Eastern Link
July 2019
Content for Eastern Link is gathered from circle newsletters and notice of meetings, could circle and group secretaries please add p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au to your distribution list, we can also publicise your meetings if a calendar of upcoming speakers and events is included in your circle newsletter.
If you have an article that might be of interest please send a Word document and any photos to p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Contents:
| You are all invited to the Provincial 21 Mass. This year Hornsby Circle 317 is hosting the Mass and dinner. This is a great opportunity for all brothers and their wives to come together to enjoy the occasion and share our brotherhood. We also take the opportunity to celebrate the coming of age of two stalwart Catenians ... |
Catenian Bursary Fund Audio podcast In the podcast Roland McGready, of Cradio, interviews three recipients, Jamie Graham, Tom Jenkins and Xavier Gould about application for funding, experiences as volunteers and the role the Bursary funding played in assisting their work. |
Australian Catholic Youth Festival - a Catenian scholarship to support youth? The Australian Catholic Youth Festival, is a great opportunity for Catenian Circles to support youth in their parishes, as well as getting exposure for your circle, by covering the $220 registration fees for local participants. |
Ku-Ring-Gai's International visits and a significant birthday Brother Ken Anania and Chris Pitts were visitors at a joint meeting of Valetta and Mensija Circles in Malta. President and Vice President of Valetta Circle are seen here with Ken and Chris. While in UK, Brother Martin (a Ku-Ring-Gai joint member) attended a meeting of his principal Circle Reigate. |
| A President's Reflection When Australia broke ties with the Catenians in the UK I thought it would reinvent itself with a new Catholic men's organisation that would be active and vibrant, but alas this does not appear to be happening. |
| The Hills Dinner Discussion - What's next? What are we offering to potential members besides faith /friendship? Why is there a lack of community understanding of who we are? Association must change its thinking and attitude from top down - Concern of impact of apathy from membership - Urgent need for structured action and less talk. |
Catholic Mission - President's Charity At Ku-Ring-Gai's June Ladies night, they were privileged to have three special visitors; Sister Stan Therese Mumni from Ghana , who came with Kathryn Endicott and Roza Vukovich from Catholic Mission. Kathryn Endicott is Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission in the Broken Bay Diocese and Roza Vukovich is assistant manager. |
The CATINDIAN a new monthly newsletter from Panjim Circle 353 After a decade in India we felt that there's a need to have a greater fellowship and brotherhood not just at circle level but also between all the circles in our country and the world. This magazine is a platform to achieve this unity. It will be distributed every month to every brother in India with excellent articles on faith, family and friendship. |
The Life and Times of ANC President George Kazs  ANC President George Kazs is sharing his story with Manly Catenians at their meeting on July 17th. From being a Brother at Canberra, George has held many roles within the Catenians from Director Province 21 and Grand Council Director to being Presidents of the Central Council and the Australian National Council of the Catenians. |
Catenian Bursary Funds being used in Thailand Catenian Bursary Fund recipients, all members of The Cardoner Group, shared their experiences at the June City of Sydney dinner. Campion Fernando and three St Aloysius students, James Dunlop, Hayden McLean and Christian Cipriano spoke about the Jesuit activity in Thailand |
New features on thecatenians.org.au The Catenian website is again in a process of renewal, as are the Catenians. The website has some new features, including - Looking for guest speakers? Under Province 21 > Contacts & General as well as under Area Victoria > Contacts & General we have a link to a page listing speakers that have been informative and well received. |
Catenian Bursary Fund helps Joe Walsh teach in Vietnam My name is Joseph Walsh, I recently travelled to Vietnam for 3 months to take part in a incredible journey and opportunity to teach English to Nuns and young children in some of the smallest and poorest regions in Vietnam. |
Catenians At Work - Australian Style It's a regular weekend activity in Australia, to visit the local hardware superstore, Bunnings, and partake in a sausage in bread. The Dandenong Group, started in 2017, and based around the Dandenong Deanery, which comprises eleven parishes, regularly runs the BBQ at their local Bunnings Hardware. |
