Eastern Link
July 2021
If you or your Circle is doing anything that might be of interest to other Circles, social activities, new ideas, keynote speakers coming up, helpful tips, or just of general interest, please share that information and photos (if possible) through Eastern Link by emailing p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Without your stories Eastern Link doesn't exist.
Contents:
| It's time to prepare for the National Conference in August First, if you don't already have a Zoom account, don't wait until the last minute to set up one. Second, ensure your profile, particularly your email address, is correct on the Catenian Members database by visiting the Members Portal at https://portal.docusoftcircle.com/login.aspx?Code=0058 |
City of Sydney 50th Celebration Dinner Delayed to 4th August The Covid lockdown has thwarted City of Sydney Circles' original plans for the Celebration dinner on July 7th. Council had a zoom meeting last evening and the dinner has been moved to the first Wednesday 4th August. |
2021 Australian Catholic Men's Gathering - register now Gatherings will take place in parishes and dioceses from July 31, 2021. Please visit www.catholicmensgathering.com.au to learn more and to register. There are already more than 150 participant registrations and a growing number of hosting sites. We anticipate over 1000 men gathering across sites in every state and territory of Australia. |
Catenian sleeps rough to promote the Vinnies Winter Appeal The snow may have melted by the time members of Blackheath Vinnies held its soup kitchen and sleepout on Saturday, June 12, but the overnight temperature still hovered at around zero. While raising funds for the Vinnies Winter Appeal, the team aimed to raise awareness to the homeless living in the Blue Mountains community. |
Polenta Crusted Halloumi Fries with Sweet Chilli and Tomato Jam recipe Crispy and gooey, halloumi fries are the ultimate comfort food, especially with a tangy sweet chilli dipping sauce. Originating from North and Central Italy, polenta provides a great base for flavour and texture when the halloumi fries are coated in the meal mix. The ideal sharing dish that's perfect for getting the party started! |
| News from Around the Circles News gathered from Circle Newsletters. |
Vale John Bigeni Manly Brother John Bigeni passed away on Wednesday 7 July. His wife Margaret said John had been going through the wars a bit with his health lately although he was doing ok, but on Wednesday 7 July, he suffered a fatal stroke at home in the morning - he was taken to hospital, but nothing could be done. |
Your Prayer's are needed for … Please pray for Catenians and members of the extended Catenian network listed ... |
Let's have a laugh... In a new section, as many newsletters have this section, I thought I'd join in |
It's time to prepare for the National Conference in August
Now that we have received and circulated the Motions to be considered at the 2021 Australian National Conference, the next milestone on our journey to Saturday, 21 August is the Registration of attendees. This will be an on-line process and you should expect to receive an invitation to register to attend the Conference in the near future.
As we approach this milestone our preparations to deliver the Conference have moved from conceptual to practical. Following the successful delivery of the GB National Conference in May using Zoom webinar software, the ANC has purchased a license to use this application.
The Province 21 Conference Coordinating Committee has recently joined ANC Secretary, John Secker, in an initial webinar to develop familiarity with the software in operation. This process of familiarisation and skill development will continue as the Conference approaches.
While you're waiting to register to attend the Conference you also can start preparing.
First, if you don't already have a Zoom account, don't wait until the last minute to set up one. Zoom is a free App which allows you to make and receive video calls on your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. To download the App go to: https://zoom.us/ , click on the red button "Sign up, it's free" at the top right of the screen. You will be asked for your date of birth, for verification purposes. The next screen will ask for your email address; finally you'll be asked to take the "I'm not a robot" test by selecting photos with a nominated common feature. Done! You'll receive an email verifying of your success.
Second, ensure your profile, particularly your email address, is correct on the Catenian Members database by visiting the Portal. Go to: https://portal.docusoftcircle.com/login.aspx?Code=0058 and sign in using your email address. If your current email is not recognised, get in touch with your Circle Secretary and ask him to update the database. If you haven't previously registered to access the Portal, click on "Create portal account" and follow the prompts. If you already have a Portal account, there is a "forgot password" feature if you memory needs a lifeline.
