Eastern Link
January 2023
Share your stories of Circle activities and anything that might be of interest to our fellow Catenians, stories and news of upcoming events, and guest speakers that might be of interest, reports on any events that might be of interest. Email Eastern Link at p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au with your stories and photos (as seperate files please).
Thanks, Paul
Without your stories Eastern Link doesn't exist.
Contents:
| EDITORIAL - Catenian Restructure Review - An opporunity for the promised 2016 Restructure to be fullfilled? The failed 2016 Catenian Restructure was full of promise, autonomy for Circles, power moving from the previous top down model to Circles and their members up. |
City Of Sydney Circle Business Night Starts Next Stage Of Development Plan Arthur Psaltis will tell his personal story on surviving the 1998 Sydney to Hobart superstorm and how it influenced his life and the trajectory it's taken. Of the 61,000 sailors that have 'done a Hobart' between 1945 - 2021, there is a sense of achievement in just finishing the race, let alone being one of only 75 crews privileged enough to win it. |
Catenians Connect with Deacons at National Conference The Australian National Council and Parramatta Circle were major sponsors of the 2022 National Deacons conference, held at St. Josephs' Baulkham Hills NSW from 13th to 16th October, 2022. Catenians were publicly thanked by the Master of Ceremonies for both the financial and volunteer support that helped to make the Conference the success it was. |
Debating Trophy Presented to Mark 50th Australian Anniversary To mark the 40th Anniversary of its formation, the Ciy of Sydny Circle's inaugural President, brother Plunket Sweeney, made a generous donation for a project which would pursue the Association's constitutional Aim of advancing the interests of Catholic young people. Brother Plunket had in mind establishing a Catholic schools public speaking competitions modelled on those sponsored at the Circle level in the UK. |
25 Years a Catenian Compared to City of Sydney brothers Ron Daly, Max Cattle and Peter O'Reilly with 50 year and 15 Pittwater brothers with 30 year memberships although my 25 years is less in terms of time I thought I'd offer my reflections on being a Catenian considering my forthcoming promotion to President of Australian National Council in April 2023. |
Secrets to Adelaide's continuing success at recruiment What we found works both predictably and exceptionally in Adelaide is the Pull strategy. We focus all our resources inwardly to our Circle, giving our members high-quality and high-value meetings / social events. Our members love them, and not only do they keep coming back, they tell their Catholic friends to come too (like attracts like). |
Our first foursome on the Central Coast Stim Robinson has hosted a convivial coffee session discussing a new Circle on the Central Coast. The group enjoyed a great outlook with Wamberal lagoon in the background as they discussed the next steps in developing a Circle on the Cenral Coast. ANC Vice President Graham Short and P21 Vice President Paul Pearson also recently joined the group for a bushwalk. |
Virtual Trek for Timor 2022 - John Tweedie's challenge In October 2020, when the Covid pandemic was in a short period of abeyance, I was one of a number of Blue Mountains community members who participated in a very successful Virtual Trek for Timor. Over $80,000 was raised for the numerous projects supported by the Blue Mountains Community in the Timorese subdistrict of Hatobuilico. During my virtual Trek in 2020, I walked over 150 kms with various walking companions, from Chatswood to Blackheath and raised over $9,000 through the generosity of my sponsors. |
Catenians on Marys Walk  Team Catenian organiser Bro Graham Short Director Province 21 has launched a 'mycause' campaign to raise funds for the Marys House domestic violence refuge service.His goal is to raise $500 |
Province 21 Provincial Mass The annual Province 21 Mass, hosted by The Hills Circle, was held at St Michael's Baulkham Hills on Sunday 7th August. Mass was celebrated by Fr Wim Hoekstra, with the homily given by Deacon Andrew Rooney (to be ordained into priesthood on August 27th). |
Flourish with Mary's Heart The Australian Catenian Association is blessed to have St Mary of the Cross MacKillop as it's the Patron Saint. The accompanying Commemorative Prayer book Flourish with Mary's heart was written by Congregational leader Sr Monica Cavanagh rsj and sponsored by the Australian National Council as a sign of our commitment to the work of Mary. |
4 Phases of Retirement...and the Psychological Challenges  Imagine squeezing all the juice out of retirement! When interviewed on his research, Dr. Riley Moynes commented, "I wish I knew then what I know now about the psychological challenges that accompany retirement. It would have made things much clearer and easier." By interviewing hundreds of retirees, he has discovered a framework that can help make more sense of this challenging chapter of our lives…one that, for many, could last for 30 years or more. |
| Best Practice - a worldwide guide for Circles? This aricle provides a Best Practice model for Circles in Province 8 in the UK, could this also be a guide for circles in Australia? Communication - Monthly Circle newsletters - Each Secretary circulates their Newsletter to all other Circle Secretaries. Newsletters don't have a common format but a common expectation of the information they carry. |
Catenian Golf Links Us At their recent annual golfing day, brothers from Pittwater and Ku ring gai were treated to excellent weather (surprise!) and a great day out on the picturesque Palm Beach course. KRG won the trophy but were especially happy to be able to catch up with some former Pittwater regulars over lunch. |
St Mary MacKillop Calendar - Camino - Portland to Penola, 2023 Calendar Sketches by the multi-talented Graham Short, ANC Vice-President - On his recent journey on the Australian Camino from Portland to Penola, Graham sketched some of the landmarks in Mary's journey to sainthood. He has turned those sketches into this downloadable 2023 calendar |
| Around the Circles News from Province 21 Circles |
EDITORIAL - Catenian Restructure Review - An opporuniy for the promised 2016 Restructure to be fullfilled?
The 2016 Catenian Restructure was full of promise, autonomy for Circles, power moving from the previous top down method to Circles and their members up.