| The Pursuit of Happiness - a recruitment initiative by the Dandenong Group An invitation from the Dandenong Group to all Area Victoria Circles and potentail new members, their August meeting guest speaker is Gerard Koe who will speak on: "The Pursuit of Happiness" |
Peter O'Reilly revisits "Tiger's" cricketing beginnings This is where his father Bill (Tiger) O'Reilly, a test cricketer who is rated as one of the greatest bowlers in the game, grew up and started his cricket career playing for Wingello which is a village between Moss Vale and Goulburn. |
Teachers visit Cairns Cairns President Joe Vella welcomed two Marist Brothers to their April meeting and dinner, both are teachers at St Augustine's College in Cairns. Fr Joa and Fr John. |
An update on Medjugorje for The Shire Group Frank Tierney, the President of the Sutherland St. Vincent de Paul Society, made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje last November and had been very moved by the experience. |
Pittwater welcomes Chris Bevan Welcome to new Catenian Chris Bevan who was inducted into Pittwater Circle at the May meeting. Chris and wife Jenny live in Mona Vale and attend St Anthony in the Fields Catholic Church at Terrey Hills. |
Letter from Sr. Susan Interview with Bernard Collaery - PM with Linda Mottram, 5 June 2019. It is particularly instructive: CHART - Clearing House for Archival Records on Timor - I thoroughly recommend a visit to the website of CHART. It is a magnificent resource, the work of long-time Timor advocate John Waddingham and friends. |
Prayers for ... Please remember in your prayers ... |
| Upcoming P21 and Area Victoria Circle speakers, social activities and events All events that we know about that are happenning in Province 21 and Area Victoria |
Letters A response from one of our ladies and a request for a guest speaker list. |
The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Catenian Association.
You are all invited to the Province 21 Provinvcial Mass.
This year Hornsby Circle 317 is hosting the Provincial Mass and this year a dinner.
This is a great opportunity for all brothers and their wives to come together to enjoy the occasion and share our brotherhood.
We also take the opportunity to celebrate the coming of age of two stalwart Catenians, bro Brendan O'Connell and bro David Combes who recently achieved their 90th year.
| Details of the night | |
| Date | Saturday 3rd August 2019 |
| Time | 5pm Mass |
| Place | Holy Name Church Wahroonga 35 Billyard Avenue Wahroonga 2076 |
| Celebrant | Father David Ranson |
| Dinner | Warrawee Bowling Club 1479 Pacific Highway Warrawee |
| Cost | $60 per head, includes predinner drinks, 3 course meal, table wines and entry into a game of chance. |
| RSVP | Early as possible or by Saturday 20th July 2019 |
| Contact | Bro Greg McNally Email:gmcnally46@optusnet.com.au Phone:02 8068 2619 |
| Payment | BSB 062 784 A/c026488200 A/c Name Catenian Association Hornsby Circle |
Catenian Bursary Fund Audio podcast
The third and final audio podcasts commissioned by the ANC is now available -
In the podcast Roland McGready, of Cradio, interviews three recipients, Jamie Graham, Tom Jenkins and Xavier Gould about application for funding, experiences as volunteers and the role the Bursary funding played in assisting their work.
These podcasts came about after the Renewal process identified the need to raise awareness of Catenians amongst both the Catholic laity and clergy.
You are therefore encouraged to not only listen to the podcasts but also to distribute them to your family, friends and colleagues by sharing this registration link with them.
The first two podcasts are available on our website using the following link: www.thecatenians.org.au/about-us/useful-links
Australian Catholic Youth Festival - an opportunity for Catenian Circles to support youth?
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival, is on from the 8th to the 10th of December in Perth.
This is a great opportunity for Catenian Circles to support youth in their parishes or even their own family members by offering a scholarship covering the registration fees for local participants.
Registration fees are $220 for members of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra Goulburn, Melbourne, Hobart and the Diocese of Broken Bay, Bunbury and Parramatta. Meal packages are also available for the 3 days at $90, so the scholarship could be either $220 or $310 including the meal package, making it a little easier for the winners.
Depending on budget, Circles could advertise a scholarship (or more than one), covering the registration fees or the full package for the conference in their parish bulletins, giving great publicity to the Catenians as well as contributing to the youth of our parishes.
