Eastern Link
December 2021
If you or your Circle is doing anything that might be of interest to other Circles, social activities, new ideas, keynote speakers coming up, helpful tips, or just of general interest, please share that information and photos (if possible) through Eastern Link by emailing p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
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Contents:
Bro Phil Davies, Ku-ring-gai Circle, awarded Honorary Life Membership of Catenian Association A highlight of the Ku-ring-gai Circle's annual Christmas celebration and Ladies Night was the awarding of Honorary Life Membership of the Catenian Association to Brother Phil Davies for exceptional service over many years to the growth and welfare of the Association in Australia. |
History is made at the Truthful Jones night in Cairns Not only was this the first Truthful Jones competition held on Zoom but there were two winners! Province 21's Truthful Jones Cup was hosted by Cairns Circle brothers and was held on Thursday 18th November. They were joined on Zoom by 22 visitors including the 5 contestants. |
Catenian helps drive Broken Bay priests Fr Biju Jose, OSH needed some help adjusting to our Australian road rules and driving conditions. He has already told me that driving here is a piece of cake compared to India where there are rules, but you'd never guess because it sounds like it's everyone for themselves - oh, and they also have to deal with the sacred cows that wander everywhere. |
Zooming, all over the world An article submitted by Br. Marius Twomey who along with his Fabulous Five of vistors have been visiting P21 circles via Zoom during Covid lockdowns. Marius has been very involved in Manly circles' Zoom trivia nights, including acting as quizmaster. |
| Province 21 Golf Day on Friday 11 March 2022 at Gordon Golf Club - 7.30 tee off The annual Province 21 golfing competition will be held at the Gordon club as we did last year. Details together with Entry Forms will be emailed in late January. We'll have the prize giving at the Gordon Club restaurant over a bar lunch. |
Catenians prepare for the Aussie Mary MacKillop Camino Walk In preparation for the Aussie Mary MacKillop Camino Walk, Catenians Graham Short and Jim Phelan of Harbourside North Circle and former Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Catenian Luke Keighery completed a training session, along with guide John Tweedie, on Tues 14 Dec from Chatswood Station to Beecroft Station via the Great North Walk along the Lane Cove River. |
A Prayer for Advent from City of Sydney's Peter Tilbrook  Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ, experience the joy of salvation and celebrate the feast of His birth with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Roast Salmon with Hasselback Potatoes and Beurre Blanc recipe Try something new and impress your guests this Christmas with an alternative roast dinner starring delicate, zesty salmon. Pair with crispy hasselback potatoes and caramelised fennel, and serve with homemade beurre blanc. |
Around the circles News from around the P21 and Area Victoria circles gathered from circle newsletters |
Prayers for ... Prayers have been requested for ... |
Let's have a laugh Humour gathered from circle newsletters |
Bro Phil Davies, Ku-ring-gai Circle, awarded Honorary Life Membership of Catenian Association
From left to right: Br Stefan Wawrzyniak, President, Ku-ring-gai Circle; Br John Secker, ANC Secretary; Br Phil Davies, Honorary Life Member; Br Graham Short, ANC Vice President; Br Martin Stebbings, Provincial Councillor, Ku-ring-gai Circle; Br Geoff Young, President, Province 21A highlight of the Ku-ring-gai Circle's annual Christmas celebration and Ladies Night was the awarding of Honorary Life Membership of the Catenian Association to Brother Phil Davies for exceptional service over many years to the growth and welfare of the Association in Australia.
As such, Bro Phil becomes only the second Australian to receive this honour, following Bro Brendan O'Connell previously.
Bro Phil suspected something was afoot when he spotted Bro Graham Short, ANC Vice President, Bro John Secker, ANC Secretary and Bro Geoff Young, Province 21 President amongst those gathered for pre-dinner drinks at the Turramurra Club on Monday evening, December 13th. His suspicions were further raised when he saw his family members, son Richard, daughter-in-law, Sandy and granddaughter, Sairsha arrive a few minutes later.
In announcing and presenting the award, Bro Graham Short said that there were two ways candidates for Life Membership could be nominated – top down from the office holders of the Association; or bottom up from the Circle.
In Phil's case, he was nominated by the Ku-ring-gai Circle, but also had the enthusiastic and unanimous support of both the Province and the ANC.
Bro John Secker then spoke of some of the other living Life Members of the Association worldwide, of whom there are only ten, to emphasise the calibre and contributions of the company that Phil was now being included amongst, before mentioning some of Phil's contributions to the Catenian Association over his 48 years of membership.
Bro Phil joined the Catenian Association on October 24, 1973 in Great Britain as a member of the Walsall Circle 106. On migrating to Sydney, Australia in 1976, Phil transferred to the City of Sydney Circle (then the only Sydney Circle) on October 6, 1976. Phil then became one of the founder members of the second Sydney Circle, Ku-ring-gai 284, when it was inaugurated on November 21, 1978.