The review document, created by Catenians Louis Lillywhite, Robert Derricott and Iain Stitt, after GBNC was commisioned by Central Council to review the 2016 restructure process, revealing that it had failed to meet its aims.
The process so missed its targets, the group produced a suggested solution, a way forward to create the restructure promised in 2016.
Both the ANC and GBNC have sent the concept back to members for input into the detail of bringing the 2016 restructure to reality a some time in the future.
This in spite of members showing little to no interest in anything Catenian outside their own Circle for a number of years, verified by the number of votes cast in international polls for change the contitution and the constant search to fill leadership positions a all levels from Circle through Province to National Council.
Surely it's time for our leadership to lead!
All Catenians have been offered the opportuntiy to comment on this review, support, disagree or offer a refinement, by emailing gbncresponse@thecatenians.org.au
It's time for the silent majority to speak up, send an email of support for the concept or a request for no change, (giving Catenians perhaps another 10 years before we die out, because if we don't change we will die!)
A group of three, Bros Graham Mahony (Fremantle Circle), Gerard Tonks (Darling Range Circle) and Peter Tilbrook (City of Sydney Circle) have been asked to coordinate the response for the ANC from their own deliberations and your input).
The final date for responses to the committee is 31 January 2023.
Catenian leadership must have your support to bring the 2016 Restructure, giving freedom to Circles, to reality!
The Executive Summary can be seen below, if you would like more detail - Download the Final Report here and Download the Annexes to the report here.
Province 12 produced their own Provincial Membership Recruitment and Retention (MR&R) Strategy (download here) in September, coming to similar conclusions, only in more detail for Circle practices.
Restructure Review Group Final Report
Louis Lillywhite, Robert Derricott, Iain Stitt
Executive Summary
We were asked to review the outcome of the restructuring that led to the current 2016 Constitution.
- The biggest challenge, particularly in Great Britain (GB), is recruitment. (Paragraph 4)
- What is right for urban areas may not be right for others and what might be right for one country may not be right for others. (Final Report Paragraph 4c and 6d)
- The 2016 Constitution was intended to enable the autonomy necessary to align recruiting to local circumstances, but in practice this severely restricts recruitment initiatives. (Paragraph 5)
- We also found an unacceptable lack of appropriate governance arrangements for a world- wide association, which poses significant risks to the Catenian Association. (Paragraph 6)
- The requirement to provide a structure which facilitates autonomy as well as reducing the risk arising from a lack of international governance has led us to recommend a "commonwealth model". (Paragraph 10)
- We propose this model comprises separate and independent National Associations, each with its own constitution, supported by a Catenian Secretariat and underpinned by a Catenian Charter which sets out the enduring Aims and Values of the Catenian Association and an International Agreement which sets out the relationship between the National Associations and with the Secretariat. (Paragraph 12 and Annexes A and B.)
- The Charter and the Agreement will be the "glue" which holds the worldwide Association together: we have drafted a possible Charter and International Agreement. (Annexes A & B)
- India, Ireland, and Malta would be advanced to National Associations. (Paragraph 17a)
- The Catenian Secretariat would be an incorporated company, owned by the National Associations and with limited powers. (Paragraph 13)
- Revised arrangements for the Development Areas, organised through the Catenian Secretariat and a Director of International Development are proposed, accompanied by a complete review of the international strategy. (Paragraph 20)
- We address in detail only Great Britain National Council (GBNC) as it is up to other National Associations to determine their own local governance arrangements.
- For GBNC we recommend it becomes an incorporated body, organised along modern lines with a Chair, Board, and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a small executive. Local democracy would be provided by a consultative and advisory body. (Paragraph 27)
- The "Head Office" will support two incorporated companies (the Catenian Secretariat and GBNC), which will simplify and clarify the somewhat anarchic structure and processes which exist, sharing a CEO but with their own governing boards. (Paragraph 22)
- The Association has investments of circa £4 million and we outline possible options for the future of these funds. (Paragraph 34)
- Central Council's role should be transformed into the new Catenian Secretariat whilst the International Regional Council (IRC) would be absorbed into the Catenian Secretariat under a dedicated Director of International Development.
- Implementation will not be easy. We suggest a route at Annex E and recommend that change management professionals are contracted to avoid the prolonged implementation of the 2016 Constitution. (Paragraph 37)
- Our Main Recommendations are set out on Page 12.
City Of Sydney Circle Business Night Starts Next Stage Of Development Plan
The three Parishes within the City of Sydney have a relatively small number of parishioners, only one of whom is a Catenian. The greater bulk of congregations comprise people visiting the City to work in the professions and business, together with tourists.
The City of Sydney Circle Development Plan adapts to this environment by focusing on Catholic men visiting the City to work in the profession and business. The underlying concept is to model faith based friendship to identified professional and business groups within the City's community of Catholic workers and to do so in the established Catenian environment of a shared meal.
Since Catholic business and professional groups comprise both men and women, the shared meals to which their members are invited are Ladies Nights within the Circle's Social Programme.
The first stage of the Development Plan has now been successfully implemented with the establishment and consolidation of an annual series of Law Night Dinners featuring a guest speaker, in which the Circle is joined by the St Thomas More Society.
Implementing the second stage of the Plan commences on Wednesday, 1 February with the presentation of the 2023 Business Night.
The City of Sydney Catenians warmly invite you to join them at the 2023 Business Night Dinner with
Arthur Psaltis BComm. FCA. GAICD.
Date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023.
Time: 6:45 pm for 7:15 pm.
Venue: Fairmount Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel, Level 1, 43 York, Sydney.
Cost: $95.00 – Three course dinner and table wine.
Parking: The closest night parking stations are Sun Parking, Westpac Building, 261 – 293 Kent Street; Amora Hotel Car Park, Jamison Street; or Wilson Parking, 86 Sussex Street.
