

1. not entitled to live in the Parish house - must be vacated without delay - contact the Bishop for support arrangements
2. not entitled to use the Church - will not evict Fr Baker but will not tolerate him remaining
3. not entitled to administer parochial funds - make arrangements to settle up
4. not entitled to officiate at marriages - any married by you will be in an invalid marriage
5. if celebrating mass in disobedience must make this clear to those attending and handle monies appropriately

Covering letter for Decree; Fr Baker has the right to appeal to Rome.

Quoting from an article in the Daily Telegraph which the Bishop indicates could mislead a reader with some untruths about Fr Sketch. Writing because "this and similar one-sided reports cause distress..." "... you will instruct your staff to present both sides of the picture, and not accept uncritically the propaganda of an interested party in the controversy."

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.

Mr G Webb is making a window for Slipper Chapel, Walsingham. Stated that the chapel is excluded from the Ancient Monuments Act, however, notices have been served on the Bishop that churches have been scheduled under the Town & Country Planning Act 1947, Section 7.
The Bishop explains that work needs to be done to preserve the buildings and render them useful. Asks for an "interview" to discuss the proposals for work.