Once your password admits you to the Portal, go to "My Profile", it's below the orange "Messages" in the left column, to confirm or correct your details.
Finally, don't wait until the last minute to think about the Motions to be considered by the Conference. These Motions and the Explanatory Notes provided by the proponents have already been notified to you by the ANC Secretary, as required by the Association's Rules and can be found on the Catenian website at https://www.thecatenians.org.au/conference
City of Sydney 50th Celebration Dinner Delayed to 4th August
Ian Tasker Frank Browne Norbert de Rome Brendan O’Çonnell, Reg Joyce, GP Douglas Jenkins, Plunkett Sweeney, Ray Overs at the original dinner 50 years agoThe Covid lockdown has thwarted City of Sydney Circles' original plans for the Celebration dinner on July 7th.
Council had a zoom meeting last evening and the dinner has been moved to the first Wednesday 4th August.
"We had thought that the 22nd July, the actual 50 years exactly, might be suitable but the Occidental was booked."
"We trust that the severe lockdown regulations have completely eased by then!"
Peter Gialouris and Peter Tilbrook will organise the Trybooking Ticket System for the postponed date and refunds for those whom cannot come to the new date.
Book for the August 4th diner at City of Sydney https://www.trybooking.com/BRZFT.
2021 Australian Catholic Men's Gathering - register now
Gatherings will take place in parishes and dioceses from July 31, 2021. Please visit www.catholicmensgathering.com.au to learn more and to register.
There are already more than 150 participant registrations and a growing number of hosting sites. We anticipate over 1000 men gathering across sites in every state and territory of Australia. It is great that so many are able to gather at so many venues and we also recognise that many people will need to participate individually.
2021 Materials
This year's materials include an introduction session and three pre-recorded modules, all with new presenters that can be used with your group or accessed individually. The keynote presenters for this year are Tomasz Juszczak, Tim Davis and Shayne Bennett, with additional input from Archbishop Julian Porteous, Jude Hennessy and Robert Falzon. All pre-recorded materials will be available for download on the website by Friday, July 30.
Participant reflections, prayers and hosting resources have been prepared, which will also be made available on the website. A novena prayer will begin on Thursday, July 22 as we lead into our gatherings. The hosting guide provides draft programs, reflection questions and tips for gatherings or individual reflection.
If you would like to join with a group in your diocese, a list of registered hosting sites will be available on the website and will increase in the coming weeks. Please email info@nce.catholic.org.au if you need assistance connecting with a local gathering or have any further questions.
Finally, we encourage you to promote the Australian Catholic Men's Gathering in your own networks. Promotion images and tools can be found on the website and please follow the National Centre for Evangelisation on Facebook for additional announcements and updates.
Mr Malcolm Hart
Director
National Centre for Evangelisation
An agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
director@nce.catholic.org.au
Catenian sleeps rough to promote the Vinnies Winter Appeal
Vinnies members John Tweedie and Pamela Nash sleeping rough.The snow may have melted by the time members of Blackheath Vinnies held its soup kitchen and sleepout on Saturday, June 12, but the overnight temperature still hovered at around zero.
While raising funds for the Vinnies Winter Appeal, the team aimed to raise awareness to the homeless living in the Blue Mountains community.
"You might think sleeping rough for just one night was no more than a fundraising gimmick, but we saw it as our way of showing respect for the people we assist, by enduring for that one night the discomfort of sleeping out in the bitterly cold Blackheath conditions - getting a taste of what it is like for them," said Vinnies volunteer and sleepout participant, John Tweedie.
"We were sustained by the fantastic soups prepared by our soup kitchen supporters."
Homelessness and the way it affects children and families is the theme of this year's Vinnies' Winter Appeal.
Macquarie MP Susan Templeman with Blackheath Vinnies president Karen Hayward.Blackheath Vinnies president and another of the rough sleepers, Karen Hayward said that support was regularly provided to people living in caves, in cars and "anywhere they can find some shelter".
"We try to provide them with accommodation in local hotels and motels, but it can only ever be short term," she said. "We also try to make things a little more comfortable with blankets, swags and warm coats."
