Eastern Link
June 2021
Highlights of the June newsletter include - an opportunity to contribute a talk to the upcoming National Conference, a list of the motions to be voted on at the conference, Diaconate Ordination for Rev Dr Michael Tan, a Foundation Dinner celebrating 50 Years for City of Sydney, GB National Council Development Plan, a CATSCAN from Cairns Circle, the usual round-up of news in around the circles and much more ...
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:
| Call for talks for the 2021 Virtual National Conference Subm it a talk on a theme relevant to the Catenian Experience or the operation of the Association in Australia, or Develop a question or a comment for discussion in the interactive Q&A Panel session. |
| Motions for the Australian National Conference August 21, 2021 A list of the motions to be voted on at the National Conference. in August. |
Deaconate Ordination of Rev Dr Michael Tan On Friday 11 June 2021, Br Michael Tan from the Paramatta Circle was ordinated by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen as a permanent deacon for the Paramatta Diocese. |
Foundation Dinner - 50 years of friendship The Australian Catenian Association and the City of Sydney Circle celebrate 50 years in July of 2021. You and your partner are invited to the Occidental Hotel, York Street, Sydney on Wednesday 7th July at 6:45pm for 7:15pm meeting and dinner. |
Great Britain National Council Development Plan A plan announced at the recent GB National Conference by Andrew Sowerby, Chair of the GBNC Strategic Development Group. Could this be a plan, modified for Australia, for ANC to consider? |
CATSCAN an Innovative Idea from Cairns Cairns Circle have created a new segment in each months newsletter called the CATSCAN. This is where we introduce one of our Brothers to you (in no particular order) and ask a few questions for us to get to know him a little better. We are still working on the format, and know it will get better, but here is our first go |
Four Circles Mass Over 50 Brothers, their wives and some wives of deceased Brothers recently attended the "Four Circles" Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Baulkham Hills South. Before Mass, Provincial President Geoff Young (Hornsby Circle) and Circle Presidents Rob Haddad (Carlingford), Victor Gauci (The Hills) and Peter Moriarty (City of Parramatta) ... |
The late Cardinal Cassidy at Manly Catenians The recent passing of Cardinal Edward Cassidy, in Newcastle on 10 April 2021 aged 96, was widely reported in the press and on television news channels. As most would know, the Cardinal was held in worldwide high esteem for his outstanding service in the Vatican particularly for his work in the field of ecumenism |
| A Reflection on "Friendship" When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. |
An endorsement for Australian Women Preach “Go and tell my brothers and I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God”. At Easter Vigil, we hear these words of the risen Jesus who empowers Mary of Magdala to reclaim her agency and to proclaim the Good News to others. She is known in the Christian tradition as apostle to the apostles. |
Canberra's $20,000 charitable contributions over the last ten years The Canberra Circle has contributed almost $21,000 to charitable organisations (other than the Catenian Benevolent and Bursary Funds) over the ten years to 31 March 2021. While the St Vincent de Paul has been the major beneficiary ($4,020) from donations in four different years, the Circle has donated to 14 other charities during the 10-year period. |
Around the Circles News gathered from Province 21 circle newsletters. |
Vale Chris Micallef and Steve Swain Manly and Pittwater Brother Chris Micallef passed away peacefully in hospital on Tuesday night after after one of his three times a week dialysis treatments. It is with sadness that we wish to notify you that at 5pm this evening, Br Steve Swain (surrounded by his family) passed away at the North Shore Private Hospital. |
RIP David Combes Hornsby Circle was saddened to hear of the death of David Combes on 29 April 2021. David was a foundation brother of the Hornsby Circle in 1980 and was an active member until the end of 2020 when Hornsby celebrated their 30th Anniversary. |
Your Prayer's would be appreciated for … Please pray for Catenians and members of the extended Catenian network listed below. |
Call for talks for the 2021 Virtual National Conference
Have your say at the 2021 Virtual National Conference
In the short time since the first Australian National Conference 2021 Newsletter a number of important decisions have been reached that have changed the nature and structure of the National Conference.
These changes were necessary because it became clear that the continuing uncertainties of inter-State travel make it unlikely that brothers from Circles outside the Sydney metropolitan area would attend the Conference in person.
In the interests of inclusion, the Australian National Council decided that the concept of a hybrid event should be abandoned in favour of a virtual conference using Zoom.
Freed from the constraints of assembling participants, ANC approved the Conference and associated Workshop being merged and held on a single day, Saturday, 21 August.
The Mass with which the Conference is to conclude will proceed, as planned, at Noon on Sunday 22 August and will be followed by a lunch.
What has not changed is our commitment to provide unique opportunities for brothers to continue their participation in the journey to revitalise the life of the Association in Australia.
So, we renew our invitation to you:
Submit a talk on a theme relevant to the Catenian Experience or the operation of the Association in Australia, or
Develop a question or a comment for discussion in the interactive Q&A Panel session.