The scholarships could be awarded based on submissions of the best 50 words on why they want to go to the festival?
After the event we would then also have stories and photos of the festival illustrating Catenian good works for our various publications or even a guest speaker for a circle meeting?
What is Australian Catholic Youth Festival?
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people (18 - 35 year olds) established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia
Purpose
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival exists to:
- Provide a high quality formative and experiential opportunity for young Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ, in the context of the Catholic Church in Australia;
- Listen to and discuss the issues and challenges in the lives of young Catholics in Australia;
- Evangelise young people and empower them to be evangelists;
- Provide young people with local examples and connections of vocations, social action, liturgy and prayer, catholic music and catechesis.
For more information go to https://youthfestival.catholic.org.au/
If your circle goes ahead with this strategy please let the me know at p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au it would be great to share the news.
Ku-Ring-Gai's International visits and a significant birthday
Members of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle have been busy clocking up those frequent flyer miles and cooking a birthday cake ...
 Brother Ken Anania and Chris Pitts were visitors at a joint meeting of Valetta and Mensija Circles in Malta. President and Vice President of Valetta Circle are seen here with Ken and Chris. |
 While in UK, Brother Martin (a Ku-Ring-Gai joint member) attended a meeting of his principal Circle Reigate. Kevin Redstone (centre) is past President and Provincial Councillor (like Martin). |
 One of our only two remaining Charter Members celebrated his 95th birthday on 22nd June. Brother Greg Scahill, rarely at a loss for words, is seen here contemplating the calories. |
A President's Reflection
To begin with I must thank you all for the opportunity to be the President of this circle for 2 years.
Thank you also for your help and support.
It has been a most enjoyable experience. We as a group have tried several new activities.
Some have worked well and some need to be adjusted.
The Catenian Association in general seems to be in decline in Australia.
A few circles seem to be flourishing while some have declining membership.
This appears to be the trend in all Catholic organizations such as the St. Vincent de Paul.
I don't know if it is lack of interest in religion or apathy. In the case of the Catenians it is partly due to the Provincial Council and ANC being slow to react to change and maintaining the old ceremonies and beliefs.
For example, it is only now beginning to change the prayers, procedures and the dress code.
I do not know the solution to this problem.
We have generally been proactive in finding members but in my term as president I have only inducted one new member.
When Australia broke ties with the Catenians in the UK I thought it would reinvent itself with a new Catholic men's organization that would be active and vibrant, but alas this does not appear to be happening.
However, our social functions have been very well attended and enjoyed by members, friends and visitors.
The river cruises on the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers were a hit with everyone enjoying themselves.
The weekend away in Dubbo was also a great success, thanks in part to John Dinning and his wife.
Our Ladies Nights and Christmas parties have, as always been a success.
Also, the invitation to the occasional drink at the RSL was well received. I hope these continue.
We tried a lunch time meeting to help people who come a great distance and who we do not usually see at our evening meetings. However, it was decided not to have these on a regular basis.
Perhaps that may change with a different venue or time.
Finally, I hope this circle continues to go well and all members enjoy themselves.
In my opinion the most important qualities of the association are Christian, social and friendship. I believe if the association focuses on these values it will grow and the members will grow in their love for life and family.
I congratulate the incoming President and Vice President, George and Victor, I hope they have an enjoyable time as I have.
God Bless
Bro. John Davis
The Hills Circle 308
The Hills Dinner Discussion - What's next?
Topics –
How do we increase membership/ Use of " Friends For Life "book for reference/ Are we too internal with our views.
Various points of view were expressed.
- Essential a strategy plan be developed, agreed to discuss at a executive meeting.
- What are we offering to potential members besides faith /friendship?
- Are we challenged enough to promote our Association?
- Why is there a lack of community understanding of who we are?
- Are we knowledgeable enough to invite our culture base men along to join?
- Must promote beyond our local parishes.
- Circle's strength it's closeness.
- Association must change its thinking and attitude from top down.
- Concern impact of apathy from membership
- Urgent need for structured action and less talk.
- Need to develop a professional approach to communicate to younger Catholics.
- Must follow up on points exposed in "Friends For Life" book, especially those relating how to going forward.