Registration:
As venue capacity is restricted, registration is essential.
Registrations will close on Wednesday, 25 January, or when sold out.
To register please click on the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/CESVI
Should you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Peter Gialouris on 0400 332 495, or via email at peter.gialouris@cadtre.com.au.
Arthur Psaltis BComm. FCA. GAICD.
Into The Storm. A Story of Triumph & Tragedy.
The 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Arthur Psaltis will tell his personal story on surviving the 1998 Sydney to Hobart superstorm and how it influenced his life and the trajectory it's taken.
Of the 61,000 sailors that have 'done a Hobart' between 1945 - 2021, there is a sense of achievement in just finishing the race, let alone being one of only 75 crews privileged enough to win it. Add to this the toughest race on record and the largest peacetime maritime rescue in Australia's history, then with the 98 Hobart Race, you have the making of a good story of the diminutive AFR Midnight Rambler. It's a story about survival, teamwork and endurance...
Key learnings from this race apply to business, including decision-making in a crisis and performing under pressures out of your control.
We hope you can join us for this insightful and thought-provoking presentation!
The City of Sydney Catenians warmly invite you to join them at the 2023 Business Night Dinner with Arthur Psaltis BComm. FCA. GAICD.
Date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023.
Time: 6:45 pm for 7:15 pm.
Venue: Fairmount Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel, Level 1, 43 York, Sydney.
Cost: $95.00 – Three course dinner and table wine.
Catenians Connect with Deacons at National Conference
Graham Short and Michael Lilley man the Catenian desk at the conferenceThe Australian National Council and Parramatta Circle were major sponsors of the 2022 National Deacons conference, held at St. Josephs' Baulkham Hills NSW from 13th to 16th October, 2022. Catenians were publicly thanked by the Master of Ceremonies for both the financial and volunteer support that helped to make the Conference the success it was.
There were about 100 delegates including Deacons and their wives, bishops and priests.
Catenians Malcolm Chow, Paul Despoges, Ian Goldthorpe, Michael Lilley, Peter Moriarty, Maurie Mouyad acted as drivers for arriving delegates, , while Chris Bradley, Eugene Das, Mike McEvoy, Paul Pearson, Jim Phelan, Graham Short and Peter Tilbrook, acted as ushers for the Conference concurrent sessions, in addition to assisting with the Catenian stall. 8 Catenians attended the Conference dinner.
Finally, Deacon brother Michael Tan was the Convenor for the Conference.
Paul Pearson, Ian Goldthorpe, Eugene Das, Peter Tilbrook, Bishop Long and Graham Short.The Catenian involvement allowed for significant mingling with and meeting of deacons attending the Conference. In addition, Br. Martin Stebbings and Br. Michael Tan spoke to the delegates at a 'Introducing the Sponsors' session, where they shared the Catenian focus on faith and friendship with the delegates. and encouraged the Deacons to connect with Catenians as both potential members and support in their ministry.
Br. Michael then shared how he was supported by the Catenians in managing the transition from his working life to retirement, and then into being ordained as a Permanent Deacon.
Over a hundred Connect with Catenian brochures where issued, including in the Conference package, and seventeen Deacons registered interest at the Catenian stall. Relevant local Circles will be notified of and provided contact details for follow up of the Deacons.
Catenians also had the opportunity to attend the Masses and Prayer meetings and sit in on the concurrent sessions, which had excellent speakers on challenging topics. One Deacon informed me it was the best of eight Conferences he had attended.
Thanks to the volunteers for your generous giving of your time, which we trust was rewarded with a sense of having contributed to the multi faceted mission of the Deacons and to their connection to Catenians.
| Deacon Bro Michael Tan Convenor of Conference |
Bro Graham Short Vice President Australian National Council |
Connect with Catenians
Debating Trophy Presented to Mark 50th Australian Anniversary
The Senior Division was won by the team from All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool.In July 2022, following the delayed celebration of the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of City of Sydney Circle, the Church Liaison and Social Events Committee of Province 21 Council gave consideration to how The Association might mark this significant anniversary of its foundation in Australia.
The Committee noted that to mark the 40th Anniversary of its formation, the Circle's inaugural President, brother Plunket Sweeney, made a generous donation for a project which would pursue the Association's constitutional Aim of advancing the interests of Catholic young people. Brother Plunket had in mind establishing a Catholic schools public speaking competitions modelled on those sponsored at the Circle level in the UK.
However, enquiries made at the time made it clear that pursuing the UK example was not an option for Circles in the Sydney metropolitan area. By the time the Circle had been inaugurated in 1971 there were already several well established Diocesan and Congregation based inter-school public speaking and debating competitions in existence.
Over time, most of these competitions had merged and a co-ordinating body, the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA), has come into existence to administer both annual public speaking and debating competitions for secondary schools in the Sydney metropolitan area.
After discussions with CSDA , brother Plunket's donation was used to endower a perpetual trophy for the Senior Division of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. CSDA has since generously invited the Circle President to present this trophy to the winning school following adjudication of the Divisional finals.
Research by the Committee disclosed that, following the maturing of system- based debating competitions in regional NSW; CSDA has become the organizing body for the NSW Catholic Schools State Debating Competition. This event brings together the winners of the Metropolitan debating competition and the winners of the debating competitions conducted in NSW regional Diocesan education systems. It is now conducted in Term 4 each year.
The Catenians Perpetual Shield with the smaller Yearly Shield presented to the winning schoolAs informal enquiries indicated that opportunities exist to endower trophies for this competition, the Committee recommended to Province 21 Council that approval be given for the Committee to explore the possibility of marking the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Association in Australia by endowing one or more trophies for the NSW Catholic Schools State Debating Competition conducted by CSDA. The Council approved this recommendation.