Br Phil Davies with granddaughter Sairsha (hard to tell who is the more proud!)Phil has been at the heart of that Circle's success from then until now, where he continues to serve on Council, mentoring incoming Council Officers on their roles and responsibilities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Circle's planning and events. Three times Phil has served as Circle President, 1983-4, 1995-6 and 2014-15. For many years and until very recently, he also acted as Catering Officer and Editor of the monthly newsletters.
Bro Phil was also heavily involved in the 1980's, 1990's and early 2000's in the establishment of additional Circles in the Sydney area, particularly, Carlingford, Pittwater, Warringah and Parramatta Circles. He was a joint member of Carlingford Circle 304 from its inauguration on November 24, 1984 until March 31, 1987; a joint member of Pittwater Circle 312 from its inauguration on March 1, 1988 until March 31, 1990; a joint member of Warringah Circle from its inauguration on November 8, 1996 until March 24, 1999; and a joint member of Parramatta Circle from its inauguration on March 10, 2000 until May 25, 2006.
Bro Phil has also served extensively on Provincial Council, Province 21 for many years and was Province Director on Grand Council, the second Brother to hold that office from 1996-1998. Phil was sworn in as Provincial Secretary on May 3, 1989, an office he held for three years. He then became Vice President, Province 21 in 1992. Since his term on Grand Council, Phil has twice served as Provincial President for Province 21, in 2003 and 2008 and maintained an active role on the Provincial Council until 2013. He also served as coordinator for the Grand President's visit to Australia in 1999.
In accepting his award, Phil said that "he had been whelmed many times in his life, but tonight he was truly overwhelmed". He went on to acknowledge that: "yes, he had given a lot of his time and energy to the Catenians over many years, but it had only served to demonstrate to him the truth in the adage that the more you put into something, the more you got out of it. He hoped that served as an example to others to offer their services as well".
He sincerely thanked the Brothers of the Circle, the Provincial Council and the Australian National Council.
History is made at the Truthful Jones night in Cairns
A contribution by Graham Short, Director and P21 Membership Officer
Not only was this the first Truthful Jones competition held on Zoom but there were two winners!
Province 21's Truthful Jones Cup was hosted by Cairns Circle brothers and was held on Thursday 18th November. They were joined on Zoom by 22 visitors including the 5 contestants.
Mark Freeman, Cairns Circle, spoke of a dark and stormy night on board a sailing ship,
Ian Goldthorpe, Parramatta Circle, concocted a threatened divorce from his wife of 54 years to motivate his son and daughter to visit.
Robin Wells, Canberra Circle, marriage was a suspected shot gun wedding after a very short courtship, proven wrong by baby arriving 18 months later.
Martin Ryan, Harbourside North Circle, single handedly changed a rule of Rugby League following uproar over awarding a correct but controversial penalty on the full time whistle.
Luke Samson, KuRinGai Circle, replete in coat and tie and by far the youngest contestant, regaled audience with tail of short attention span, poor memory and nervous disposition, in not recognising the actor Bryan Brown.
John Tweedie did an admirable job of hosting the Zoom meeting.
Judges Geoff Young, Peter Tilbrook and Paul Pearson commended all speakers on their talks and were unanimous in awarding a tie for first to Martin Ryan and Luke Samson.
Congratulations Martin and Luke.
Catenian helps drive Broken Bay priests
Manly Catenian Gary O'Sullivan shares his latest experience helping overseas priests adjust to driving in Australia
Fr Biju Jose, OSH needed some help adjusting to our Australian road rules and driving conditions. He has already told me that driving here is a piece of cake compared to India where there are rules, but you'd never guess because it sounds like it's everyone for themselves - oh, and they also have to deal with the sacred cows that wander everywhere.
It is the third time that I have been called upon to support an overseas priest with driving. The first was Fr Vincent Musindalo from Kenya and the second wasn Fr Hien Vu, a priest in training from Vietnam.
Here's a bit of background on his order from Fr Biju:
The Society of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH) was founded by Bishop Alexander Choolaparambil on 21 November 1921 in Kerala, India with a charism of spreading the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We, the Oblates faithfully continue our founder's intention throughout the world. Our Society is blessed to have 94 active priests and more than 100 seminarians in formation.
Our Society has been serving in the Broken Bay Diocese for more than 18 years, six of our priests are currently based in Broken Bay. We are grateful to the Broken Bay diocese and especially to the communities of Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish for your acceptance,
generosity and love towards our congregation.
Centenary Projects
In this Centenary year, we are focusing on various ministries:
- We started 2 schools in the Northern mission of India where we aim at giving the children a free, quality education and we try to improve the lives of their families.