If you have something you feel you should share with the Catenian family you have until 30 June to prepare and submit a script for a talk which, when recorded, will have a delivery time not exceeding ten minutes inclusive of an introduction.
Alternatively, develop and submit a question or a comment that you think might bring greater clarity and transparency to the governance and operation of the Association if discussed by a panel.
Whether you're in Victoria, Adelaide, Perth or Cairns you can now share your views and participate in this years' conference.
Scripts and questions should be submitted to the Conference Coordinating Committee at:
sydney2021@thecatenians.org.au
As we celebrate the Association's Golden Anniversary year in Australia, seize the opportunity to activelyparticipate in the journey to revitalise the life of the Association in Australia.
For more information visit the National Conference pages in the members area of the Catenian website at - https://www.thecatenians.org.au/conference
Motions for the Australian National Conference August 21, 2021
Motions put forward pursuant to Rule 26(b)
By Peninsula Circle – Proposer Bro. George Little, Seconder Bro. Rob Butler
That the Association's Constitution and Rules be amended as follows:
Article 2.2 (i) of the Constitution is amended by deleting the word "practising".
Rule 1 of the Rules is amended to read as follows:
- Admission
Membership of the Association is obtained by enrolment in a Circle. Membership of the Association is open to Catholic laymen and laywomen and permanent deacons over the age of 18 years who on enrolment have the capacity to discharge the Obligations of Membership. Exceptionally, those Members who after enrolment discern a vocation and are later ordained as priests are permitted to remain as Members of the Association.
In interpreting the Constitutional Documents, words indicating the masculine gender shall be taken to include the feminine gender.
By Province 21 – Proposer Bro. Peter Tilbrook, Seconder Bro. Geoff Young
That Rule 26 of the Association's Rules be amended as follows:
- Amend the second paragraph of Rule 26 by removing the word "two" and replacing it with the word "three".
(For clarification: the opening words of the paragraph would then read: "There are three procedures for bringing proposals to change the Constitution …."
- Replace the full-stop at the end of the paragraph with "; or" and add a new point to that paragraph:
- A procedure to alter Article 2.2 i) of the Constitution and /or Rule 1 of these Rules in relation to those Provincial Councils and Circles associated with a National Council by its Charter, the Constitution and these Rules.
- Add a new Paragraph (c) to the Rule:
(c) Procedure to alter Article 2.2 i) of the Constitution and/or Rule 1 in relation to Provincial Councils and Circles associated with a National Council:
i) Any Member, Circle or Council associated with a National Council may sponsor such a proposal; provided that the proposal must be expressed so as:
- To limit membership of Circles associated with that National Council to laypersons who are Christians and associated with the Catholic Church by baptism; a spousal relationship; employment by the Church, a Canonical or civil entity or corporation of the Church; or the Association. To avoid doubt, laypersons include a Permanent Deacon and a Member who is subsequently ordained a Priest;
- Not to require a Circle to admit as a Member a person to whom membership was not open immediately before the adoption of this provision, unless the Members of the Circle have first voted to admit such persons as Members; and
- To provide that, upon enrolment, persons admitted to membership of a Circle following such a vote shall, in all respects and places, be Members of the Association, with the exception that such a person may not be enrolled as a joint Member of, or transfer their enrolment to, a Circle associated with that or another National Council, if the person is not eligible for enrolment as a Member of the particular Circle.
ii) The sponsor of such a proposal may submit it to a National Conference of the relevant National Council, following the procedure in paragraph (b) i) of this Rule.
iii) The following provisions apply notwithstanding any other provisions in this Rule. In these provisions Members means Members of the Circles associated with the particular National Council.
iv) A simple majority of the Members present and voting in support at such a Conference, plus if necessary a number of Members not at that Conference identified as approving the proposal within three months of the Conference so that in total 200 or 5% of the Members of the Circles associated with the National Council, whichever is the lesser, shall decide whether any proposal is approved or rejected. If a proposal is approved, it shall be referred within seven days to the National Secretary.
v) The National Secretary shall within three months of the receipt of the approved proposal refer it to every Circle associated with the National Council for a vote of the Members enrolled in that Circle. Circles will inform the National Secretary within three months of the referral of the numbers who voted for and against adoption of the proposal. If a Circle fails to so inform the National Secretary the Members of that Circle shall be regarded as not having voted.
vi) The National Secretary shall declare the proposal to have been adopted if a simple majority of the Members voting vote for its adoption and must notify the Association Secretary and each other National Secretary of the adoption of the proposal within seven days.
Motions put forward which are not pursuant to Rule 26(b)
By Warringah Circle – Proposer Bro. John Formosa, Seconder Bro. Nic Hammond
That the ANC consider recommending a change to the Constitutional Documents of the Catenian Association in such a way as would facilitate the outlining of a structured framework to promoting the Catholic Faith in Australia, with targeted events specifically marketed to Catholic men between the ages of 20's -50.