Editors comment:
The points raised in this discussion seem to reflect a general search for answers by all circles, how do we invigorate our own membership, in order to expand and share what we have in Catenians with new members?
To begin, we must look at what we present to potential new members, I recently talked with a fellow parishioner who had been invited to a meeting as a guest of a Catenian circle, his first reaction was that he thought he was at a Masonic meeting (his words), that perception was his reality, so it killed any chance that circle had of gaining a new member.
In theory the Catenian Association is driven from the members up, with this discussion and other examples, the members are calling for help.
Without informed direction, we all struggle with everything from our own identity, to the challenge of how we share the great blessing and gifts of friendship and support we all have in Catenians.
Catholic Mission - President's Charity
At Ku-Ring-Gai's June Ladies night, they were privileged to have three special visitors; Sister Stan Therese Mumni from Ghana , who was joined by Kathryn Endicott and Roza Vukovich from Catholic Mission.
President Brother Paul presents a cheque for $1,000 to Kathry and Sister Stan, from Catholic Mission, Past President Martin's charity last year.Kathryn Endicott is Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission in the Broken Bay Diocese and Roza Vukovich is assistant manager.
Kathryn is seen here speaking about the work of Catholic Mission throughout the world and then in particular about Sister Stan's initiative, Nazareth Home in Ghana.
Sister Stan (pictured above right) spoke passionately about the refuge she had established for disabled children and the difficulties they face on a daily basis in Ghana.
The CATINDIAN, a new monthly newsletter from Panjim Circle 353
Bro. Agostino Fernandes, President, Panjim Circle 353In this 10th year of our existence we, The Panjim Circle, the first circle in India have decided to publish a monthly magazine for the Catenian Association in India.
After a decade in India we felt that there's a need to have a greater fellowship and brotherhood not just at circle level but also between all the circles in our country and the world.
The CATINDIAN a new monthly newsletter from Panjim Circle 353
This magazine is a platform to achieve this unity. It will be distributed every month to every brother in India with excellent articles on faith, family and friendship.
A few brothers from each circle will be profiled each month. We believe this will encourage a deeper fellowship and bring to the fore the great resources and talents we have in our midst.
It will have the daily scripture reflection so we can also pray together each day. It will be sent to all the parishes and bishop houses where we have existing circles and propose to open new circles.
Copies will be sent each month to every circle in the UK, Australia and Malta, thus effectively showcasing our vibrant circles and the depth of our brotherhood.
It will list the birthdays and anniversaries of all the brothers in that month.
It will serve as a very good way for circles to promote their special events well in advance. Many more attractive features will be added in the months to come.
Download the CATINDIAN (PDF 20.4Mb)
The Life and Times of ANC President George Kazs
Manly Circle 322 is delighted to host a brother’s night for George Kazs, President of the Australian National Council, on the 17 July 2019 at Manly Golf Club, Balgowlah Rd. Manly.
From being a Brother at Canberra, George has held many roles within the Catenians from Director Province 21 and Grand Council Director to being Presidents of the Central Council and the Australian National Council of the Catenians.
George was pivotal in the changes of our Constitution, Governance, policies and procedures that were required to ensure that Australia could impart it’s own unique style and independance within the Catenian movement. George supported by his late wife Elaine, demonstrated single mindedness and diplomacy in these amazing achievements.
Our Catering Officer, Romano di Donato romlaw1@tpg.com.au, will receive bookings up to COB Monday 15 July.
Catenian Bursary Funds being used in Thailand
Catenian Bursary Fund recipients, all members of The Cardoner Group, shared their experiences at the June City of Sydney dinner.
Campion Fernando and three St Aloysius students, James Dunlop, Hayden McLean and Christian Cipriano spoke about the Jesuit activity in Thailand and the valued aid they were presenting to the Thai students and the organisation of their schools in their 2018 visit.
They also helped in the refugee camps for the Muslims from Myanmar who were seeking refuge in Thailand. They were helping with the supply of shelter and blankets for the unfortunale people.
They were counteracting the devastation caused by the Communists in Myanmar. The help these poor peole needed to be self-sustainable especially growing the crops of rice and bananas.