- During COVID Pandemic we reached out to thousands of people in their physical and spiritual needs and still we continue.
- During this Centenary Year—OSH has been focusing on a special HOUSING PROJECT for 10 poor families at a cost of $20,000 per house.
- Seminarian Sponsor Scheme. We have more than 100 seminarians who are undergoing formation to become priests and spend more than $1000 per year for each seminarian.
Zooming, all over the world
An article submitted by Br. Marius Twomey who along with his 'Fabulous Six' visitors have been visiting P21 circles via Zoom during Covid lockdowns. Marius has been very involved in Manly circles Zoom trivia nights, including acting as quizmaster.
10 Brothers from the UK Zoomed in to Manly's October meeting, including: Peter Cash (Poole and Cairns Circles), John Connor (Penybont Circle), Marius Twomey (Ealing Circle and Founder member Bandra Brothers (Mumbai)), Arthur Baragry (Newbury Circle), Andrew Lake (East Grinstead Circle), Anthony Phillips (Ealing Circle), Jim Livesey (Burnley Circle), John A Holland (Chorley Circle), Paul Clancy (Droitwich Circle), and Michael Connolly (Didsbury Circle – Manchester).
Mariusz and his cohorts wish all P21 Catenians a happy and holy Christmas and New Year.
Since the world went into lock down in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 virus a unique opportunity arose in the life of Catenians. We were now able to make an out visit to a Circle anywhere in the Association, from our own homes. No travelling, can imbibe, no dining and not be late home. Great. Also gave wives peace and quiet for an hour. Circles / Groups quickly took to the Zoom conference platform, and others, to enable meetings to continue to be held and invited members from other Circles to join them.
A page was set up by Association Secretary David Lloyd so that a 'contact member' would be made available to all. Sadly not many Circles uploaded their details. So many visits were by word of mouth. The 'contact person' would be the 'controller' ensuring security of the meeting, leaving the President to concentrate on his role. Whilst many took the professional route of having unlimited time, many used the free' version. Each Circle / Group have managed the meetings in their own unique way.
It has been great to see many Circles take the opportunity to welcome the Brothers who are 'permanent apologies' for a variety of reasons and especially for those living abroad and poor health. It is hoped that by using 'hybrid meetings' those Brothers can continue to be able to 'attend' meetings in the future, if not every month then quarterly. Sadly many older members are not computer wise and so are not able to join in.
For the many Brothers, who have over the years made many visits, locally, across provinces, around their own country and often accompanying National Presidents further afield, it has given all the opportunity to renew friendships.
In Ealing Circle in Province 8, two Brothers relished the idea of making these unexpected visits and to date have collectively visited over 200 Circle / Groups, and made almost 500 visits to circles. To date, Mariusz Twomey has recorded 450 visits and Anthony Phillips 350.
Other Brothers have also been proactive in making visits to all provinces in GB, Prov 21 in Australia, Malta, Ireland, Africa, Areas 30 and 31 in India and Bangladesh. Prov 20 were ahead of all and returned to face to face meetings. The intrepid duo have been joined on many occasions by Phil Brown – Davyhulme, Peter Callaghan President Prov 19 (who passed away in 2020), David Brayford – Macclesfield, John Connor – Penybont, Arthur Baragry – Newbury, Wladek Koch – Tunbridge Wells, Iain O'Hare -Manchester, Mark Carter and Warren Edwardes, London Charterhouse and Justin Park - Harrogate. Thanks for being with us.
However it was disappointing that many Brothers did not take this unique opportunity to make 'out visits' from the comfort of an armchair. They would have been able to enjoy the camaraderie that is fundamental to our Association.
All are most grateful for the warm welcomes that we have received. The pre and post meet chats have been great and informative. We have learnt a lot about the Associations future, how Circle and Provinces operate. The Indians have been a revelation, being of a much younger average age, they have a different perspective. They are very much into networking and actively helping fellow Catenians and their families. The rest of us seem to have similar problems with recruiting, a diminishing base of possible new members, and trying to accommodate the changes that have taken place in society over the last decade.
With extended lock downs we are unsure of the future. Will Circles go back to face to face meetings, hybrid meetings or ?? who knows.
Will such out visits be allowed?
In Memory of Brother Peter Callaghan RIP
2022 Province 21 Golf Day on Friday 11 March at Gordon Golf Club - 7.30 tee off
The annual Province 21 golfing competition will be held at the Gordon club as we did last year.
Details together with Entry Forms will be emailed in late January. and we'll have the prize giving at the Gordon Club restaurant over a bar lunch.
Looking forward to a strong field on the day and to renewing our Catenian friendships.
Ladies and Visitors are welcome.