By Brother Paul Pearson with the support of Manly Circle – Proposer Bro. Paul Pearson, Seconder Peter Williams
- That ANC consider establishing a national online monthly Catenian Magazine.
- That ANC consider encouraging Circles to establish 2-year terms for Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
- That the ANC consider issuing Guidance about the appointment of non-Catenians onto Circle or Province committees.
- That ANC consider an early review of Circle meeting procedures to make them more aligned with contemporary Australian cultural and social norms.
By Brother Graham Mahony with the support of Province 20 – Proposer Bro. Graham Mahony, Seconder TBA
That the ANC consider making minutes of all its meetings available on the Australian Catenian Website, for members to view if they want to, including all minutes back to 29 July 2016, and that it consider recommending to the Central Council that the Central Council make the minutes of its meetings similarly available.
Diaconate Ordination of Rev Dr Michael Tan
On Friday 11 June 2021, Br Michael Tan from the Paramatta Circle was ordinated by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen as a permanent deacon for the Paramatta Diocese.
It was a wonderful occasion for Michael and his wife, Annette.
Instead of taking things easy after retirement, Michael will be busy in his new vocation as a Deacon. Many Catenians were present at his ordination and wish him well for the future.
Foundation Dinner - 50 years of friendship
Bishop Carroll, GP Douglas Jenkins Plunkett SweeneyThe Australian Catenian Association and the City of Sydney Circle celebrate 50 years in July of 2021
Ian Tasker Frank Browne Norbert de Rome Brendan O’Çonnell Reg Joyce GP Douglas Jenkins Plunkett Sweeney Ray OversYou and your partner are invited to the Occidental Hotel, York Street, Sydney on Wednesday 7th July at 6:45pm for 7:15pm meeting and dinner.
It is a huge night for our Circle and for the Association in Australasia and one that should be suitably honoured with your presence.
The booking and payment details for this historic occasion are provided below and at: https://www.trybooking.com/BRZFT.
Date: Wednesday, 7 July 2021.
Time: 6:45 pm for 7:15 pm.
Venue: Fairmont Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel, Level 1, 43 York, Sydney.
Cost: $80.00 – 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, 30 June, or when sold out. To register please click on the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/BRZFT.
Should you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Brian Skinner on 0412 123 799, or via email at skinner8@me.com.
Peter Gialouris
Circle President
Great Britain National Council Development Plan
A plan announced at the recent GB National Conference by Andrew Sowerby, Chair of the GBNC Strategic Development Group.
Could this be a plan, modified for Australia, for ANC to consider?
5 Year Vision & Plan
Our Vision for the Catenian Association is one of a progressive and outward looking association of Catholics that:
Welcomes all Catholics to join and enjoy a wide range of social activities with their families.
Supports all members in the practice of their faith.
Engages and supports the Youth through the Bursary Fund.
Has excellent links with the Catholic hierarchy.
Whose members support and engage with the social outreach of the church.
Provides active support and benevolence to all its members.
Is an association, which has a growing membership.
Objective 1. Develop Our Membership Base
To create a forward thinking and outward looking association of Catholics
To create an increase in membership
To modernise the outlook of the Association.
To support all Circles in the recovery from the effects of the Pandemic through the provision of regular meetings and social events
To implement Phase 1 of the Digital Highway Strategy beginning with the following actions:
To carry out a research project into the needs of our targeted age group 25-55.
The creation of an updated Association digital and Social Media (SM) presences with the aim of providing a platform for digital recruitment.
The development of all the features necessary so that the website is more attractive to visitors, particularly in the 25-55 age range.
To work with the new younger brothers of the association to ensure that all our documentation is suited to the appropriate generation.
To continuously improve all forms of digital advertising so that they are fit for purpose and send out a modern outward looking message.
To provide all membership officers with up-to-date literature about the Association
To ensure that all Circle and Provincial Membership Officers have a detailed plan for increasing membership within their circle and province.
To support all Circles in the recovery from the Pandemic to re-establish their programme providing regular meetings and social events.
To promote the Shared Funding Initiative with all Circles.
To establish a small group of brothers under the age of 45 with whom to discuss the needs of brothers of this age group
To establish a small group of brothers under the age of 45 with whom
To establish a contact list for all Circles within a province so that every parish has a person responsible for maintaining a Catenian contact with it.
To investigate different models of membership which will make the association more outward looking and forward thinking.
To finalise our vision and communicate this to existing members and potential members
Objective 2 To Engage with the Catholic Faith Community
To create an organisation that has excellent links with the Catholic hierarchy.
Whose members support and engage with the social outreach of the church.
To provide support to all members in the practise of their faith.
To engage with Catholics of all ages.
Action
To have regular contact with the Catholic Hierarchy
To create and maintain direct links with other groups engaged in the Social Teaching of the church
To contact the chaplains and chaplaincies in Universities & 6th Form Colleges to make them aware of the Catenian Association and the support they can offer to their members.