The Catholic influence was always present with Mass every Sunday and they nearly all wore a cross around their necks. They are now organising for some of the refugees and locals to come to Australia and training them in the hospitality industry.
They had an excellent slide presentation and their delivery on the night was first class - a tribute to their schooling and their faith. All in all a very enlightening presentation by the now universty students.
New features on thecatenians.org.au - your website
The Catenian website is again in a process of renewal, as are the Catenians.
The website has some new features, including -
Looking for guest speakers?
Under Province 21 > Contacts & General as well as under Area Victoria > Contacts & General we have a link to a page listing speakers that have been informative and well received.
To add a speaker to the list please email p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au including contact details and some information regarding their area of expertise and perhaps what they talk about.
Unique Circle page
thecatenians.org.au has an existing page for each circle under Province 21 > Contacts & General and Area Victoria > Contacts & General where all Circles and Groups are listed.
These pages can be expanded with information unique to your circle, an example can be seen under Procince 21 at Manly Circle 322, the only standard information is the meeting time and location and the Circle office bearers, the rest is open, email webmaster@thecateinas.org.au with your ideas.
Circle innovations and ideas
In Province 21 > Contacts & General > Circle Innovations and ideas and Area Victoria > Contacts & General > Circle Innovations & ideas we have a list of innovations and ideas for social events or different things to try, this is a living document which can be added to at any time, just email p21.newsletter@the catenians.org.au
Events
In Province 21 > Events, and Area Victoria > Events, we display a list of events, significant circle meetings, upcoming circle guest speakers, social events, Provincial Golf Days, even Provincial Council meetings from all circles in Province 21.
This page allows quick access to all circle and provincial activities, and guest speakers all aimed at sharing information.
Email p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au with your circle contributions to the list.
Find a Circle
The Find a Circle feature is on the public side of the site where a prospective new member or an overseas visitor might be looking for a meeting close to home.
Here is an opportunity for each circle to include a paragraph or two about their circle.
For an example, again search for Manly Circle (Ed: my circle) for the kind of information you might include.
Please submit your circle's information to webmaster@thecatenians.org.au
Online Order Form for Regalia
This new form is a work in progress will be online in the coming weeks.
Any other ideas?
We're looking for ideas on any other information or features we could include to make your Catenian lives easier.
Please email webmaster@thecatenians.org.au with any ideas or information.
All of these new features rely on you and your circle sharing your information and stories, all Catenians will benefit by sharing information on your speakers or things you've tried, whether they have worked well or maybe not so much.
Catenian Bursary Fund helps Joe Walsh teach in Vietnam
My name is Joseph Walsh, I recently travelled to Vietnam for 3 months to take part in a incredible journey and opportunity to teach English to Nuns and young children in some of the smallest and poorest regions in Vietnam.
We spent a solid 3 months working Monday – Saturday, allowing us to have time off on Sundays to explore the amazing country that Vietnam is.
Each day was action packed and full of fun but also hard work.
During the day (7am – 5pm) we were in pre school classes for young children, with ages ranging from about 2-5 years old .
Here we acted as helpers to the class and also taught some English. Our duties also included helping feed the children at lunch time, as well as putting them to sleep for afternoon naps.
Following dinner at around 7pm, we would have mass with the nuns and some of the Orphans that live in the Convent, (where we stayed), where after mass we then taught English for about an hour and a half to the nuns, ages ranging from 21 – 45 years old.
It was great to see the catholic community so strong in such small, remote and poor villages in Vietnam. In these areas Catholicism is there world, they live around religion, and considering they are so poor, it provides a sense of community, which was so great to see.
I want to thank the massive support from the Catenian Bursary Fund that helped to allow me to experience this incredible journey, which has influenced my life so greatly!
Joseph Walsh.
Catenians At Work - Australian Style
It's a regular weekend activity in Australia, to visit the local hardware superstore, Bunnings and partake in a sausage in bread.
The Dandenong Group, started in 2017, and based around the Dandenong Deanery, which comprises eleven parishes, regularly runs the BBQ at their local Bunnings Hardware.