After considering a report from the Committee on the implementation of its earlier approval, Province 21 Council, resolved at its October 2022 meeting to endow a perpetual trophy for the school winning the Senior Division of the NSW Catholic Schools State Debating Competition conducted by the CSDA and that the endowment be characterised as one marking the 50th anniversary of the Association's formation in Australia and pursuing the Catenian Aim of advancing the interests of Catholic young people.
The Council further resolved that the endowment consist of a perpetual trophy to be known as The Catenians Shield, together with an initial sustaining contribution of five replica memento shields with a view to minimising the logistic and administrative activity required of CSDA.
The Finals of the various divisions of the NSW Catholic Schools State Debating Competition were conducted in a virtual forum on the Friday following the completion of NSW Higher Schools Certificate examinations in November. Schools from the Diocese of Wollongong and from Murwillumbah, in the Diocese of Tamworth, performed strongly in junior divisions. However, in the Senior Division the team from All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool prevailed.
25 Years a Catenian
A reflection by Graham Short, Vice President, Australian National Council
Compared to City of Sydney brothers Ron Daly, Max Cattle and Peter O'Reilly with 50 year and 15 Pittwater brothers with 30 year memberships although my 25 years is less in terms of time I thought I'd offer my reflections on being a Catenian considering my forthcoming promotion to President of Australian National Council in April 2023.
Its been both an honor and privilege to be a Catenian for the past 25 years .
Well I remember, following a phone call and visit, three "heavies" invited me to become a Catenian brother. My first thought was "I already have 4 brothers why do I need any more?" Now 25 years later I have 1 brother and am very appreciative of having Catenian brothers.
How could I not say YES to an "offer" from my ex CUO Brian Hamer, who had instilled in me, as a 1st year cadet, unquestioning obedience, or resist the business saviness of Jim Rush and the Irish charm offensive of HLM Brendan O'Connell OAM, God bless their souls. In other words it was Manly Circle that both sponsored now Habourside North Circle and is responsible for my membership of it.
In saying that and I'd also like to acknowledge Tony Shannon, an inaugural joint member and Laurie de Ambrosis, who recently became a joint member, both of Manly Circle which Harbourside North has a special relationship with.
Another being with Australia's inaugural Circle, City of Sydney.
I don't intend to dwell on a timeline history, nor on personalities, except to point out that Harbourside North Circle was inaugurated as Mosman Circle, on Thurs 23 October 1997 by Past Grand President the late Paul Barry, but instead will dwell a bit on my experience of being a Catenian.
I remember the early days of the Circle firstly at the Neutral Bay Club then here at the Mosman Art Gallery, being a younger cohort then- it was very lively with lots of camaraderie and informal banter. This did not always sit well, with what we might call traditionalists, and led to some friction and attrition of membership.
After 25 years I am the sole remaining inaugural member of the Circle.
From that experience and subsequent multiple visits to other Circles I've formed the view that each Circle should be allowed to form its own ethos within flexible guidelines. Many the tale I've heard of 50 year Catenians describing the virtual strait jacket approach, of mainly expatriate British brothers, to enforcement of meetings' procedure.
The other thing I believe is that you only get out of Catenians what you put into it.
On that criteria I must have put a lot in at Circle, Province, National and now at a fledgling International level. While I often wonder what effect one's input has, particularly in a volunteer association like the Catenians, one can only do one's best to work for the good of the members and hope for the best.
What I've got out of Catenians is much easier to discern- many and varied friendships both in this and other Circles, experiences I'd never expect to have had such as travels to East Timor, with John Tweedie, walks, treks, and a Camino, visits to Circles throughout Province 21 including Canberra, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast and nationally to Melbourne and most recently the inauguration of the City of Adelaide Circle.
The teamwork at all levels, on the whole, has been accommodating of personality and capability always supportive but also prepared to challenge and pull one into line in the nicest possible way. One recent example of that teamwork is the 11 Catenians who responded to my call for volunteers to assist at the National Deacons Conference, organized by Bro Deacon Michael Tan and ANC Platinum Sponsored, held at Baulkham Hills. Our presence elicited a positive response and many permanent Deacons registered an interest in connecting with Catenians.
I'll conclude my reflection with the observation that Catenians is about our connection to faith, family and friendship – we as an association are only as good as our retention of members and seeking and welcoming of new members. It is important for each of us to continue to connect with fellow Catenians and for Catenians to connect with and build the Parish Communities.
Secrets to Adelaide's continuing success at recruiment
An aricle by Kingsley Forsyth, President, Adelaide Ciy Circle
What we found works both predictably and exceptionally in Adelaide is the Pull strategy.
We focus all our resources inwardly to our Circle, giving our members high-quality and high-value meetings / social events.
Our members love them, and not only do they keep coming back, they tell their Catholic friends to come too (like attracts like).
We are getting multiple enquiries every month from friends of Catenians.
But here's the important point, putting on high-quality meetings and social events takes serious effort, so rather than go out into the community to spread the word (and put that effort into running BBQ's, helping schools, universities etc with the intention to try and find new young members with little success, which many of the Catena articles mention as a hopeful fruit of their efforts), we redirect that very same energy (effort) into our events/meetings, and they sell themselves.
This is a powerful concept to just stop, pause and digest, we do zero promotional / advertising yet we out-recruit every single Catenian Circle in the world.
Re-read that previous sentence in bold.
In Adelaide, we never (ever) have to worry about new members because they keep finding us (through word of mouth). Even Priests and Seminarians are now sending us leads (because they've experienced our high-quality meetings / events and are confident and comfortable referring us men, knowing they'll experience something amazing.
This strategy needs more explanation I understand, but that's where I feel all national marketing efforts should be directed. It's a shift in paradigm, I get that, but it's all we do in Adelaide, and I feel our results should mean that suggestion carries some weight. We have never done a pulpit announcement or advertised in any Parish bulletin and don't hand out pamphlets.