To contact the Heads of Year in years 10 & 11 to make them aware of the Catenian Association and the support they can offer to their members
To make and maintain direct links with all Diocesan Youth Workers
To provide leaflets & documentation on various aspects of the church's teaching for use in schools, parishes & the wider community
To investigate a variety of fund-raising opportunities to provide financial support to young people between the age of 11-16
Objective 3 Improve the effectiveness of our Organisation.
To create an organisation that has:
clear and effective governance in line with its constitution.
clear, strong lines of communication between GBNC and its members.
Action
GBNC to manage its affairs according to its Standing Orders and guiding principles.
To produce a financial plan and associated budget which is based upon accepted principles of good financial management.
To improve communication between all sections of the Association
To review the role and organisation of GBNC to ensure that it is fit for purpose by the creation of:
A clear policy structure which outlines the best working practice
To appoint a dedicated publicity officer for the GBNC
To establish a delivery working group to support the implementation of the overall Strategic Development Plan to ensure that targets and actions are achieved
To review the structure of Circles to make them more efficient.
CATSCAN an Innovative Idea from Cairns
Cairns Circle have created a new segment in each months newsletter called the CATSCAN.
This is where we introduce one of our Brothers to you (in no particular order) and ask a few questions for us to get to know him a little better. We are still working on the format, and know it will get better, but here is our first go (it was a bit rushed though).
Please send any suggestions or ideas you may have to Simon (who has the lucky job of putting all this together). Don't keep your good idea to yourself.
Nathan, Hannah and Henry at Palm CoveThis month we are doing a CATSCAN on Bro Nathan Bridge. Nathan is a Chiropractor and has his own practice, Chiropractic Works, on Sheridan Street, Cairns. I popped in and asked Nathan a few pressing questions about himself.
Where were you born? Sydney
If you left Cairns, where would you go? Tablelands
What cheeses you off? When people's actions are not congruent with their words.
What do you think would be the worst job in the world? Something that didn't inspire you and that was monotonous
What law would you abolish if you could? Sliding scale tax rates
What childish thing do you still enjoy doing? Running around in the rain
What was your favourite TV show when you were a child? Astroboy
What is the best thing about being a male? Nature is much kinder to the males plus we can pee standing up almost anywhere
Who is the most famous person you have ever met? Bon Jovi
What is the best concert you have ever been to and where? Nickleback in Sydney
If you were to cook your best meal, what would it be? Lamb rack with roast vegies
What is your most favourite item sold in Coles or Woolworths? Roasted and salted Pistachio nuts
What was the last thing you ate (Tell the truth!)? I've just had breakfast so it was eggs and avocado
What are you terrified of? Not fulfilling my purpose
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Tom Hanks
What is the favourite object you own? My plane
Nominate a year in time you would like to have lived in and why? The 1970's and been in my 20's for the music
If you could be invisible for one day, where would you go? Top gun academy
What is your favourite junk food? Ice cream
If you could enter the Olympics, which sport would you choose? Decathlon
Pick one:
Dog or Cat? Dog
Cardio or Weights? Cardio
Cake or Pie? Depends on the flavour but majority of the time pie
Horror movie or comedy? Comedy
Beer or wine? Wine
What a great way to get to know your brothers.
Could other circles modify the questions to suit their membership and take up this challenge of a CATSCAN for eaxh circle?
Four Circles Mass
Over 50 Brothers, their wives and some wives of deceased Brothers recently attended the "Four Circles" Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Baulkham Hills South.
Before Mass, Provincial President Geoff Young (Hornsby Circle) and Circle Presidents Rob Haddad (Carlingford), Victor Gauci (The Hills) and Peter Moriarty (City of Parramatta) lit candles in memory of deceased Brothers and wives from the four Circles. Certificates were prepared bearing the names of the deceased from each Circle.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Wim Hoekstra, Parish Priest of Baulkham Hills, assisted by Deacon Roque Dias and Acolyte Brother John O'Grady (Carlingford Circle).
The Mass has been held annually at the beginning of the Catenian Year for over a decade now. It began during the Circle Presidency of Brother John O'Grady (2008/11) who has continued as its main organiser ever since.
The supper served in the nearby Parish Centre after Mass was a welcome opportunity to resume face-to-face fellowships after the COVID disruptions of 2020. Speakers there confirmed the importance of the event in their Catenian Calendars."
The late Cardinal Cassidy at Manly Catenians
by Laurie de Ambrosis
The recent passing of Cardinal Edward Cassidy, in Newcastle on 10 April 2021 aged 96, was widely reported in the press and on television news channels. As most would know, the Cardinal was held in worldwide high esteem for his outstanding service in the Vatican particularly for his work in the field of ecumenism – having held the position of President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity for a period from 1989 until his retirement in 2001.