Showing their support for Blackhealth Vinnies was State Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle and Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman.
While Ms Doyle couldn't attend the night, she visited the group the week prior to show her solidatiry to the cause. Ms Templeman did attend and shared her appreciation for Vinnies, telling the group how the organisation had helped her family and others when their homes were destroyed by fire in the Winmalee/Springwood fires of October 2013.
Donations to the Winter Appeal can be made at the Vinnies website, donate.vinnies.org.au/winter-appeal.
Polenta Crusted Halloumi Fries with Sweet Chilli and Tomato Jam recipe
Crispy and gooey, halloumi fries are the ultimate comfort food, especially with a tangy sweet chilli dipping sauce.
Originating from North and Central Italy, polenta provides a great base for flavour and texture when the halloumi fries are coated in the meal mix. The ideal sharing dish that's perfect for getting the party started!
Serves 6, 35 mins plus cooling, 162 calories / serving - Freezable
Ingredients...
225g pack halloumi
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbsp (50g) fine corn meal
1 tsp vegetable or groundnut oil
For the sweet chilli & tomato jam
60g pack red chillies, deseeded and chopped
4 vine tomatoes (175g), chopped
150ml or 1/2 cup rice or white wine vinegar
1 tsp table salt
50g caster sugar
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
Method…
- To make the chilli jam, blitz the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Scrape into a small pan, bring slowly to the boil, then bubble over a low-medium heat for 12-15 mins, stirring occasionally to stop it catching, until thickened. Pour into a bowl; set aside to cool and thicken more.
- Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220C, fan 200C.
- Cut the halloumi into 1.5cm chip-sized sticks and pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Mix the paprika and corn meal in a bowl with a little salt.
- Drizzle the halloumi with the oil; toss to coat in the corn meal mix.
- Transfer to a lined baking tray.
- Bake the halloumi for 15 mins, turning halfway, until golden.
- Serve with the chilli jam for dipping.
Freezing and defrosting guidelines Freeze coated uncooked halloumi only. In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date.
Around the Circles
News gathered from Circle Newsletters.
Cairns:
Strengthening life through friendship and faith…
We had another super meeting this month. Pictured right is our amazing Circle Treasurer Brother Michael and his father Brother Mike. Both very well-respected Brothers of our Circle. There was lot's to discuss at our meeting which was followed at our dinner. I am so lucky I am able to join in via Zoom from the UK. City of Cairns Brothers are a shining example to our Association and its principles. - Peter Cash in Bournemouth
Student sponsorship?
Cairns Circle is investigating the support a final year student each year as they proceed to university in a teaching degree with the diocese guaranteeing the graduate a position on graduation. Discussion has taken place around the type of award\assistance to be provided.
Catscan
In this month's edition of CATSCAN we popped in to visit our President, Joe Vella, at his office on Mulgrave Road in Parramatta Park. Here are a few curly questions for him:
Joe and Maryanne with four of their lovely grandchildren1. Where were you born? Sliema, Malta.
2. What childish thing do you still enjoy doing? Giggling.
3. Wh?e Quatro. I got on stage with her and she signed my album and then kissed me!
6. If you were to cook your best meal, what would it be? Lightly pan fried Atlantic Salmon, encrusted in Dukkah and Wasabi, served with steamed bok choy. Zucchini and Carrot to the side.
7. What is the best concert you have ever been to and where? Sir Paul McCartney in Japan.
8. What are you terrified of? Sharks.
9. What was your favourite TV show when you were a child? Gilligans Island and the Mickey Mouse Show. I was a Muskateer actually!
10. If you left Cairns, where would you go? Lake Barrine, Tinaroo.
11. What is your most favourite item sold in Coles or Woolworths? Peanut Paste. I can dip my finger into it and go from there….
12. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Colin Firth. He reminds me of me!
