Eastern Link
March 2020
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.
Contributions to Eastern Link are welcome, if you have an article that might be of interest to other circles please send a Word document and any photos to p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Contents:
2020 Australian National Conference – A Renewed Opportunity The August 2020 Australian National Conference will provide Australian Catenians and brothers visiting from overseas with an opportunity overlooked at previous Australian National Conferences: the opportunity to propose and vote on motions |
Ku-Ring-Gai Wins the Little John Mug Province 21 Competition held in Canberra The topic this year was: Even though you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. A quote from American humorist Will Rogers. |
Ron Tesoreiro speaks about the Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires at Brisbane Water meeting Ron Tesoriero will speak of his experiences of The Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires at the March Brisbane Water Catenian meeting on Thursday 19th March. Ron is a lawyer and documentary film maker. With Mike Willesee he investigated the facts and scientific evidence of how living heart tissue emerged from a communion host. How did life come from nonliving matter? |
Ku-Ring-Gai Brother Mike Tighe's daughter Karen honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Sports Journalism Everyone remembers the voice of Ku-Ring-Gai Brother Mike Tighe's daughter Karen as she headed up the ABC's Sydney Olympic Games coverages ... continuing as a prominent voice in ABC Grandstand sports programmes today. |
Maroondah Brother Michael Sukkar, our Federal Assistant Treasurer, shares his story at Maroondah's February meeting Maroondah was delighted to welcome Bro. Michael Sukkar MP. as our guest speaker. Being a Ladies' Night, Bro. Michael was made doubly welcome, and the feed-back from our ladies was indeed glowing. Two of our three remaining widows were also with us. |
| Parramatta's 20th Anniversary invitation This event unfortunately has been cancelled due to COVID-19 |
News from Around the Circles A snapshot of activity, news, social activities, visitors and events around Province 21 circles. It would be great to include Area Victoria news and activities as well - email p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au |
| Regular Circle extracurricular activities An opportunity to share your circles' ideas on activities that might increase the brotherhood and spread the word about Catenians or even contribute to the lonely looking for a community connection. |
Prayers for ... Please keep in your prayers ... |
2020 Australian National Conference – A Renewed Opportunity
The August 2020 Australian National Conference will provide Australian Catenians and brothers visiting from overseas with an opportunity overlooked at previous Australian National Conferences: the opportunity to propose and vote on motions which, if adopted, would either
- initiate a process of which may lead to membership voting to change the Association's Constitution, the Principles or the Rules; or
- request the Australian National Council to give consideration to the decision of the Conference.
The emergence of this overlooked opportunity marked the completion of the restructuring process through which the Central Council, the Australian and Great Britain National Councils and the Development Areas directorate were instituted.
For Australian Catenians this renewed opportunity comes during a time of ongoing discernment which commenced with embracing the imperative to respond meaningfully to Evangelii Gaudium, the first Exhortation of Pope Francis, at the Fourth Australian National Conference in 2014. It has been given further impetus by last year's report by Central Council's Strategy Work Group reviewing the Association's structures and practices, the Woodford Review.
The 2019 Province 21 Workshop was devoted to identifying and crystallising those findings of the Review which are most relevant to members and to the life of their Circles. It then developed a survey which would provide members and Circles with an opportunity to express their views on these important findings. The response to the survey has been extraordinary; we estimate that the views of about 40% of the brothers in the Province have been captured. A summary of those views will issue following the next meeting of Province 21 Council.
It is clear from the response to the survey that a significant proportion of brothers in Province 21 appreciate that the Association in Australia - and probably internationally - has reached an inflection point in its existence and are informed of the issues and circumstances which it must address, as an Association of Christ's Faithful, in discerning its future. The renewed opportunity to propose motions to be voted on at the August Australian National Conference enables all members and Circles to participate in determining how these issues and circumstances are addressed.
In his February 2020 Australian National Secretary's Bulletin (No. 4) brother John Secker provided brothers and Circles with a "heads up" to stimulate discussion and debate in advance of his formal notices with regard to motions for consideration by the Conference. These notices will issue on 22 April and will set out the specific requirements attaching to motions.