The Cardinal had many other outstanding achievements in his career at the Vatican including working for some 2 years in the Secretariat of State effectively as the Pope's Chief of Staff. In fact, for many years, he was the most senior Australian to have worked in the Vatican. Inter alia, and apart from the Vatican, in 1990, the Cardinal was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in "recognition of service to religion and to international affairs" (refer to the Catholic Weekly edition of 18 April 2021 for a more detailed biography of the Cardinal as presented in the eulogy given by Archbishop Anthony Fisher at the Cardinal's funeral).
The purpose of this note (at the instigation of our brothers John Stapleton and President, Peter Williams) is to highlight one of many significant past achievements of Manly Circle in that we can boast to having hosted the Cardinal as Guest of Honour at one of our meetings – in fact, at our President's Christmas mass in 2006 which also coincided with our 150th meeting. The Cardinal, assisted by Fr John Hannon (then PP at St Mary's Manly), said Mass for us. Later both were our guests for dinner. Following dinner, the Cardinal gave a quite a profound talk on his ecumenical work in which he emphasised the importance for the Christian communities to achieve success in this endeavour. However, he also emphasised the need for patience and understanding with the issues involved. His popularity within the Catholic community was evidenced by the large gathering in attendance which filled the large main dining room at the Golf Club.
The final point that needs to be made here is that whilst I did the groundwork to get the Cardinal to our meeting, the suggestion to invite him as well as the protocols to follow and the names of necessary contacts etc were all provided by our late Brother Michael van Ommen (RIP). Michael had a wide circle of friends and knew his way around church circles! He also arranged for the production of the mass booklet!
A Reflection on "Friendship"
As printed in the May Carlingford Newsletter - From the May 2021 Newsletter of their Twinned Province 20 Circle, Joondalup 339.
As the Catenian motto is "Strengthening family life through friendship and faith", the following quotation deserves our consideration:
Friendship
"When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who c an be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."
Henri Nouwen
An endorsement for Australian Women Preach
Vincent Long OFMConv., Bishop of Parramatta
“Go and tell my brothers and I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God”.
At Easter Vigil, we hear these words of the risen Jesus who empowers Mary of Magdala to reclaim her agency and to proclaim the Good News to others. She is known in the Christian tradition as apostle to the apostles.
But it was not just Mary of Magdala who had a pivotal role in the early days of the followers of the Way. Throughout salvation history, women disciples have played a critical part in forging a new future out of the hopeless present. Puah and Shiprah acted as catalysts for the exodus by their civil disobedience.
When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.
Esther boldly intervened for her Jewish people at the foreign court. Ruth broke new ground of inclusion as a consummate outsider to Israel’s strictly safeguarded bloodline. Mary McKillop, of course, started a new and hitherto unheralded group of women who took the Good News to the edges of colonial Australia.
If the Church is to be faithful to the biblical narrative and responsive to the living presence of God, it must reclaim a discipleship of equals and empower men and women disciples to share their gifts for human flourishing and the growth of the Kingdom.
The Church cannot have a better future if it does not listen to women’s voice, wisdom and insight. So long as we continue to make women invisible and inferior in the Church’s language, liturgy, theology and law, we impoverish ourselves.
I am pleased that there are Christian women in Australia who like Mary of Magdala share the Good News from their own lived experience. Australian Women Preach is one such group of women. It is a shared venture and innovative project designed to offer theologically informed perspectives of women from across the wealth of Christian traditions.
Their preaching will highlight women traditionally omitted or misrepresented in our lectionary and open the Scripture texts to deepen our understanding of God’s saving presence in the world. Those who view these preaching videos will have the opportunity to see the deep spirituality of Christian women who break God’s Word, with messages of hope that renew faith, strengthen us and encourage active engagement in the life of the Church for our work in the world
I have made a habit of accessing Australian Women Preach each week as part of my own homiletic preparations. I highly recommend it to fellow clergy, RCIA catechists, discussion groups and others who desire to enrich themselves with the unique insight and wisdom of Australian Christian women. As many move into a “strange land” of the Church beyond the pews, this may be the unexpected source of nourishment for the discerning pilgrims.
I also recommend Australian Women Preach for another important reason. It is the listening, discerning and deliberating process of the Plenary Council, the opportunity for deep reform for the Catholic Church in Australia not be missed. For I believe that until we have truly incorporated the gift of women and the feminine dimension of our Christian faith, we will not be able to fully energise the life of the Church.
Canberra's $20,000 charitable contributions over the last ten years
The Canberra Circle has contributed almost $21,000 to charitable organisations (other than the Catenian Benevolent and Bursary Funds) over the ten years to 31 March 2021. While the St Vincent de Paul has been the major beneficiary ($4,020) from donations in four different years, the Circle has donated to 14 other charities during the 10-year period.
The Circle funds its contributions via a voluntary raffle at each dinner meeting ($5 per ticket), where the current prize is a free dinner at the next meeting, together with a small portion of funds from membership fees.