Our Archdiocese doesn't even acknowledge our existence.
A quick glance of our new website and you can see how many selling points we have (see what's bolded on our home page). That's not a result of luck, but careful and deliberate planning.
There's a tonne of marketing science behind how we operate, and so far it seems to be working.
The exciting thing is this doesn't just apply to younger Catenians, once understood, any Circle of any average age can use it to attract new members.
Like attracts like (young Catholic men attract young Catholic men OR mature Catholic men attract mature Catholic men … doesn't matter which a Circle chooses but it's a universal law and cannot be ignored), and
Switch from the Push marketing strategy to Pull strategy (Catena is full of examples of Catenian Circles helping schools, universities, fundraising etc (all great causes!) but none of these will generate any serious new member interest from men under 50).
Adelaide City launches new website
Adelaide City Circle has launched its Circle website, you may wish to take a look.
It's two (and only two) purposes are to -
- Educate prospects and
- Capture a prospects details to invite him to our next dinner as a guest.
Our first foursome on the Central Coast
Pictured left to right: Chris Hartcher, Francois Duverge, Stim Robinson and Paul Caboche.Stim Robinson has hosted a convivial coffee session discussing a new Circle on the Central Coast.
The group enjoyed a great outlook with Wamberal lagoon in the background as they discussed the next steps in developing a Circle on the Cenral Coast.
Next gathering was a bushwalk when we had another gent participating along with a visit from ANC Vice President, Graham Short and Province 21 Vice President, Paul Pearson.
Stim, Graham and Paul also met with and gained the support of Parish Priest Fr Vince Casey, who said he was looking forward to working with Catenians to create more connections within his Parish, where parishioners tend to go to one of the 4 Masses offered and don't necessarily connect with those who go to other Masses.
2023 offers great opportunities for Stim's work in establishing Catenians on the Central Coast.
Virtual Trek for Timor 2022 - John Tweedie's challenge
In October 2020, when the Covid pandemic was in a short period of abeyance, I was one of a number of Blue Mountains community members who participated in a very successful Virtual Trek for Timor. Over $80,000 was raised for the numerous projects supported by the Blue Mountains Community in the Timorese subdistrict of Hatobuilico.
During my virtual Trek in 2020, I walked over 150 kms with various walking companions, from Chatswood to Blackheath and raised over $9,000 through the generosity of my sponsors. At the time I was in remission from a type of blood cancer – multiple myeloma - and was feeling super fit. It was a fantastic experience from every perspective and it made what was for many a depressing Covid racked year, into a real highlight for me and my walking companions. The huge amount of funds raised by the many virtual trekkers was of course the icing on the cake.
The Trek is normally held every two years and in 2022, the organisers again decided on a virtual Trek format. In light of the wonderful experience of 2020, I was very eager to participate again. Slight problem though in that my cancer had returned and I was undergoing chemotherapy.
So I decided on what I thought would be a slightly less vigorous trek than in 2020. This time I decided to walk on as much of the newly created “Great West Walk” from Parramatta to Katoomba as I could, before I started on the preliminaries of a much more rigorous form of treatment, a stem cell transplant. Hard to describe this in simple terms, but for most affected people it’s the modern day version of a bone marrow transplant. This was all due to start on 20 October, but fortuitously for me and my trek, it was put back for a week, thus allowing me to complete the entire walk from Paramatta to Katoomba.
Whilst I had intended the walk to be shorter than 2020, in the end I walked 151kms, almost exactly the same distance as in 2020. The reason was the need for a lot of back tracking and rerouting resulting from the floods and washaways that had impacted the track in many places over recent years.
With Graham Short at Wentworth Falls lookout 26 Oct 2020I completed the walk over 7 days during the month of October. My last day was 26 October 2022 when I walked from Lawson to Katoomba with my Catenian friend from Harbourside North Circle, Graham Short . I had spent a lot of time on trips to Timor since my retirement. Graham has accompanied me on two of those trips and has been a great source of support to me both in connection with my activities in Timor and my travails with cancer.
The various projects which are supported by Trek for Timor funds are located in the Sub-District of Hatobuilico, a mountainous area in central Timor Leste. Recently these projects have included:
- Financial contribution towards the running of the Hatobuilico Senior Secondary School, including teacher salaries, teaching resources, student bursaries (this thriving school was set up about 10 years ago and would not exist but for support from Trek for Timor funds);
- Support for several women’s groups across the Hatobuilico Sub-District to gain business and leadership skills, develop economic enterprises and receive information on domestic violence issues.
Hatobuilico Secondary School students learning use of newly donated laptopsPlans for new projects include:
- a library at the Hatobuilico Senior Secondary School;
- a new pre school at the village of Tucaro;
- supporting young people with disabilities to get tertiary education.
Following are some photos, taken at Trek for Timor supported projects, on a recent visit to Timor by Blue Mountains supporters Jude Finch, Mary Waterford and Lesley Sammon.
I have visited Hatobuilico on many occasions over the years and had been able to assist in a practical way with the development of the projects there. Sadly, my current circumstances have made that impossible, at least for the present.
But by my participation in the virtual Trek for Timor, I have still been able to help raise funds for the existing and new projects.
Whilst the virtual Trek for Timor 2022 ended some time ago, it is still possible to make donations for the projects in Hatobuilico. Just contact me at john.tweedie@gmail.com and I can provide details.
Catenians on Marys Walk
I just happened to do the whole of the Sunday 30th Oct Mary's Walk from Kirribilli to Cremorne Point and return in company with local MP for Willoughby Tim James. Submitted by Graham Short, ANC Vice President and Director Province 21
Team Catenian organiser Bro Graham Short Director Province 21 has launched a 'mycause' campaign to raise funds for the Marys House domestic violence refuge service.
