"..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)Parish
263 Archive Record results for Parish
A considerable reorganisation of parishes and pastoral responsibilities in the area of Dereham and Swaffham. Downham Market will become part of the Swaffham parish with Fr Peter Marsh as its first parish priest; it may be re-established as a parish in the future. Fr Baker must be living on a pittance now that RAF Marham has its own chaplain. Providing him with an overview of intentions which will not happen until arrangements have been made for Fr Baker.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Hopes drafts will be adequate for the final contracts. Diocese salary payments should cover all expenses. £5,000 for Director; £3,000 for others. Parish expenses remain a charge on the parish.
Will be writing shortly to discuss whether the society might take over Fakenham parish when it falls vacant, perhaps as a chapel of ease.
A brave decision. Being "go ahead" needs to be supported by written documentation, spoken agreements are fragile! Even Parish priests in situ can make misjudgements. Has some sorrow over Oxmoor history, a brave decision to set it up; but it became fouled up and you are probably right to close it down. Has passed the letter onto Mark Little.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Distressed to learn of Fr Arthur's withdraw from Burnham Market. Welcomes Fr Richmond back, Glad the Salvatorians are honouring the agreement for pastoral care of the parish.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The Provincial & Fr Crotty have been in touch - the Congregation cannot commit more than one priest to Peterborough - not wise to upset arrangements with Paddy in Bretton and Mike Griffin in Orton. Diocesan Treasurer has been tasked with finding a solution for Oxmoor.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Understands that Fr Grace has acquired a house in Huntingdon through the assistance of the Sick and Retired Clergy Fund. He says he needs to know "at least to ensure that the parish is 'covered' and filled as soon as possible".
Bishop's OfficeSorry to lose Fr Richmond; happy to go along with his and the Provincials plans. Thanks him for his valiant service to the people of Burnham Market and Sculthorpe. Looks forward to welcoming Fr Victor [sic] Arthur SDS
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Still at a loss how to avoid hurt or misunderstanding by normal visitors or residents of Walsingham. Another venue rather than the Parish Church and to hold two separate Communions - speak to the Director of the Shrine. Your suggestion is a genuine and sincere. Suggest that you hold the liturgy in the Parish Church in Friday Market.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Apologises for delay in responding. Tried to phone Fr Richmond to see if he had the actual map for the boundaries. Fr Hammond's letter gives the geographical data. Happy that the Salvatorians are working with us on this.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Sending two copies of the contract [not present] and expressing gratitude that the Salvatorian Fathers are assuming responsibility for the parish.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Just back from visiting the missions in Peru.
Very happy that Fr Arthur succeeds Fr Richmond at Burnham Market. Fr Richmond is an excellent priest and it is hard to realise he is no longer young. Fully support his move to Massingham.
Multi-topic letter: Struck through are: Ransom monies; Wilson (Geoffrey); Schools Commission meeting
Oxmoor section: Decision to be made on Oxmoor - to make it semi-autonomous; Liam Crowley ready financially to go at it but it would be "near-to-bone"; need a way through "the tortuous paths of parish priest brinkmanship". Intend, when time is right, to join Whittlesey and Ramsey, and, St Michael's and the Good Shepherd (but present incumbent not on wavelength).
Wednesday June 8 to meet informally with the St Henry's people. Important that the parishioners see him now they have a parish in their own right.
Reverse side: Meeting manuscript [probably Bishop's handwriting] notes but no date/subject/objective - Philpot / Drury / Rogers all mentioned - topics "prayer", "Preaching" "human relationships", "emotive issues"
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Bishop Clark supports Fr Shryane's intention to invite the Mercy Sisters at Doncaster to work in the parish. However, it is necessary to be clear of the terms of the contract which needs to be tailored to show how they will work within the parish - no general contract. Need to consider figure - suggests £2,000 rather than the £4,000 talked about in Westminster.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Acknowledges the impact of the departure of a capable priest like Fr Hypher. However, the arrangement to help the Benedictine partners was always going to be temporary. Cannot deprive other parishes of effective pastoral leadership. Fr Gates will minster generously to your needs.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Wording of guidance implies that money paid by the parishioner would go to the diocese and not benefit St Benet's. This is a reflection on the integrity of diocesan officials; your parish is the responsibility of Downside; your priest enters fully into the life of the diocese.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Compliments slip: Bishop Secretary: "Tony Sketch will arrange to deliver the enclosed - less the carbon - to all Downham Market parishioners when he distributes his invitations to the real Mass."
Page 1: letter to the congregation at Downham Market - explaining, now that the legal procedure is over, the sorrow he feels in acting against Fr Baker. Obedience to the Holy Father means accepting the changes away from the Tridentine Mass. Expects support for Fr Sketch. Notes of explanation included.
Page 2-3: Notes headed: "1. Your present position"; "2. The Missal of Pope Paul VI"; "3. The Bishop's dealings with Fr Baker"
"Mr Dear Joe, I am very glad to hear that you are able to go to Blakeney, but sorry to hear that you have got to the stage when you have to retire - what is the matter? However, I have great pleasure in giving the faculties you ask for confessions and preaching, subject to the restrictions in the Code. I hope to see you some time at Blakeney, but I am just off to Rome until mid-December. I hope that you will have better health; Blakeney is a delightful place, but has very few Catholics. I presume you will have a housekeeper as it would be very lonely without one. "
Parker, Thomas Leo Rev (1887-1975)Bishop Peter Smith is stood on the steps before the entrance to a small wooden house. Fr Drury stands nearby and watches.
Reverse of the image:
- "The Bishop blesses on of the new homes built through the donations from the Diocese of E. Anglia. House of Geoje and Elizabeth, recently married but until then homeless"
- a stamp in purple ink, (blurred) text in Spanish, presumably that of the photographer's organisation (Foto Estudio Juan)