Br Stim Robinson
0401 058 329
Catenians prepare for the Aussie Mary MacKillop Camino Walk
Graham Short, John Tweedie and Jim Phelan all of Harbourside North Circle on the Great North WalkIn preparation for the Aussie Mary MacKillop Camino Walk, Catenians Graham Short and Jim Phelan of Harbourside North Circle and former Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Catenian Luke Keighery completed a training session, along with guide John Tweedie, on Tues 14 Dec from Chatswood Station to Beecroft Station via the Great North Walk along the Lane Cove River.
The 16km trek was completed in about 5 hours in good weather, a good warm-up for the average walk of 24km on the Camino walk.
The Aussie Camino is a pilgrimage route from Portland in Victoria to Penola in South Australia. This is inspired by the life and journeys of Australia's Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop and her mentor Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Saint Mary's life is a wonderful study of a woman who carried many crosses in her life and responded to the challenges through her faith and her courage. People find strength and encouragement in their own lives through her examples of faith, forgiveness and kindness.
Similar to the traditions of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, this walk is Inspired by the life of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her mentor Father Julian Tenison Woods. Born in Victoria and raised in Melbourne, Mary's dream was to dedicate her life to the service of God and the poor. At the age of 24, with the assistance of Father Julian Tenison Woods she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Penola, South Australia. Mary spent many months travelling the country towns of Victoria, visiting children in foster homes on her way to meetings in Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide.
Traversing such a trail has been a centuries old tradition. For many people it is a spiritual journey focusing on a person whose life and work provided fulfillment and satisfaction and a model for followers. The beauty and wonder of the natural environment contributes to the experience as does the comradeship of fellow travellers.
It is most appropriate that this Camino from Portland, where she gained Catholic teaching experience, finishes at Penola where it all began. Pilgrims can walk the paths that she walked, visiting the stable park and schoolhouse where she taught. Mary met Father Woods in a church on the site of the present St Joseph's church where they will have the opportunity to contemplate and pray. They can talk to people who have kept alive the history of Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Jenison Woods over many generations.
NOTE: Due to increase in domestic travel, accommodation bookings can sometimes be challenging. For this reason, itineraries are subject to change. Bookings are not made until minimum numbers are reached for each group.
Download the full itinerary PDF
You can make a booking at - https://getawaytrekking.com.au/tour/australia/the-aussie-camino-pilgrimage-vic-sa/
The Permanent Deacon – Ministry, Family Life and Synodality
By Deacon (Dr) Michael Tan
Deacon Michael Tan (left) is assisted by his wife Annette (centre) as he puts on his vestments during the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of ParramattaAs we approach the celebration of the birth of the infant Jesus this Christmas, I will reflect on marriage and family life from the perspective of the Permanent Deacon. Being married, the deacon lives in the space between the vocations of Holy Orders and Sacramental Marriage. In this sense, his basic baptismal call to follow Jesus as a missionary disciple is lived through these two vocational sacraments.
Being ordained for ministry in communion with his bishop, the deacon is sent to minister to the needs of the diocese. He is to stand at the margins of Church and society, in the messiness of life so well described by Pope Francis as a field hospital. At the same time, together with his wife, the deacon also lives a life devoted to servant leadership of his family, his domestic church.
It is the same Jesus who leads him and walks with him in both his marriage and in his diaconal ministry. Hence, there is to be no conflict, substitution of one sacrament for another, or neglect of one sacrament in preference to another. Neither is there to be some sort of 'merger' where there are no boundaries between ministry time and time for home life. Neither is there to be such a rigid boundary that he lives a compartmentalised life, with diaconate ministry in one compartment and married life in another compartment.
Theologically, in living at the intersection between these two sacraments, the deacon is in a unique position to view synodality as the fruit, and outcome of the communion between ordained ministry as a permanent deacon and sacramental marriage and servant leadership of his domestic church in communion with his wife. The deacon walks the synodal path together with his bishop in his ministry, just as he walks together with his wife in servant leadership of his domestic church.
We are currently preparing for the Synod of Bishops in 2023. The theme of the Synod is – for a synodal church: communion, participation and mission. For the Synod, Pope Francis is inviting us to reflect on how we as the People of God can journey together. How are we called to mission together to proclaim the Gospel in today's world, at both local, regional, national and global levels? What steps is the Holy Spirit inviting us to take to grow into a synodal Church?
The deacon is called to be a herald of the Gospel by virtue of his ordination. He exercises his ministry by believing what he reads (i.e. the Gospel), teaching what he believes and practising what he teaches. In exercising his ministry, he walks synodally with both his bishop and the people that he is sent to minister to. Being sent and authorised, he ministers to the People of God in proclaiming the Gospel through Word, Sacrament and Service.