13. What was the last thing you ate (Tell the truth!)? Toasted bacon, egg, cheese and avocado sandwich.
14. What is the favourite object you own? My father's engagement ring. I wear it 24/7 except for when I am gardening.
15. What do you think would be the worst job in the world? Thunder box cleaner.
16. What law would you abolish if you could? Political correctness. It's not really a law, more like a rule.
17. Nominate a year in time you would like to have lived in and why? The 1950's. It was after the war and the depression, and the beginning of the modern day era.
18. If you could be invisible for one day, where would you go? Heaven (as long as I could come back).
19. What is your favourite junk food? Ice Cream and Peanut MnMs.
20. If you could enter the Olympics, which sport would you choose? Weight lifting or boxing.
Pick one:
Dog or Cat? DOG
Cardio or Weights? CARDIO
Cake or Pie? PIE
Horror movie or comedy? COMEDY
Beer or wine? WINE
Canberra:
Nominations for Provincial Councillor
With George Kazs' moving to Melbourne, the Circle needs a new Provincial Councillor. Nominations are therefore called for a member to fill the position of ProvincialCouncillor.
To be eligible for this role, you must have previously have served on the Circle's Council for a period of at least three years. Attendance at Provincial Council meetings can be via Zoom.
Nominations should be provided to Coll Marshall (marshall.coll@gmail.com).
Newsletter Editor
John McWilliam will be stepping down from his role as newsletter editor. Nominations are sought from members to
take on this role.
The newsletter can be very simple. It does not need to retain the current format (e.g. a simple Word document would suffice).
John will provide a handover to the new editor. Please let John McWilliam know if you are willing to take on this role.
Our June Meeting
There were 30 members at our June meeting.
Bruno Malau is welcomed to the CircleBruno Malau was enrolled and welcomed to the Circle and the Association. That means we now again have 50 members.
L to R: Brian Fish, George Kazs and Chris RuleNormal business was discussed at the meeting before dinner.
The meeting was then adjourned and continued after dinner, when the Circle considered Council's proposals for the Way Forward.
There was an animated discussion of the best way forward for the Circle. Some members were concerned at advice that Province regards the Circle as a 'pariah', because it is seen as wanting to stretch the membership rules. An alternative view is that the Circle would have been a beacon of light in pointing the way forward.
There was also an expressed preference by some members for the current men'sonly membership.
Council's proposals were for every Circle meeting to be a ladies night and for women to be invited to attend Circle meetings as permanent guests. The Circle decided against these proposals until this is permitted by constitutional change.
The outcome of the discussion is that nothing will change until the Association's constitution is amended to allow Circles to enrol women members. This emphasises the importance of the proposals to the August National Conference, if there is to be change.
Council had also proposed to seek legal advice to clarify compliance of the Association's constitution with discrimination law in the ACT (and nationally) and with Canon Law. The meeting decided that these matters be determined by Province 21 and the Australian National Council.
The cluster groups will continue as men's-only groups, until there is constitutional change, but they need to be more active in liaising with parishes and building a membership base in their local areas.
Carlingford:
Welcome to lock-down – again! The activities proposed in this Newsletter are subject to the Public Health Orders in force at the times proposed and thus may be subject to change if required by those orders.
The next gathering of Carlingford Circle 304 is scheduled to be a JOINT MEETING with the Hills and the City of Parramatta Circles at the Southern Cross Hall, St Joseph's Centre, 33 Barina Drive, Norwest at 6.15pm for 7.00pm on Tuesday 27th July, 2021. It will be a Ladies' night.
* * Please take note of the time, date and venue which differ from our normal monthly schedule. Please note also the earlier RSVP date below, as requested by the host Circle, the Hills. * *
The proposed agenda is-
6.15 for 7.00 pm – finger food and drinks
7.00 pm – Prayers and all business deferred meeting
7.15 pm - Guest Speaker, Sr Ann, rsj, whose topic is "First Nations call to all Australians regarding the Uluru Statement from the Heart."
8.00 pm – Dinner, 2 course meal including drinks
Dress is smart casual and the cost is $50 per person.
Circle News
Brothers were pleased to welcome Bro Bill Grattan as a new member of our Carlingford Circle following his installation at our June meeting. We hope that Bill enjoys many years of fellowship within the Association.