Notices of Motion for consideration by the 2020 Australian National Conference must reach the Australian National Secretary by close of business on 22 May 2020.
In the meantime, we encourage you to seize this opportunity.
Ku-Ring-Gai Wins the Little John Mug Province 21 Competition held in Canberra
The topic this year was:
Even though you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. A quote from American humorist Will Rogers.
(left to right) Tony Boyle (Canberra), Rob Haddad (Carlingford Speaker), George Kazs (ANC Canberra), Terese and Paul Weiss (Canberra) and Anne McCarneyOutgoing President of Canberra Circle Brian Fish hosted the evening and made all very welcone.
52 were in attendance, including 10 Brothers and 7 ladies from Sydney ,at the Southern Cross Club Woden Contest winner was Paul Rubenach from Ku Ring Gai Circle with a talk on the consequences of not sitting still when separated from his wife in Norway and, by coincidence, under the new Province events roster, it will be Ku Ring Gai's turn to host the Little John Mug in 2021.
Other incoming Circle President contenders were -
Rob Haddad ( Carlingford Circle)
Mike Trevethan (Canberra Circle)
Graham Short (Harbourside North Circle)
Peter Williams (Manly Circle)
Peter Veney ( Pittwater Circle)
All in all a good time was had by all and thanks to Canberra brothers for their hospitality.
Ron Tesoreiro speaks about the Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires at Brisbane Water meeting
Ron Tesoriero will speak of his experiences of The Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires at the March Brisbane Water Catenian meeting on Thursday 19th March.
Ron is a lawyer and documentary film maker. With Mike Willesee he investigated the facts and scientific evidence of how living heart tissue emerged from a communion host. How did life come from nonliving matter?
His website www.reasontobelieve.com.au is a must to view.
As Catholics we believe that we receive Our Lord's body and blood at Holy Communion. What does it mean to see a consecrated host suddenly start to develop scientifically recognised heart flesh and blood?
Ron will speak at a dinner at the Brisbane Water Catenian dinner on Thursday 19th March, 7:00 for 7:15.
Location: Davistown RSL 19 Murna Rd, Davistown NSW 2251
Cost: $30 for a two-course dinner wine included.
RSVP: 16th March
Chris Vale
Ph: 0410434840
Em: brisbanewatercircle@gmail.com
Ku-Ring-Gai Brother Mike Tighe's daughter Karen honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Sports Journalism
Everyone remembers the voice of Ku-Ring-Gai Brother Mike Tighe's daughter Karen as she headed up the ABC's Sydney Olympic Games coverages ... continuing as a prominent voice in ABC Grandstand sports programmes today.
At the Australian Sports Awards, which took place a couple of weeks ago, Karen was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Sports Journalism.
Picture shows Karen with Mike and Dot Tighe and her son.
Maroondah Brother Michael Sukkar, our Federal Assistant Treasurer, shares his story at Maroondah's February meeting
A report from Paul McCulloch, Area Clr. Maroondah on the February Maroondah Circle meeting.
(left to right) Michael Sukkar, Craig Short (President) and Phil Copsey (Vice President)We were delighted to welcome Bro. Michael Sukkar MP. as our guest speaker.
Being a Ladies' Night, Bro. Michael was made doubly welcome, and the feed-back from our ladies
was indeed glowing. Two of our three remaining widows were also with us.
As many brothers would know, Bro. Michael is not only a Government Minister, but also a devoted husband to Anna, and the father two very young boys.
Any brothers who might have had concerns of a political nature when learning that Michael would be our next guest speaker, had those concerns very comfortably allayed.
Michael, whose family emigrated from Lebanon, worked hard, and fully adopted their new country.
It is encouraging for us all to know that one of our brothers, with the Faith that we hold dear, and the Principles to which we aspire, is representing the Australian people in our Federal Parliament.
A great night for all who attended!