His goal is to raise $500.
The 10km walk went from Kirribilli to Mosman, around the foreshore and return, it's not too late to donate to the campaign and share it with your friends and family to help raise the funds my campaign needs.
https://www.mycause.com.au/page/295968/catenians?utm_source=Events+-+Transactional+Emails&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Event+-+Daily+Donation+Summary+%28273684%29&utm_content=Button+-+VIEW+FRP%3Fpopup%3D1
ABOUT MARY'S HOUSE
Mary's House is a community-funded refuge on the lower north shore of Sydney accepting clients of all cultures and denominations from all around Australia.
Mary's House is symbolic of the community's commitment to say no to domestic violence, to reduce risk of harm from domestic violence and save lives.
SAFETY AND BELONGING
The refuge offers respite when clients are at their most vulnerable which clients often remark "gives them time to breathe".
Mary's House Refuge supports up to five families, accepting women and their children escaping domestic violence and is able to connect to external services to secure the safety and welfare of pets. It's a beautiful and functional home, especially appointed to provide safety as well as a sense of belonging.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Clients often arrive with just the clothes on their backs. Once their physical and safety needs are addressed, the process of supporting them to rebuild their lives begins. Immediate support and accommodation includes the essentials of food, clothing and shelter, however it's the support services provided by Mary's House case workers that really help clients get back on their feet. Mary's House team of qualified women case workers all work closely with clients to develop a tailored plan for them to move forward with their lives in line with their own goals and needs.
RELOCATION SERVICES
The operations team at Mary's House Services helps to establish clients in accommodation setting them up with what they need to start again.
Relocation services include transitional housing which helps clients establish a rental history, or rental accommodation, perhaps requiring bridging loans, removal services, or the purchase of appliances and furniture if required.
We are fortunate to receive lots of offers of donations in-kind. All we ask is that items offered are in as-new condition.
Province 21 Provincial Mass
The annual Province 21 Mass, hosted by The Hills Circle, was held at St Michael's Baulkham Hills on Sunday 7th August.
Mass was celebrated by Fr Wim Hoekstra, with the homily given by Deacon Andrew Rooney (to be ordained into priesthood on August 27th).
St Michael's is well known for the extensive use of full height panels of contemporary symbolic stained glass in its construction. In the clear light of a sunny winter morning in The Hills district these were at their spectacular best.
At the commencement of the Mass Fr Wim extended a warm welcome to the Catenians and their families and explained the ways members of the Association live the Catenian spirituality to the congregation, concluding by indicating that the Mass would be celebrated on the Sunday closest to the feast of our Australian Patron saint, St Mary MacKillop.
In a moment of serendipity, Deacon Andrew commenced his homily by reading from the opening paragraphs of Catenian, scholar and author J R R Tolkien's work The Hobbit.
The mass was attended by P21 Director & President and approx. 30 brothers & some wives, representing 7 of the Sydney circles .
Following Mass, The Hills Br President Victor, hosted a social get together at a local cafe.
St Michael's is well known for the extensive use of full height panels of contemporary symbolic stained glass in its construction. In the clear light of a sunny winter morning in The Hills district these were at their spectacular best.
At the commencement of the Mass Fr Wim extended a warm welcome to the Catenians and their families and explained the ways members of the Association live the Catenian spirituality to the congregation, concluding by indicating that the Mass would be celebrated on the Sunday closest to the feast of our Australian Patron saint, St Mary MacKillop.
In a moment of serendipity, Deacon Andrew commenced his homily by reading from the opening paragraphs of Catenian, scholar and author J R R Tolkien's work The Hobbit.
Flourish with Mary's heart
The Australian Catenian Association is blessed to have St Mary of the Cross MacKillop as it's the Patron Saint
The accompanying Commemorative Prayer book Flourish with Mary's heart was written by Congregational leader Sr Monica Cavanagh rsj and sponsored by the Australian National Council as a sign of our commitment to the work of Mary.
The book comprises seven short exercises each of which invites participants to reflect on the words and life of Mary, to pause, pray and take action.
Each exercise would fit comfortably into the prayer section of Circles' monthly meetings and provide an opportunity for brothers to be jointly inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop.
The book comprises seven short exercises on:
Love,
Those in need,
Openness,
Burdens,
Forgiveness,
Troubles and
Loss.
Download 'Flourish wih Mary's Heart'
Best Practice - a worldwide guide for Circles?
An article from the Povince 8 July Newsletter
This aricle provides a Best Practice model for Circles in Province 8 in the UK, could this also be a guide for circles in Australia?
Communication
- Monthly Circle newsletters
- Each Secretary circulates their Newsletter to all other Circle Secretaries.
- Newsletters don't have a common format but a common expectation of the information they carry.
- Meeting date, times, venue and style (Face to face / Hybrid / Zoom), meal cost and bank details, some give the menu.
- Welfare - those who are sick and in need of prayers
- Anniversaries occurring that month
- Recruitment / Visiting gents names.
- Upcoming Social events, some include those of adjacent Circles
- Some carry articles, invariably with photos, about the social events of the previous month.
- Agenda for the meeting
- Contact details (phone and email) for:
- Circle Secretary
- Circle President
- Membership
- Councillors
- Newsletters don't have a common format but a common expectation of the information they carry.
- Each Secretary circulates their Newsletter to all other Circle Secretaries.
- Provincial Newsletter
Membership
- Expectations
- All Circles are encouraged to recruit through:
- Strong social programs
- Strengthening the parish link and engagement
- Seeking to have Circles host / sponsor at least one parish event each year.
- Encouraging Circles to strengthening their relationship/s with the Circle's local clergy.
- Ensuring a warm and engaging welcome to any and all Circle visitors by all Circle Brothers. (The most important person in the room is the one you don't know, it is every Brother's job is to correct that.)