Besides being a time for the Brothers to get to know each other better, it raises funds for the development of the Group and local welfare agencies.
It is a long day with the Bunnings, requiring the BBQ to operate from 9 AM to 4 PM, but the hardworking Brothers enjoy their time together and are planning to run more as a way of promoting their Group within the community.
This BBQ made net $900.00.
The Pursuit of Happiness - a recruitment initiative by the Dandenong Group
An invitation from the Dandenong Group to all Area Victoria Circles and potentail new members, their August meeting guest speaker is Gerard Koe who will speak on:
"The Pursuit of Happiness"
Gerard was a Counselor at Cyrene Centre. Now counseling at Catholic Care. He has a vast knowledge of Drugs and Alcohol addiction. He studied at Lewis University in Illinois wherein he obtained a first class honors degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling.
Venue: Sandown Greyhound Entertainment Centre, 15-21 View Road Springvale, VIC 3171
When: Tuesday August 13th, 2019
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Free of charge for visitors, $25 for visiting Brothers
RSVP: Edgar Tellis (Mob) 0404209311 or email edgartellis@rocketmail.com by 6th August 2019.
Light Refreshment will be served with tea/coffee
The Dandenong Group are inviting people from their local parishes to this talk in an effort to create awareness of Catenians and new memberships.
Peter O'Reilly revisits "Tiger's" cricketing beginnings
Peter and Lorelie with Rev. Jeremy Tonks the local minister & cricket tragicCity of Sydney secretary Peter O'Reilly and Lorelie were invited down to the Southern Highlands to do the presentations at the Wingello Tigers Cricket Club who had won the First and Third Grade Premierships in the Highlands District.
This is where his father Bill (Tiger) O'Reilly, a test cricketer who is rated as one of the greatest bowlers in the game, grew up and started his cricket career playing for Wingello which is a village between Moss Vale and Goulburn.
It was a typical country show with all the families there and lots of laughter.
They even had the local Anglican Pastor playing for the club – Rev. Jeremy Tonks.
Teachers visit Cairns
(left to right) Simon Coolican, Fr John and Mark Johnston. 
Dom Scali (left) with Fr. Joa, his tutor from Dom’s school days down in Innisfail. They really enjoyed catching up. Dom himself is a Teacher. Cairns President Joe Vella welcomed two Marist Brothers to their April meeting and dinner, both are teachers at St Augustine's College in Cairns. Fr Joa and Fr John.
It was nice as some of our Brothers were taught by them when they were at school.
Brother Dom Scali particularly enjoyed sitting with Br Joa who taught him Italian and Geography. at his school in Innisfail.
An update on Medjugorje for The Shire Group
Les Austin (Secretary), John Tweedie, Kevin Doherty, (Group Development Officer) Paul Marsden, (Chairman), Frank Tierney, (Guest Speaker) and Graham Cosatto.The Shire Group met for their June meeting at Club on East in Sutherland.
Frank Tierney, the President of the Sutherland St. Vincent de Paul Society, made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje last November and had been very moved by the experience.
His talk was followed by a series of short videos which were inspiring and the group were all struck by the huge number of young people from all over the world who are visiting this shrine.
Pittwater welcomes Chris Bevan
Pittwater President Peter McDonald with Chris Bevan (right)Welcome to new Catenian Chris Bevan who was inducted into Pittwater Circle at the May meeting.
Chris and wife Jenny live in Mona Vale and attend St Anthony in the Fields Catholic Church at Terrey Hills.
Chris is a practising barrister working out of Wentworth Chambers in Phillip Street, Sydney.
Chris was introduced into the circle by Bro Kevin Doherty. Nice to have you with us, Chris.
Letter from Sr. Susan
Interview with Bernard Collaery
PM with Linda Mottram, 5 June 2019. It is particularly instructive:
CHART - Clearing House for Archival Records on Timor
I thoroughly recommend a visit to the website of CHART. It is a magnificent resource,
the work of long-time Timor advocate John Waddingham and friends.