Funding was also supplemented through the merger of the former Canberra Molonglo Circle (340) with Canberra Circle (331) in late 2014. With a sudden influx of funds, Circle 331 was able to make some larger donations in 2015-16 and 2016-17 with a total of nearly $8,000 being donated in those two years.
Canberra Circle has also continued contributing to Karinya House, which was initially supported by the former Circle 340. This contribution is arranged via a monthly direct debit of $40 per month (i.e. $480 per year) and has resulted in more than $3,300 being donated since the Circles merged. Karinya House, established in 1997, is a community-based organisation providing supported accommodation, transitional housing, and outreach services to pregnant and parenting women in Canberra and surrounding regions.
Azure village at The Farm In recent years, the Circle has contributed mainly to local charities. In addition to Karinya House, the Circle has made lump sum donations to Marymead, and Home in Queanbeyan in 2018-19, and the Farm in Galong in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Marymead, established in 1967, offers a range of family support services for children, young people and their families and operates in the ACT and southern and western regional areas of NSW. Home in Queanbeyan, opened in 2010, provides long-term supported accommodation for twenty men and women with enduring mental illness.
It features twenty self-contained residential apartments in a safe, non-institutional setting in Queanbeyan, NSW. The Farm in Galong was established just a few years ago at Galong, NSW, which is between Yass and Harden and about a 90-minute drive from Canberra. It supports women who have completed rehabilitation from alcohol and other drug misuse and wish to consolidate their recovery.
The work of the Farm is underpinned by the belief that whatever has been lost in a person's life can be restored. The Farm was recently featured in the Catholic Weekly – see Haven of healing and hope (catholicweekly.com.au) Representatives of all these organisations have provided presentations at Circle dinner meetings.
Around the Circles
News gathered from Circle Newsletters.
Cairns:
At our May meeting we had a super meeting turnout. We had two potential Brothers join us and one will be enrolled next month into our City of Cairns Circle. Ken has visited us quite a few times in the past, it will be great to welcome him, and this was followed by another great dinner, Our Circle Brothers have many other projects throughout the Diocese. Welcome to John Maguire on your first visit to our Circle.
Bro Peter Cash suggested that the circle investigate a possible award for a final year student from our Catholic Colleges. The award should to a student that represents the values of the Catenian of faith and support for each other.
Congratulations Cary Coolican, husband Simon is Cairns Circle vice-president, on receiving the AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL - For dedicated and exemplary service to the Queensland Police Service and to the community through front-line duties and as the Officer in Charge of the Cairns District Crime Prevention Unit, and as a leader in the area of community policing and crime prevention especially through the MyPoliceBlog in the Far North District.
Canberra:
George (L) with brother-in-law, Geoff Rowsell at our Griffith weekend away in MarchGeorge Kazs - Farewell but not Goodbye
It is with mixed feelings that we learnt at our May meeting of George Kazs' decision to move to Melbourne. We are obviously very happy for him and wish him well in his future endeavours. At the same time we are sorry to see George go. He is something of an institution in the Circle.
George was the Circle's inaugural president when the Circle was established in late 1997 and he remained president for the following year. He was then provincial councillor until 2003–04. George was also the Circle's Membership Officer for several years until 2009–10 and was the Circle Secretary from 2010–11 to 2014–15.
George has been the Province Director since 2017–18. This brought with it membership of the
former Grand Council, the Australian National Council and the Central Council. He was the first
Australian President of Central Council.
While George has not always been a formal member of our Council, he has always served on it, if only in an ex-officio capacity. So his presence and leadership will be missed. George has also been active in organising our annual weekends away. He organised our last two highly successful weekends away in Albury and Griffith.
Fortunately, while George is leaving Canberra, he hopes to remain a joint member of the Circle, at least for the immediate future, and he will try to organise his family reunion visits to Canberra to coincide with our Circle meetings.
Good luck, George.
The Way Forward
Members will be aware that we have been discussing the way forward for some time now. At our June meeting Council will be asking members to ratify a number of proposals for our way forward.
A detailed paper will be circulated separately to members. However, in summary, the proposals are that:
All Circle meetings/dinners be ladies' nights and open to all lay Catholics and their non-Catholic spouses, with
non-Members welcome to attend meetings as guests.
Attendance at cluster group meetings be open to all lay Catholics and their non-Catholic spouses and advertised regularly in targeted parish bulletins.
The Circle meet with Fr Richard Thompson, Dean of South Canberra, and subsequently with any other parish priests Fr Richard recommends, to seek an understanding of how we can best support and relate to parishes and, in turn, achieve their support for our Circle's activities. We would finalise an appropriate operating model at Circle and local levels having regard to this advice.
We continue to advocate for constitutional change within the Association, such as our recent letter to Catena on the urgency of change.
We seek advice on legal issues that may affect how the Circle operates in Canberra and more broadly.