At the same time, while recognising that his marriage and servant leadership of his domestic church is not ministry, nevertheless, the diaconal call as a herald of the Gospel can still inspire the deacon to reflect on how his ordination call to 'believe what he reads, teach what he believes and practise what he teaches' can inspire, guide, inform and encourage him in his servant leadership of his family in communion with his wife. In this way, he exercises servant leadership of his domestic church synodally in the sense of walking with, and together with his wife and family.
The 2022 National Deacons Conference will be held at St. Joseph's Retreat Centre, Baulkham Hills, from 13 to 16 October 2022. For more information about the 2022 National Deacons Conference, contact deaconsconference2022@gmail.com.
Deacon Michael Tan is a recently ordained Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Parramatta and the Conference Convenor for the 2022 National Deacons Conference. He is currently serving at St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst.
A Prayer for Advent from City of Sydney's Peter Tilbrook
Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ,
experience the joy of salvation and celebrate the feast of His birth with love and thanksgiving.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Roast Salmon with Hasselback Potatoes and Beurre Blanc recipe
Try something new and impress your guests this Christmas with an alternative roast dinner starring delicate, zesty salmon.
Pair with crispy hasselback potatoes and caramelised fennel, and serve with homemade beurre blanc.
This easy Christmas dinner idea is completely gluten-free and ready in just 1 hour, so you can make the most of the festivities
Ingredients…
1.2kg new potatoes, large ones halved
2 large fennel bulbs, cut lengthways into sixths
2 tbsp olive oil
100ml white wine vinegar
1 echalion shallot, finely diced
150g unsalted butter, cut into cubes and kept cold, plus 1 tbsp, softened
1 whole side of salmon (1kg)
15g dill, finely chopped
1 lemon, zested
Method…
Serves 6 - 25 mins to prepare and 35 mins to cook - 761 calories / serving - Gluten-free
- Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Carefully cut thin slits into each potato, stopping about two-thirds of the way down. Put them in a large mixing bowl with the fennel; add the olive oil and toss until well coated. Tip into a large roasting tin and roast for 30-35 mins, stirring now and then until the fennel is lightly caramelised and starting to crisp.
- Meanwhile, put the vinegar and shallot in a pan with 100ml water. Bring to a rolling boil and reduce by two-thirds (it will take 5-8 mins). Strain into a jug, reserving the shallot; set aside.
- Rub the 1 tbsp of softened butter all over the salmon flesh and season well. Remove the roasting tin from the oven, move the vegetables to the side of the tin, then sit the salmon, skin-side down, diagonally across the tin in the space you've created. Roast for 25 mins.
- Meanwhile, put 2 tbsp of the vinegar reduction in a bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water over a medium-low heat, being careful not to let the water touch the bowl. Once the reduction has warmed, add a cube of cold butter and whisk until melted. Repeat, adding 1 cube at a time and whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes glossy (about 4-5 mins). Then add the butter 4-5 cubes at a time. Once you've added all the butter, taste and season with salt; reduce more if you want it to be sharper. You can also add a little of the reserved shallot for extra texture. Remove the sauce from the heat and keep warm until ready to serve, placing a piece of clingfilm directly on the surface of the sauce to stop a skin forming.
- Garnish the salmon with the dill and lemon zest, and serve with the potatoes and fennel. Stir the beurre blanc and serve on the side.
Around the circles
CAIRNS:
What a fantastic November Meeting we had!!!
Province 21 Council also decided to run the annual Truthful Jones Contest from Cairns. It was truly amazing to have selection of contestants including our own Brother Mark, who he did a marvellous talk.
We had joint winners in Brother Luke Samson from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle and Martin Ryan from Parramatta Circle, they did an excellent talk. As you all know, because of our distance from another Circle we very rarely get visitor's. After an early start and the competition concluded Cairns Brothers had a wonderful meal. /Brother Peter
Glenys & Mike with their 4 children; Barry, Peter, Michael & Julie and their familiesHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOTH MIKE AND GLENYS SCHRAMM ON THEIR 80th BIRTHDAY'S…
The Schramm family had a great family gathering for lunch in December. at a restaurant in Brisbane. Mike and Glenys were so fortunate to have all of our children and their families join them for lunch. It was a special lunch to celebrate both Mike and Glenys 80th birthdays. Glenys turned 80 on 4th October and Mike's 80th will be on 19th January. The family didn't want 2 functions so the children organized a date between the 2 birthdays to celebrate both together. It was a great day and we Mike and Glenys are very proud of our family. At the lunch Michael's son also Michael and known as Mick announced that mid next year he & his wife will start the 4th generation of the Schramm family, which will make Michael a grandfather and we the great grandparents. We believe that we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful and adoring family.