- Tried and Tested
- Pulpit presentations
- Several Circles are planning pulpit presentations, recognising these are made or broken by the numbers and adequacy or otherwise of those at the back of church taking names and contact details after Mass.
- Tap on the shoulder
- Many Brothers, who themselves are out-going, find the 'Tap on the shoulder' by far the most effective approach to recruitment.
- 'Tap on the shoulder' isn't for everyone, where Circles find themselves discomforted by the approach they are encouraged to invite prospective candidates with their wives to Social events.
- Membership is every member's responsibility.
- Social events
- Extending an invitation to Social events is by far the easiest approach especially when a wife can be encouraged to come too.
- Province is encouraging a Catenian lead / sponsoring at / for Parish events.
- It is vital that ALL visitors are given a warm and bright welcome by everyone they encounter at Social events.
- Pulpit presentations
- All Circles are encouraged to recruit through:
4 Phases of Retirement...and the Psychological Challenges
A suggestion from Stim Robinson, golf organiser and Central Coast Group co-ordinator
Imagine squeezing all the juice out of retirement! When interviewed on his research, Dr. Riley Moynes commented, "I wish I knew then what I know now about the psychological challenges that accompany retirement.
It would have made things much clearer and easier." By interviewing hundreds of retirees, he has discovered a framework that can help make more sense of this challenging chapter of our lives…one that, for many, could last for 30 years or more.
If you're retired, this talk will make things much clearer for you. If you're not, you'll have a better idea of what to expect when that time comes.
Catenians are the perfect solution for those about or already retired.
Carlingford celebrate 400 meetings
Some details of the history of Carlingford Circle have been extracted from the Circle archives.
They do not provide the complete history of the Circle. Apologies to any Brother who feels that his role or contribution has not been duly recognised in this summary.
Carlingford Circle 304 was inaugurated by Bro Grand President Harry Yates from Wigan Circle 16 at Curzon Hall, Balaclava Road, Marsfield on 21 November, 1984.
Carlingford was the third Circle in the Sydney Area after the inauguration of the City of Sydney Circle 263 in1971 and Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 284 in 1975.
John Secker was enrolled in Medway Towns Circle 139, in the County of Kent, before he migrated to Australia. He joined Kuring-Gai Circle and, together with the late Bro Brendan O'Connell, Bro Phil Davies and others recruited potential members for a new Circle to be called Carlingford Circle.
The Petition to Grand Council to form the new Circle read:
"We, the undersigned, being Catholic Gentlemen belonging to the professions or being engaged in an executive or administrative capacity in commerce, business or public service, hereby petition the Grand Council to establish a Circle of the Catenian Association in Carlingford" …
The 25 signatory applicants included existing Carlingford Bros John Secker (founder President), Bill Carpenter (founder Treasurer), Laurie Burns, Warren Clarke (founder Marshall), Alan Cuthbert (founder Membership Officer), Ken Morton, Tony Vaz and John's late father, Ken Secker.
Other current Brothers who were also signatories to the Petition and were founder Members of Carlingford Circle included Bro Phil Davies (Life Member, Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 284) and Bro Eric Woodhead (The Hills Circle 308).
The Report by the Australian Area Council (East) that formed part of the Petition to Grand Council – Province 21 had not yet been formed at that time – read:
"We are satisfied with the high standard of the prospective members. Future recruitment prospects in the Carlingford Area are considered to be excellent. It is anticipated that a further 7 Gentlemen will become Founder Members. The present meeting place at Muirfield Golf Club is satisfactory. We are pleased to report that members of the City of Sydney (263) and Kuring-Gai (284) Circles in Sydney support the establishment of the new Circle. We recommend to Grand Council that it gives favourable consideration to this petition."
What a Night! Some of the Brothers at the 100th Dinner included - Left to Right: The late Kevin Gately; the 1994/95 President John O'Grady; Founder Bro Warren Clarke; Bro Noel White; Founder Bro Laurie Burns; and the late Ian McMaster.This Area report was signed by Bros Peter O'Reilly, (then Area Treasurer, the long serving former Secretary of the City of Sydney 263) and the recently deceased Bro Brendan O'Connell RIP (then Area Secretary and Founder President of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 284) whose input into the establishment of Carlingford Circle was particularly commended at the inauguration ceremony.
The first Carlingford Minutes record that there were 56 Catenian Brothers in attendance at the inauguration, including 13 Visiting Brothers from the UK, and that 18 new Catenian Brothers were inducted that night.
On 18th August, 1986, Medway Circle 139 and Carlingford Circle304 signed a Sister/Twin Circle Charter to promote goodwill and fellowship bonds. Medway Towns Circle was disbanded during 2020/21, a victim of ageing and the pandemic, but Carlingford Circle still prays for deceased Brothers from Medway Towns at its monthly meetings.
Bro Don Mees first attended Carlingford Circle at its 20th Meeting on 16th June, 1986 as a visitor from the UK City of Portsmouth Circle. His transfer to Carlingford was ratified at the July 1986 meeting.
Bro Noel White was inducted into the Circle at its 27th Meeting on 16th February, 1987 at the Oatlands Golf Club.
Bro Rob Haddad was inducted at the 39th meeting on 18th April, 1988 at the Epping RSL Club.
Almost 10 years after Carlingford's inauguration, 83 Brothers, including 44 Carlingford and 39 visiting Brothers, celebrated Carlingford's 100th Dinner Meeting at Lauriston House, Dundas on 21st June, 1994. Bro President John O'Grady enrolled Bros Larry Roche and Cyril Tumminello in the Circle during the celebrations. Their enrolment took the Carlingford membership beyond 50.
The 200th Dinner Meeting was held at the Carlingford Bowling Club on 15th July, 2003 when Bro John Secker was again Circle President. There were 27 Carlingford Brothers and 18 visiting Brothers in attendance.