Bill has been listed on the Association database as Member ID 63478.
The Tuesday morning coffee club at Cucina di Luca, Carmen Drive has been cancelled during the COVID lockdown. The venue has recently changed hands.
At its meeting on 29th June, Circle Council agreed to move our Annual Clergy Night / Vocations Mass from its usual timeslot at our November dinner meeting to the 19th October, 2021 dinner meeting, as our Chaplain Fr Wim Hoekstra and other priests will be on leave during November. Consideration will also be given to inviting other Circles and/or our Ladies to this function.
Council also agreed to retain the booking for our annual Golf Day at Sefton Golf Course on Sunday 22nd August, 2021 if there are sufficient interested players. The booking was made when we last played there in 2020 and the next available date on 28th November, 2021 was deemed unsuitable. Hit off will be at 8.30 am, so players should be there no later than 8.15am. A BBQ lunch will follow. Only 2 carts are available, so they will be allocated to those who request them first (but we may have to show some compassion if a genuine needy cause later arises!). Further details will be provided later.
It is unfortunate that the golf date clashes with the Mass after the ANC Conference at North Sydney. Harbourside North's June Newsletter states that, on August 22, there will be - "Mass at Mary MacKillop Chapel North Sydney at 12 noon followed by barbeque lunch at the Ron Dyer Centre." Further details will no doubt be forthcoming.
It has been suggested that as Sefton is a relatively short all par 3 course, you could hit off at 8.30am, play 18 holes and still make the Mass at noon – provided you also take your deodorant!
A ferry trip and Winter Special lunch at Doyle's Watson Bay is being planned for Thursday 26th August, 2021. Pencil that date in your diary! More details next month.
The O'Connell Cup is being hosted by Warringah Circle on 19th August, 2021 – just 2 days after our August Circle meeting. A good roll up of visitors from our Circle will be required to be competitive. Again, more details will be circulated when they come to hand.
Harbourside North:
July Meeting - Special arrangements
In view of the current Covid lockdown, we will not be holding our July meeting on the normal 8 July date. The date has been transferred to Thursday 15 July. However the normal Mosman Community Centre venue is not free on that date, and in view of the possibility of a lockdown extension we cannot at present know if we can meet in person.
So there are two possibilities for our 15 July meeting:
- If we can meet in person then we will be meeting at Sacred Heart Parish Hall at the normal time
- If we can't meet in person then we will meet by Zoom as we did a few times during the 2020 lockdown period .
We will advise you later in the week as to which option we will follow.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
RIP Br Steven Swain
Brothers were all saddened to learn of Steve's passing after a long and painful illness at 5pm on Saturday, June 17th at Royal North Shore Private Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Steve was a much loved and respected member of the Ku-ring-gai Circle, which he joined in 2014. As Membership Officer from 2017-2020, he did more than anybody to strengthen the Circle, broadening the core membership beyond St Ives and Pymble, with pulpit presentations and recruitment drives to Lindfield/Killara and Chatswood parishes. His easy- going and engaging conversational style made him everybody's friend. He will be much missed.
President Br Stefan Wawryzniak thanking Br John Formosa for his interesting presentationWe extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his extended family: wife Lucille, daughter Sharon, son Michael, their partners and Steve's four grandchildren. Steve was also the eldest of ten siblings. They will all miss him greatly.
June Ladies Night
28 Ku-ring-gai Brothers, 2 visiting Brothers and 28 Ladies assembled on Monday, June 7th at the Turramurra Bowling Club for our June Ladies Night. One visiting Brother was David Conoulty of Brisbane Circle, with his wife Yvonne, who are in the process of transferring back to Sydney and will rejoin the Ku-ring-gai Circle shortly. Our other visiting Brother was our guest speaker, John Formosa of Waringah Circle. John gave a stimulating and thought-provoking presentation on the latest scientific analysis and theories around the Shroud of Turin.