Another brilliant 150th Meeting we had in December!!! It was so good to see my fellow Catenian Brothers of Cairns Circle. This would have been the 150th meeting from when we were elevated to Circle status in 2008. We did have meetings before then as a Group. Our Circle is a true bonding of Catholic men and their families. Our President Joe has done a great job over the years. Thanks a million Joe. /Brother Peter
Pictured right, Peter Cash joins the 150th Cairns meeting from sunny Bournemouth :-)
CARLINGFORD:
January, 2022 Circle Meeting
Our first meeting for 2022 will be a joint meeting with The Hills Circle at their venue, St Joseph's Conference Centre, Barina Downs Drive, Norwest at 6.45 pm for 7.15 pm on Tuesday 25th January, 2022 (NOTE – this is the 4th Tuesday of the month, The Hills normal date).
Smart casual dress code. $45 pp includes meal, tea/coffee and wine/orange drink.
Dining arrangements will be confirmed closer to the date when the appropriate COVID regulations are more likely to be known. This will be the Hills Circles' first face-to-face meeting at St Joseph's since lockdown but the Cities of Parramatta and Sydney will have a joint meeting there on the previous Thursday.
A reminder email will be circulated mid-January, 2022 to clarify details and seek RSVPs by the due date, likely to be no later than noon on Friday 21st January, 2022.
Our first face-to-face dinner meeting after lockdown at CBSRC on 16th November was attended by only 12 Brothers but was nevertheless an enjoyable get-together. The restaurant at CBSRC is now known as Salt Bar and Grill. The new caterer seems keen to prove her credentials to cater for functions.
Our first face-to-face dinner meeting after lockdown at CBSRC on 16th November was attended by only 12 Brothers but was nevertheless an enjoyable get-together. The restaurant at CBSRC is now known as Salt Bar and Grill. The new caterer seems keen to prove her credentials to cater for functions.
KU-RING-GAI:
New Brother, Jerome McTeighe(right) reciting the pledge, whilst Acting Chamberlain, Ian Gibson (left), pays close attention to proceedingsUpcoming Events
| Monday, Jan 10 | Joint meeting with Hornsby Circle |
| Sunday, Feb 6 | Hawkesbury Riverboat Cruise with Hills Circle |
| Monday, Feb 14 | Circle Meeting |
| Sunday, Feb 20 | Ku-Pitt Shield Golf |
| Sunday, Mar 27 | 'Phantom of the Opera' on Sydney Harbour at 7.30pm |
November Circle Meeting
30 Ku-ring-gai Brothers, including our newest Brother, Jerome McTeighe, whose enrolment was the first order of business, attended the Circle meeting at Turramurra Bowling Club on Monday, November 8th. How good it was to be back meeting face-to-face again after this latest extended period of restrictions due to Covid-19. Jerome's enrolment took our membership back up to 48 Brothers in the Circle.
Mike and Michael congratulate each other, having received their bottles of wine from Br President, Stefan Wawrzyniak (left)Prayers were said for Brothers and family members who are sick. A special prayer was said for Peter Hine, a founding and long-time member of the Ku-ring-gai Circle until his resignation several years ago, who is gravely ill.
The other celebration during the meeting was the acknowledgement of the achievement of "the three Mike's", each celebrating their 40 years as a Catenian. Michael Burke joined on June 8th, 1981; Mike Tighe on August 19th, 1981 and Mike Kelly on September 14th, 1981. All have given sterling service to the Catenian Asociation during that time. Two of them were in attendance at the meeting and Br President, Stefan Wawrzyniak, acknowledged their milestone and asked Brothers to show their appreciation with a round of applause. Later during dinner, Br Stefan presented Michael and Mike with a bottle of wine each to further celebrate the achievement.
New James Bond film – 22 Brothers, wives and family members went along to the Roseville Cinema on Sunday, November 14th to enjoy the new Bond film "No Time to Die". Thanks to Br Martin Stebbings for organising this event.
MANLY:
November 2021 meeting – face-to-face back at Manly Golf Club
Our meeting on Wednesday, 17 November 2021 heralded the resumption of face-to-face meetings at Manly Golf Club. Yay!!!
Total attendance was 24 Brothers (with 16 Manly Brothers in attendance plus John Kiely via Zoom and 7 Brothers who zoomed in from the UK). Manly Brothers unanimously agreed that it was great to physically get back together again. It was a thoroughly enjoyable night.
Some 7 Brothers from the UK Zoomed in: John Connor (Penybont Circle), Marius Twomey (Ealing Circle and Founder member Bandra Brothers (Mumbai)), Arthur Baragry (Newbury Circle), Anthony Phillips (Ealing Circle), John A Holland (Chorley Circle), Nick Lamb, and David Brayford (Macclesfield).
Trivia still Zooming
Trivia at Balgowlah RSL is back but we are continuing with Zoom trivia until February 2022 when we plan to go back to the RSL.