The 300th Dinner Meeting was also held at the Carlingford Bowling Club on 21st August, 2012 when Phil Gallagher was President. There were 23 Carlingford Brothers and 9 visiting Brothers in attendance.
Catenian Golf Links Us
At their recent annual golfing day, brothers from Pittwater and Ku ring gai were treated to excellent weather (surprise!) and a great day out on the picturesque Palm Beach course. KRG won the trophy but were especially happy to be able to catch with some former Pittwater regulars over lunch.
Pittwater Brothers Gordon Rorke and Peter Mc Donald were regular players but recently had to retire their clubs. So it was a treat to have them join us for the lunch as well as having Gavin Williamson there too. There were other Pittwater brothers and family hoping to attend lunch but sadly were unable to attend due to minor health issues cropping up.
Also playing and participating was Jim Phelan (Harbourside North) who was a KRG brother until his move to Milsons Point some years back.
All set for October!
L to R: Claude Jugmans (KRG), Graham Roney (PittW), Jim Phelan (Harbourside Nth and former KRG), Charlie Murton (KRG), Peter Veney (PittW), Gordon Rorke (PittW), Gavin William (PittW), Peter McDonald (PittW), Stim Robinson (KRG) and John White (KRG).
FYI – The numerous bottles of red are prizes and not for immediate consumption.
Going forward, in planning the Provincial Golf Day on Friday 10 March 2023, we intend to include a 9 hole comp for players that feel the 18 holes are too much of a challenge. Assuming the Gordon Golf Club can accommodate us, we intend extending the invitation for any former P21 golf participants to share in the post-game celebrations. This is an ideal opportunity to spend a relaxing time together as Catenian friends and have a good day out.
St Mary MacKillop Calendar - Camino - Portland to Penola, 2023 Calendar
Sketches by the multi-talented Graham Short, ANC Vice-President
On his recent journey on the Australian Camino from Portland to Penola, Graham sketched some of the landmarks in Mary's journey to sainthood.
He has turned those sketches into this downloadable 2023 calendar, which can be downloaded here as a PDF document and printed on your home printer.
Around the Circles
CAIRNS:
A super November meeting and dinner at our new venue; The Holiday Inn, the menu was again very good. Our Circle has been now functioning for around 17 years, which is a tremendous achievement down the support our Brothers give to our Circle and The Catenian Association.
CITY OF SYDNEY:
The heavy social schedule continued with the Melbourne Cup Luncheon at the Occidental Hotel on 1 November 2022. Twelve guests including Bernard Micallef and Graham Short. Graham, apparently for the second year running managed to win the sweep. The Hotel provided a delightful three course meal and hosted a very enjoyable afternoon.
HARBOURSIDE NORTH:
Another Truthful Jones success for Bro Martin Ryan
Bro Martin was the winner of the Truthful Joes competition hosted by Pittwater Circle on 16 November. Martin had been joint winner in 2021, but won outright this year. Congratulations Bro Martin.
Province 21 President Geoff Young presents Martin with the Truthful Jones Trophy.
Manly's January joint meeting with Harbourside North, incorporated the annual battle for the Griffith Virgona Trophy trivia competition, the enrolemen
Antonio Gelonesi (centre) is presented with his Harbourside North tie by acting President Martin Ryan and Membership Officer Graham Short.Manly's January joint meeting with Harbourside North, incorporated the annual battle for the Griffith Virgona Trophy trivia competition, the enrolemen of a new member and a 25 year presentation.
Graham Short (left) and John McCarneyAntonio Gelonesi joins Harbourside North
Antonio was enroled in Harbourside North at the January join meeing wih Manly Circle.
John McCarney serves 25 Years
Manly's John McCarney was also presented with his 25 year certificate by ANC Vice-President Graham Short.
Manly member lured to Harbourside North and wins the Griffith Virgona Trophy for HSN
Manly's Laurie de Ambrosis, having recently become a join member of Harbourside North, was hooked as he walked through the door to represent HSN during the nights trivia.
Laurie using all of his Manly skills went on to win the trivia taking the trohy back to North Harbour after an enthralling night answering the quesions set by Mike McEvoy.
There was a great deal of good humoured discussion as the calmer heads prevailed and Laurie was warmly congratulated by all.
Pictured from left: Peter Griffith's son Paul, winner Laurie de Ambrosis, Phil Virgona's widow Penny, Acting President Marin Ryan, and Manly Presiden David Addington.
Another fantastic Catenian night was had by all.
KU-RING-GAI:
Bobbo Cycle Challenge - Fundraiser
The Bobbo Cycle challenge took place last Sunday 18 September.
Brothers Ken Anania and Martin Stebbings completed the 80 kms route which starts in Turramurra, then on to Mt Colah, down to Bobbin Head , up to Terrey Hills, then down McCarrs Creek Road to Akuna Bay and back via Mona Vale Road to the start point at Karuah Oval Turramurra.
The total climb is over 1,300 metres.
Riders were blessed with a stunning morning and amazing organisation by over 100 volunteers.
To date Brothers Ken and Martin have raised over $6,000 for Lifeline.
Ken will give a presentation of the day at our meeting on Monday 10th October 2022.
MANLY:
Manly's Brian Hamer (right) presenting Harbourside North President Graham Short with his 25-year scroll. Graham is the only remaining member of Harbourside North Circle from the time of its inauguration (as Mosman Circle) in October 1997 and his 25 years as a Catenian was recognised at the 25th Anniversary meeting and Dinner in October, with the presentation of his 25-year scroll.
Brian proposed a toast to Graham and expressed delight that his former underling cadet from the St Aloysius' Corp, who excelled in the spit and polish department, rose to very dizzy heights!
Around The Circles news and photos are taken from Circle newsletters.