Manly:
Manly and Pittwater Catenians form a guard of honour for ChrisVery sadly, Chris Micallef passed away on Tuesday 15 June 2021 in Northern Beaches Hospital. He was only 64 years old. Paul Pearson and Gary O'Sullivan had only visited him earlier that day so the news of his passing that night came as a shock. It is understood that he had a heart attack – his heart was functioning very poorly in the days before his death. His funeral was on 1 July at St Joseph's Church, Narrabeen.
Chris grew up in the Narrabeen area and was a quiet, unassuming, kind and very gentle man always thinking of others. He was heavily involved in the Church and was an acolyte, a catechist (often giving several catechist classes in one day) and delivered communion to the sick. He had a great sense of humour. Chris was a bus driver roster clerk at Brookvale Depot. Chris was also a Toastmaster.
As we know, in his later life, especially the last few years, his health issues became very serious and problematic. This affected Chris' quality of life although he remained positive.
Some 10 Manly Catenians attended the funeral as well Brothers from Pittwater Circle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and his family.
A new granddaughter for David Addington
David and Mary-Anne Addington are delighted to announce the birth of their latest grandchild – granddaughter Quinn. Born in Adelaide on 29 June 2021. Mother and baby are doing well.
The Manly 7 (definitely not the “magnificent seven”!) – from left: Paul Pearson, Gary O’Sullivan, Peter Williams, Michael Bowyer, John McCarney, Bob Rigon and Greg Dunn.Beer tasting at Brookvale
A number of Manly Brothers attended a beer tasting at Dad & Daves Brewery and Distillery in Brookvale on Saturday 12 June. Some 7 Manly Catenians enjoyed lunch and some beer tasting.
The pulled pork and loaded fries were a hit, along with one of the IPAs and Ginger Beer. A great long lunch and lots of chat were enjoyed by all, with some stayers still enjoying a taste after 4pm!
Upcoming social activity – Rugby in Manly
The esteemed Manly Marlins rugby team will play a Shute Shield match against Warringah at Manly Oval on Saturday, 21 August 2021 (COVID permitting). At the suggestion of Manly President Peter Williams, this could be a good occasion for Manly Brothers to gather to support the Marlins.
The Hills:
Membership
- 2 men interested. No recruitment drives due to Covid
- No response from Blacktown Parish following brochures been left.
President
- Need to urgently discuss Circle's future. Possible merger?
Vice-President
- Proposed River cruise with Ku Ring Gai in Sept.- contact to be made with KRG to confirm details.
- 50th Anniversary Dinner on 7th July host City of Sydney.
- July's joint meeting will be a sit down function , pre-dinner finger food with 2 cou rse meal. Cost $50/hd. CUT OFF DATE 21st JULY.
- O'Connell Cup on 19th Aug, host Warringah
- Carlingford suggest joint clergy night in Sept
General Business
- Suggestion we review Cairns' "Who am I " to implement here.
Vale John Begini
Manly Brother John Bigeni passed away on Wednesday 7 July.
His wife Margaret said John had been going through the wars a bit with his health lately although he was doing ok, but on Wednesday 7 July, he suffered a fatal stroke at home in the morning - he was taken to hospital, but nothing could be done.
There are no details as to the funeral at this stage, although with the current COVID restrictions of 10 persons at a funeral, it is anticipated that no Catenians will be able to attend. In any case, for your information, I will forward the funeral details when known.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and family in this time.
Your Prayer's are needed for …
Please pray for Catenians and members of the extended Catenian network listed below.
Cairns:
Please Lord Bless all our City of Cairns Circle Brothers and their loved ones, especially Brother Lui and Pam's little grandson Odin.
Brother Tony McInnes Mum Marie Jose, Brother Angelo's father Giuseppe, Brother Peter Duggan's wife Alma, Brother Lui's sister Frances, Brother Alan's niece Anne and sister Carmel, Brother Tony's sister-in-law Marylyn,
Brother Kevin's Brother, Brother Matthew's father, Brother Gazz's father who is unwell.who are all unwell at the moment.
Brother Mark Cavicchiolo's mum RIP who recently passed away.
Brother Stephen Devenish's family after Stephen losing his mum Carmel RIP.