Carlingford:
The "scones and coffee" morning tea at Caf ELS in the Winston Hills Mall on Thursday, 27th May was enjoyed by a good rollup of 21 Brothers and wives from Carlingford and The Hills Circles and some Wives of deceased Brothers.
Harbourside North:
Recruitment Drive weekend of 29/30 May
The recruitment drive on the weekend was very successful, with many names collected. Bro Graham is inviting men who gave their contact details, to attend our Mass and Dinner next Thursday. Whilst there will be no formal meeting on the night, Graham intends to make a presentation about the Catenians before dinner. This will give potential recruits and idea of what we are about.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
May Circle Meeting
28 Brothers, and one visiting gentleman, Tony Luciano (attending his 3rd meeting) assembled on Monday, May 10th at the Turramurra Bowling Club for our May Meeting and Dinner. The AGM, where the annual audited accounts were approved and the auditors reappointed, preceeded the May Circle meeting. The outgoing President's report was held over and delivered after dinner.
Immediate Past President Bt Paul Rubenach presents Br Andrew Sim with the Harold Wilmot trophyThis was our second gathering at this venue and most of the teething problems experienced at our first meeting were ironed out. Overall, the feedback on the venue and the quality of the food was very positive. Our upcoming June Ladies Night will be held there and we are hopeful of deciding soon that it will become our new permanent venue.
Following an enjoyable meal, last year's President, Br Paul Rubenach, presented his report for the year 2020-21, a year unlike any other during which all our gatherings up until November required us to meet via Zoom. The highlight of this report was the announcement of the recipient of the Harold Wilmot trophy, awarded at the President's discretion, to the Brother who has contributed most to the welfare of the Circle during the past Catenian year. This year the trophy deservedly went to Catering Officer (and Chief Technology Officer!) Br Andrew Sim, who in the words of the former President: "….. but for his special technical skills, dedication and commitment we might not have had a functioning Circle through much of the year".
Congratulations Andrew!
Manly:
Zoom trivia ends
Our Zoom trivia was held for the final time on 17 May 2021 (trivia at Balgowlah RSL has resumed on every first Tues
day of the month), where a small but select group gathered. The photo below shows: John and Anne McCarney, Ann and Terry Hayes, Paul Pearson, and Romano and Terese Di Donato. John and Anne McCarney were the quizmasters.
AFA fundraising Fun Walk and Talk – Sun 16 May
The AFA (Augustinian Formation Association) held its Fun Walk Fundraiser on Sunday, 16 May. It started at 8am from Queenscliff Lagoon (near the playground) to Shelley Beach, Manly. Manly Catenians supported the Walk and on a glorious sunny Sunday morning, Paul Pearson and Michael Bowyer (left) joined the throng, completed the walk and received their certificates. Michael's wife Adriana is now President of the AFA.
City of Sydney:
The first ever combined meeting with Harbourside North Circle
The first combined meeting between Harbourside North Circle and City of Sydney Circle was held in the Occidental Hotel on the 5th May 2021. Twenty six brothers attended the night with 13 C of S and 10 HSN present. Brothers Presidents Peter Gialouris and Ed Van Riet presided over the the meeting and we had the pleasure of welcoming the new Provincial Director for province 21 Brother Graham Short at our gathering.
Vale Chris Micallef and Steve Swain
Manly and Pittwater Brother Chris Micallef passed away peacefully in hospital on Tuesday night after after one of his three times a week dialysis treatments.
Chris has had a struggle with various health issues over a long period of time.
Rest in peace Chris.
It is with sadness that we wish to notify you that at 5pm this evening, Br Steve Swain (surrounded by his family) passed away at the North Shore Private Hospital.
Please keep both families in your prayers as they deal with their loss.
RIP David Combes
Hornsby Circle was saddened to hear of the death of David Combes on 29 April 2021. David was a foundation brother of the Hornsby Circle in 1980 and was an active member until the end of 2020 when Hornsby celebrated their 30th Anniversary.
David joined Hornsby Circle having migrated to Australia after spending many years in Hong Kong where he was a Catenian.
For many years, David's wife Peg, accompanied him to our Ladies nights. When Peg died a few years ago, David's daughters, Margaret and Therese filled in and David was the only brother to be accompanied by two ladies at Ladies nights on many occasions.
One of David's talents was recitals of ditties, which he often performed at circle dinners, much to the enjoyment of the brothers.
One of his favourites was Sonia Snell, which is provided below.
SONIA SNELL
By Cyril Fletcher
This is the tale of Sonia Snell,
To whom an accident befell.
An accident which may well seem
Embarrassing in the extreme.
It happened, as it does to many,
That Sonia had to spend a penny.
She entered in with modest grace
The properly appointed place
Provided at the railway station,
And there she sat in meditation,
Unfortunately unacquainted
The woodwork had been newly painted
Which made poor Sonia realise
Her inability to rise.