You might join me in donating to this important work.
office@timorarchives.info
World Council of Churches on West Papua
Here is a link to a very recent statement of the World Council of Churches on West Papua. Well worth reading.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/executive-committee/bossey-may-2019/the-wcc-executive-committee-statement-concern-and-solidarity-for-west-papua
West Papua
It's not too late to add your name to this petition for the Listing of West Papua on the Decolonisation List. This petition will be taken to Canberra in August.
https://www.change.org/p/gillian-bird-add-west-papua-to-the-un-decolonization-list-at-the-2019-general-assembly?recruiter=944407893&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition/
Nina and the Stolen Children of Timor
You may remember that thousands of children were taken from East Timor during the occupation.
This YouTube Video confronts this unresolved reality. I found it very moving.
Very best wishes
Susan
Sister Susan Connelly
14 Yerrick Road
Lakemba NSW 2195
0498 473 341
www.justly/info
Upcoming P21 and Area Victoria Circle speakers, social activities and events
| Date | Title | Detail | Contact |
| Thursday 11th July | Harbourside North Circle meeting | 250th meeting, a ladies night. Mosman Community Centre and Art Gallery, Vista Street and Art Gallery Way, Mosman | CATERING OFFICER Philip Guiney Mob: 0450 090 026 Em: philip.guiney@gmail.com |
| Monday 22nd July | Provincial Council meeting No 131 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills | |
| Saturday 3rd August | Province 21 Mass | 5pm Mass at Holy Name Parish Church – 35 Billyard Ave Wahroonga Hosted by Hornsby Circle - Dinner and 90th Birthday celebrations for Brendan O'Connell and David Combe will follow at the Warrawee Bowling Club / Function Centre, 1479 Pacific Highway Warrawee Drinks at 6:30pm and dinner at 7pm Access is via the highway travelling East towards the city CBD |
|
| Wednesday 7th August | City of Sydney Clergy night | If you have an acquaintance who is a priest, nun or brother or reverend please invite them to the Occidental on the 3rd July 2019. | CATERING OFFICER John Crawford 0419 608 888 jcrawford@vjr.com.au |
| Thursday 8th August | Gold Coast / Tweed Circle meeting | 100th Circle meeting, South Tweed Sports' Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed | CATERING OFFICER John Brown 0488 071 969 Brownyam24@gmail.com |
| Tuesday 13th August | The Pursuit of Happiness - a recruitment initiative by the Dandenong Group | Gerard Koe was a Counselor at Cyrene Centre. Now counseling at Catholic Care. He has a vast knowledge of Drugs and Alcohol addiction. He studied at Lewis University in Illinois wherein he obtained a first class honors degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling. | Venue: Sandown Greyhound Entertainment Centre, 15-21 View Road Springvale, VIC 3171 When: Tuesday August 13th, 2019 Time: 7:00pm Cost: Free of charge for visitors, $25 for visiting Brothers RSVP: Edgar Tellis (Mob) 0404209311 or email edgartellis@rocketmail.com by 6th August 2019. |
| Wednesday 21st August | O'Connell Cup | Manly Circle Meeting at Manly Golf Club, at 6:30 for 7:00pm. |
Catering Officer - Romano Di Donato romlaw1@tpg.com.au or 0407 153 626 |
| Thursday 22nd August | Parramatta Circle meeting | The guest speaker will be Ken Moroney, ex NSW Police Commissioner. Lachlans Restaurant, Old Government House, Parramatta Park, Parramatta | CATERING OFFICER Phil Russo 9630 3310 prusso34@optusnet.com.au |
| Tuesday 27th August | The Hills Pres. Mass and Ladies night | Local circles are invited to attend The Hills Presidents Mass & Ladies night at 7.00pm followed by dinner at 8.00pm. Venue : St Joseph's Baulkham Hills, 33 Barina Downs Rd., Norwest Dinner, $45 per head – 2 course incls wine & coffee/tea |
Paul Despoges |
| Thursday 5th September | Canberra Circle - Theatre night | My Brilliant Divorce, The Q in Queanbeyan. My Brilliant Divorce is presented by HIT Productions, the team that brought you Shirley Valentine and Always…Patsy Cline. The show has been a hit in 28 countries around the world. My Brilliant Divorce sees star Mandi Lodge, award winning director Denny Lawrence and HIT Productions again combining their talents. | If you are interested in attending this show, please email: canberra.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au. by 31 July 2019. An optional pre-show dinner at the Turquoise Turkish Restaurant (near the theatre) will also be arranged. |