Fr Neil and his family after losing his mum Elizabeth RIP.
Brother Mark Freeman's mum Judy RIP who recently passed away.
Brother Joe's Great-Nephew Carter RIP, who recently passed away.
Brother Joe's Brother Charlie RIP, who recently passed away.
Brother Lui's Auntie who has just moved into a care home.
Brother Bill Dixon's mum Pauline RIP, who has just recently passed away.
Brother Tony's wife Majella whose best friend passed away recently.
Our Amazing President Brother Joe, who is in need of our prayers.
Carlingford:
Access to Aged Care facilities is even more restricted, if not banned, during COVID lockdown, so if any Brothers propose to visit Bro Don Mees or Bro Stan and Jan Burgin, they must first contact their family to ensure that entry will be available.
Please remember Bro Don Mees, Bro Stan and Jan Burgin and Bro Bill Carpenter in your prayers at this time.
Ku-Ring-Gai
Our members, family and friends who are sick and in need of our prayers -
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski, John Boland and Phil Davies.
Family members Marie Gibbons, Barbara Burke, David Gardener, Sam Gardener (Justin's brother), Gayle and Suzie Meagher, Rebecca Davies, Madeleine Szymanski and daughter Kate McRea, Monica Moldrich, Margaret Marshall and Karen Tighe.
Some good news on Sam Gardener. Justin got word from him in Scotland that he has been given the all- clear – complete remission from his cancer! Keep up the prayers Brothers.
The Hills:
For the sick, -- Br Milan & Mary Bohman, Paul Roberts – family in India; Colleen Woodhead, John Davis, Brendan O'Connell (NH/M) & all effected by the pandemic especially in India.
Manly:
We remember in our prayers all Manly Brothers who have been unwell or who have been having medical procedures.
Jim Rush has been having some health issues with his heart. Jim is scheduled to have an operation on 15 July at St Vincent's Hospital to repair a leaking heart valve (an earlier operation was unsuccessful). Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Liz.
Brendan O'Connell has recently been hospital (heart not working as it should and water works issues). He is home again and enjoying sitting in the sun! We keep Brendan in our prayers.
Let's have a laugh...
In a new section, as many newsletters have this section, I thought I'd join in (editor)
A nun, a priest, and a lawyer arrive at the gates of heaven and St. Peter greeted them.
"Welcome to Heaven. We have simplified the process of admission, and all you need to do to get into Heaven is pass a simple test. Are you ready?"
The Nun said, "I've prepared for this moment for 73 years."
"Okay," said St. Peter, "spell 'God'." "G-O-D." "Very good, Sister, enter your eternal reward."
"That was easier than I thought it would be," the priest said, "I'll take my test now."
"Okay," said St. Peter, "spell 'love'." "L-O-V-E."
"Excellent, Pale', enter your eternal reward."
The third person, a lawyer, said, "Boy, is this is gonna be a snap. Give me my test."
"Okay," said St. Peter, "spell 'prorhipidoglossomorpha'.
THE TEST
Scientists at Rolls Royce built a gun specifically to launch dead chickens at the windshields of airliners and military jets all travelling at maximum velocity. The idea was to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields.American engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent
to the American engineers.
When the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin like an arrow shot from a bow. The horrified Americans sent Rolls Royce the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the British scientists for suggestions.
Rolls Royce responded: "Defrost the chicken."
Some things worth thinking about
- Growing old is inevitable … growing UP is optional.
- Faith is the ability not to panic.
- Laugh every day; it's like inner jogging!
- If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
- The most important things in your house are the people.
- Tell me what you need, and I'll tell you how to get along without it.
- Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days, the statue.
- Eat one live toad first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day!
Awesome God
The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:
- Noah was a drunk.
- Isaac was a daydreamer.
- Jacob was a liar.
- Moses had a stuttering problem.
- Job went bankrupt.
- Peter denied Christ.
- Martha worried about everything.
- Timothy had an ulcer… and
- Lazarus was dead!
So, no more excuses. Everyone is important to God.