And though she struggled, pulled and yelled
She found that she was firmly held.
She raised her voice in mournful shout
'Please someone come and help me out.'
Her cries for help then quickly brought
A crowd of every kind and sort.
They stood around and feebly sniggered
And all they said was 'I'll be jiggered.'
'Gor blimey' said the ancient porter
'We ought to soak her off with water.'
The Station Master and the staff
Were most perverse and did not laugh
But lugged at Sonia's hands and feet
But could not get her off the seat.
The carpenter arrived at last
And, finding Sonia still stuck fast
Remarked, 'I know what I can do',
And neatly sawed the seat right through.
Sonia arose, only to find
A wooden halo on behind.
An ambulance came down the street
And bore her off, complete with seat
To take the wooden bustled gal
Off quickly to the hospital.
They hurried Sonia off inside
After a short but painful ride
And seizing her by heels and head
Laid her face down on the bed.
The doctors all came on parade
To render her immediate aid.
A surgeon said, 'Upon my word
Could anything be more absurd,
Have any of you, I implore,
Seen anything like this before?'
'Yes' said a student, unashamed,
'Frequently... but never framed.'
Your Prayer's would be appreciated for …
Please pray for Catenians and members of the extended Catenian network listed below.
Carlingford:
Bro Don Mees' daughter, Helen, keeps us informed of restrictions for any visitors to Calvary Care, Ryde. Bans currently apply if you have visited Melbourne/Ballarat areas in the last 14 days. An up-to-date flu immunisation record is still required. Please contact Helen if you propose to visit.
Our Welfare Officer, Bro Ken Morton recently visited Bro Stan and Jan Burgin in their new environment at Aminya Aged Care, Baulkham Hills and reports that he had not seen them look as well for years.
Bro Bill Carpenter is treading warily after his recent fall and wrist operation, so a prayer on his behalf would be appreciated as his health concerns continue.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Our members, family and friends who are sick and in need of our prayers -
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski and Steve Swain.
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.
Manly:
Remembering Manly Brothers who are/have been unwell
Jim Rush has been having some health issues with his heart. Jim had an operation on 22 March at St Vincent's Hospital to repair a leaking heart valve. Subsequently, Brian Hamer rang him to see how he was doing. Jim said the operation was unfortunately not successful. It is not clear at this stage whether any further surgery is possible. Brian said Jim was quite subdued and would love to hear from his Catenian brothers. Jim's surgery has since been resheduled and Jim is looking forward to it.
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.
John Stapleton recently had a stint in hospital with some type of blockage in his lower leg. Brain Hamer spoke with him at Mass at St Cecelia's on Sunday 6 June and said he seemed to be ok. John is back at home. We keep him in our prayers.
Bob Rigon had knee replacement surgery on one knee on 7 April and the operation was successful. His recuperation is going really well and he is gradually able to walk a bit further. He's very positive about it. Bob attended our May meeting and it was great to see him back again.
City of Sydney:
Brother Max Cattle is recovering well from his neuro-surgery. The pain in his leg has disappeared and he is walking longer distances each day. The recovery hasn't resulted in his return to the golf course but he is confident it will be achieved! Max was born on the 4th May 1934 so that makes him a spritely 87 years. Hopefully he will be able to be present at our 50th meeting in July as he is one of the inaugural brothers in the Circle having joined in July 1971.
I rang Brother Ian Milne to touch base and he is progressing slowly. He received the all clear from his neuro-surgeon, has been jabbed with the Flu and the Covid vaccines. He has had Xrays, MRIs and attention to his left hip but still manages to cover many steps in his walks around North Sydney. His wonderful wife Gabrielle has to be the chauffer as Ian cannot drive the car at present.
The other Brother who has not been well is Guy Cassar whom I also rang during the month. Bob O'Mara had visited Guy and Cecile and shared some happy times together. They have not seen their son in England for such a long time and their family is sadly missed. They also have a daughter in New Zealand so Covid has isolated them also! Cecile has been having eye trouble with Glaucoma and Cataracts being treated. Guy said that he would love to come to our 50th Celebration in July is someone would volunteer to transport home in and back to Mosman. Brother Guy was born on 17 December 1933 so he is also 87 years!
It was a sad day when Joyce Sweeney died at 92 years on the 7 May 2021. She passed away peacefully at Blakehurst and has now joined her husband Plunkett in the next world. Joyce was a loving mother to her children, a dedicated doctor to her patients, a determined bridge player and perfect mate to our inaugural President of the City of Sydney Circle. Peter O'R attended the Requiem Service at Mater Dei Church Blakehurst which brought back so many memories as this was his childhood church.
The Hills:
Prayers; For the sick, -- Br Milan & Mary Bohman, Paul Roberts – family in India; Marie Field; Marie Gauci, Ranee Fernando, John Davis, Bernie Good & all effected by the pandemic especially in India.