| Sunday 22nd September | Hawkesbury River Cruise | Hawkesbury River Cruise with members of Ku-Ring-Gai, Carlingford and Hills Circles | Catering Officer Phil Davies 0412 259 234 phjrdavies@gmail.com |
| Wednesday 2nd October | Truthful Jones | City of Sydney |
Catering Officer - John Crawford 0419 608 888 jcrawford@vjr.com.au |
| Sunday 27th October | Carlingford Golf Day | Sefton Golf Club | |
| Monday 28th October | Provincial Council meeting 132 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills | |
| Thursday 28th November | Canberra Circle - Theatre night | Waiting in the Wings, Theatre 3 | John McWilliam jamcwilliam@icloud.com |
| Tuesday 17th December | Carlingford - Parramatta Joint meeting | Carlingford to host | |
| Wednesday January 15th | Manly - Mosman Joint meeting | Manly to host the annual Griffith Virgona Trophy Trivia challenge. | Manly Catering officer Romano DiDonato - romlaw1@tpg.com.au |
| Tuesday 21st January | Carlingford - The Hills Joint meeting | Carlingford to host | |
| Monday 3rd February | Provincial Council meeting 133 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills | |
| Friday 13th March (TBC) | Province Golf Day | Course TBD | |
| Monday May 4th (TBC) | AGM and Provincial Council Meeting 134 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills |
Prayers for...
Please remember in your prayers -
Recently deceased:
Nick Anastasia (formally of Harbourside North)
Brother Plunkett Sweeney of City of Sydney Circle.
Manly
Michael Van Ommen (now living in Wollongong) has been on a second course of chemo but is still very positive.
Michael says he is still on chemo for his cancer, but his specialist is amazed how well he is doing. Michael is also very involved in church work, being an acolyte and reader in the Cathedral in Wollongong, a member of the St Vincent de Paul and a catechist.
Pittwater
Our current "prayer list" consists of Margaret and Barry McNamara; Jacqui and Russell Collins; Peter McDonald and Josephine Pezzano ; Chris Micallef ; Bob and Val Whittaker; Bob and Shirley Basham; Lionel and Maureen Stacey; Pat and Betty Quinn; Bob and Marita Dartnell and grandson Anthony; Garry Gleeson; Gordon Rorke; Merv and Margaret Schloeffel and Keith Norris.
City of Sydney
Bro. Bob O'Mara has visited Bro. Guy Cassar in RNS hospital where he had been admitted for tests for cardiac problems. He was in good spirits and entertained Bob for quite some time. Poor Guy has not enjoyed good health for some time and our prayers and thoughts go out to him and his wonderful wife Celile.
The Hills
Br Milan & Mary; Br Paul Roberts B.I.L, Br Peter Huby's brother & Sylvia Fagan.
Letters
I enjoyed reading Eastern Link and always look forward to the arrival of the next Catena magazine.
In the UK there is the UCM (Union of Catholic Mothers) so I am surprised that there is no such Circle over here.
Yes, I do believe that Ladies would like to meet together socially but I would comment as follows:
Wives of Catenian members often do meet independently, socially;
Wives enjoy accompanying their husbands to social functions;
Wives may find it difficult to get to independent meetings due to work or family commitments or if they would be unable to physically get to meetings without the assistance of their husbands.
I am personally happy with the way things run now. I believe it is important that wives are invited to join social events that are designed to include Ladies.
Kind regards,
Mrs Genevieve Stebbings
Congratulations on a great newsletter - informative, not too long and an enjoyable read.
A suggestion - include a list of recent Circle talks/presentations as a list of potential speakers for other Circles.
A problem would be rating the speakers - for example, I have delivered a few presentations, with hindsight self-ratings including "great" and "boring".
Fraternal regards
Michael
Circle 334
Ed: Great idea Michael, we've begun a speakers list page in both Province 21 Contacts & General and Area Victoria Contacts & General, anybody can submit speakers for these lists to p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au