Zoom trivia on Monday, 22 November 2021 was another very enjoyable night. Photo below shows (from top left): John McCarney; Ann and Terry Hayes; Paul Pearson; Narrelle and Adam Smith; and Romano and Terese Di Donato. Marius Twomey (Ealing Circle UK and Founder member Bandra Brothers (Mumbai)). Terry and Ann Hayes were the quizmasters.
2nd Friday Lunch returns at Wakehurst Golf Club
After a lengthy COVID-forced delay, our regular second Friday lunch at Wakehurst Golf Club resumed on Friday, 29 October 2021. It was great to be back!
The next 2nd Friday lunch is on Friday, 10 December. Our 2nd Friday lunches are mixed so everybody is welcome.
COVID times in Sydney – how Manly Brothers have handled it!
The COVID lockdown in Sydney affected us all. Now that it is over, the "freedoms" are welcome!
The 3 amigos – Greg Dunn, Gary O'Sullivan and Paul Pearson – recently "took one for the team" and explored lunch at the Seventh Day Brewery in Brookvale. It was reported that the chicken wings and pizzas were great!
Mike and Maryanne Guy recently escaped Sydney for the North of NSW. It seems the sun did not accompany them! Lots of rain and mist. They stayed 2 nights in Dorrigo and although it was very rainy and misty, the waterfalls were running strongly with all the rain and provided some great pics. A stay with friends at Byron also saw more rain. While travelling, they celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary with lunch in Coffs Harbour. Congratulations Mike and Maryanne!
Waterfalls around Dorrigo. Mike assured us he is not afraid of heights! And yes, Newsletter readers are correct, Mike shaved off his COVID beard and also had a haircut! Brave fellow!
A misty scene on the Guys adventure. We think Maryanne lost Mike for a while in the mist but she didn't really notice!! He did reappear!
The wedding anniversary lunch at Coffs Harbour looked most enjoyable!
Congratulations to Mike and Maryanne!
In this consumer world, it's useful to ponder the things that money can't buy:
Manners; Morals; Character; Common sense; Respect; Patience; Integrity; Love.
It's not what's under the Christmas tree that matters, it's who's around it – Charlie Brown.
Prayers have been requested for ...
CAIRNS:
YOUR PRAYER'S ARE NEEDED FOR…
Please Lord Bless all our City of Cairns Circle Brothers and their loved ones, especially Brother Lui and Pam's little grandson Odin.
Brother Tony McInnes Mum Marie Jose who is very unwell at the moment. Brother Angelo's father Giuseppe who is unwell at the moment. Brother Mark Cavicchiolo's mum RIP who recently passed away. Brother Stephen Devenish's family after Stephen losing his mum Carmel RIP. Fr Neil and his family after losing his mum Elizabeth RIP. Brother Mark Freeman's mum Judy RIP who recently passed away. Brother Joe's Great-Nephew Carter RIP Who recently passed away. Brother Joe's Brother Charlie RIP Who recently passed away. Brother Lui's Auntie who has just moved into a care home. Brother Bill Dixon's mum Pauline RIP Who has just recently passed away. Brother Peter Duggan's wife Alma, who is unwell. Brother Lui's sister Frances who is unwell at the moment. Brother Alan's niece Anne and sister Carmel who are both unwell. Brother Tony's sister-in-law Marylyn who is unwell. Our Amazing President Brother Joe Who is in need of our prayers. Brother Kevin's Brother who is unwell. Brother Tony's wife Majella whose best friend passed away recently. Brother Matthew's father who has been unwell recently. Brother Gazz's father who is unwell. Brother Dean's Brother Graham who is unwell Brother Marcin who still needs our prayer as he is still unwell.
Brother Deacon Rev Tony and family who has recently lost his father Joseph RIP and for Brother Tony who recently spent time in hospital in Sydney.
Please pray for all the families who are in need of our prayers.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, make us know and love Thee,
unfold to us the treasures of Thy Grace;
that so our hearts, from things of earth uplifted, may long alone to gaze upon Thy face.
CARLINGFORD:
Please also remember in your prayers Bros Stan Burgin, Bill Carpenter, Laurie Burns and Bill's son, Paul, all of whom have been in hospital lately, as well as former Brother Sam Beitola who is undergoing chemotherapy.
As Christmas approaches, we also remember Bro Don Mees at Calvary Ryde Residential Care and Bro Stan and Jan Burgin at Aminya Residential Aged Care. Bro Stan is reported to be doing well as he and Jan settle into a larger unit at Aminya.
KU-RING-GAI:
Our members, family and friends who are sick and in need of our prayers
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski, Phil Davies, Bob Meagher, Mike Tighe and Malcolm McEwen.
Family members Anna Marie Hudson, Marie Gibbons, Barbara Burke, David Gardener, Sam Gardener, Gayle and Suzie Meagher, Rebecca Davies, Madeleine Szymanski and daughter Kate McRea, Monica Moldrich and Margaret Marshall.
MANLY:
We remember in our prayers all Manly Brothers who have been unwell or who have been having medical procedures.
As Brothers will be aware, Jim Rush had an operation on 15 July at St Vincent's Hospital to repair a leaking heart valve (an earlier operation was unsuccessful). The operation was a success and Jim's recovery is under way. He is home again. Terry Hayes bumped into Jim recently at Stockland Balgowlah. He said he was well and he looked well too! No doubt Jim would be pleased to hear from his Manly Brothers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Liz.
Brendan O'Connell has been hospital this year and has some ongoing heart issues. He is now living with his daughter. We keep Brendan in our prayers.
Let's have a laugh …
In these COVID times, it helps to keep smiling and laughing. Here's a few "funnies" to (hopefully) bring a smile to your face (apologies if you've heard any before).
Dear Santa.
All I want for Christmas is a fat bank account and a skinny body. Please don't mix it up again like last year!
My kids keep laughing about my memory. It's not that bad. They won't be laughing at Christmas though when there's no eggs under the tree!
A man ran home from work, pulled his wife into the bedroom, threw her on the bed, and pulled the blankets over them. She was shocked – he hadn't been like this for 20 years or more. Then her husband said: "Look! My new watch glows in the dark!"!
When I was a kid, there were 2 ways to die – natural causes, and talking back to your parents!
HOME COVID TEST:
- Pour a large glass of red wine; try to smell it.
- If you can smell the wine, then drink it and see if you can taste it.
- If you can taste and smell the wine, it confirms you don't have COVID.
Last night, I did the test 10 times and all were negative, thank God!
I found that I have been happier since I changed from coffee in the morning to orange juice. My doctor explained that it's the vitamin C and natural sugars, but I really think it's the Vodka!
Not only did I fall off the diet wagon, I dragged it into the woods, set it on fire and used the insurance proceeds to buy cupcakes!
My wife didn't order anything from Amazon yesterday. The UPS guy knocked on our door anyway to check if we were OK!
A new supermarket opened near where I live. It has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain. That's nice.
When you approach the milk section, you hear cows mooing and experience the scent of fresh hay.
When you approach the egg section, you hear hens cluck, and the air is filled with the pleasant aroma of bacon and eggs frying.
The veggie department features the smell of fresh buttered cream.
I don't buy toilet paper there anymore!
My wife and I went to a restaurant. It was full and the wait was nearly an hour. Drat. I took out my mobile phone and pretended to make a call saying loudly "Hey get over here! She's here with someone else." Six couples got up and left quickly! Table for 2 sir, the waiter said!
After being pulled over by a policeman for talking on his mobile phone while driving, the man said "You can't fine me for talking on my mobile while driving… It was my wife…. I was only listening!"
The perils of time:
Age 10 – fell of my bike at high speed on gravel road. Rode home 5 miles.
Age 50 – used the wrong pillow and was non-functional for 2 days!
I dusted once. The dust came back. I'm not falling for that again!
My husband and I were watching TV. I had left my mobile phone in the kitchen. I heard it beep and it was an SMS text message. I went to the kitchen to check it.
The message was from my husband saying: "Don't forget to bring the chips with you when you come back!!"
Area 51
You've heard of the Air Force's ultra-high-security, super-secret base in Nevada, known simply as "Area 51?"
Well, late one afternoon, the Air Force folks out at Area 51 were surprised to see a Cessna landing at their "secret" base. They immediately impounded the aircraft and hauled the pilot into an interrogation room.
The pilot's story was that he took off from Vegas, got lost, and spotted the Base just as he was about to run out of fuel. The Air Force started a full FBI background check on the pilot and held him overnight during the investigation.
By the next day, they were finally convinced that the pilot really was lost and wasn't a spy. They gassed up his airplane, gave him a terrifying "you-did-not-see-a-base" briefing, complete with threats of spending the rest of his life in prison, told him Vegas was that-a-way on such-and-such a heading, and sent him on his way.
The next day, to the total disbelief of the Air Force, the same Cessna showed up again. Once again, the MP's surrounded the plane... only this time there were two people in the plane.
The same pilot jumped out and said, "Do anything you want to me, but my wife is in the plane and you have to tell her where I was last night!"
Teacher: "If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "No, listen carefully... If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven."
Teacher: "Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?" Johnny: "Six."
Teacher: "Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?"
Johnny: "Seven!"
Teacher: "Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!"
Johnny: "Because I've already got a freaking cat!"
Don't forget to have a laugh!!!!