Parramatta's 20th Anniversary invitation
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
News from Around the Circles
Canberra:
President Brian Fish commented in the Canberra Newsletter -
The broad aim of the recent extended survey on the findings of the Strategy Work Group, which has been conducted Australia-wide, is to ascertain members' views on the way ahead for the Association in Australia, and as a possible consequence, maybe the way ahead for Catenians worldwide.
Some of the questions were challenging, particularly for those members who held more traditional views. If I ask myself the question, I am probably in this group.
However, as our Membership Officer has stated and written on numerous occasions, holding on to the old or traditional way of operating may well spell the demise of our Association.
It is time that all Catenians in Australia took a close look at how we operate now and in the future. In the coming months we will be asked to consider various proposals on this subject. I urge all Circle members to be involved in this process and make sure that you are both informed of the detail and become part of the discussion that aims at producing the best result for our Association.
Canberra Circle Workshop
Circle Council will be hold a workshop on Saturday, 4 April to map out the way for the Association in Canberra.
The workshop will be held at St John Vianney's church meeting room.
Council members will welcome other Circle members to attend and participate in this challenging discussion.
Cairns:
Our February meeting was a fantastic meeting, we enrolled new Brother Sam Marino (pictured left) and we had two potential Brothers visiting; Jim Alexander and Jim Jimenez. Our Circle Chaplain Fr Neil was also with us and the night and comradeship was just amazing.
Many happy birthday wishes to our Provincial Councillor Brother Tony (pictured right) on his recent 51st Birthday. He had a super time with his family and friends, as you can see, he really is enjoying himself. Knock up another 51 years' Tony!!!! Many happy returns.
Carlingford:
A regular Carlingford event is the Tuesday morning coffee gathering from "10ish to 11ish" generally at Cucina de Luca, Carmen Drive, Carlingford.
Our twins at Medway Towns Circle for sometime now have been struggling with the challenges of being an ageing and shrinking Circle and have advised us that at their March meeting they will be discussing and likely deciding on the future of the Circle, please keep them in your prayers as they face this challenging decision.
Future events
Our next Social Morning Tea is at 10:30 on Thursday 19th March at Café El, Shop 64 Winston Hills Mall, Caroline Chisholm Drive. We expect that a number of our Brothers and their wives from The Hills Circle will join us. Bro. VP Rob has asked the cafe to make extra scones, also if you need a lift do contact Rob (0414 661 038).
Harbourside North:
April meeting date postponed to 16 April - As our normal meeting date in April falls on Holy Thursday, Circle Council has postponed it by one week to 16 April.
We now have an indication from two brothers that they are willing to accept nomination for the roles of President and Provincial Councillor. Graham Short has indicated he will accept nomination as President. John Tweedie has indicated he will accept nomination as Provincial Councilor.
Issues concerning catering and attendances
Concerns were raised at our recent Circle Council meeting by our hardworking Catering Officer (Bro Phil) and Treasurer (Bro John). Phil was concerned at the decreasing numbers attending our meetings and dinners. John was concerned with the diminishing bank balance.
The two interact to a great extent in that if people don't attend then we have to dip into our Circle funds to pay for the dinners up to the 18 person minimum normally required for our catering.
Whilst Phil has decided on some alternative less expensive catering arrangements, which will hopefully help stem the flow of funds from the bank account, the issue of diminishing numbers in attendance needs to be addressed by all of us.
City of Sydney:
George Kazs and Chris Vale present Frank Filocamo with his 25 year scrollBro. ANC Pres. George Kazs and Provincial President Chris Vale were on hand at the Occidental Luncheon to present Frank Filocamo with a scroll to honour his 25 years in the Association.
This is a milestone for Frank and culminated with his being the president of the City of Sydney Circle for the past 3 years doing a great job!
The Catenian Luncheon on the 18th February went extremely well with 14 in attendance. City of Sydney was represented by Peter Gialouris and wife Elizabeth, Bob and Veronica O'Mara, Peter & Lorelie O'Reilly, Peter Tilbrook, Brian Goodacre, Ian and Gabrielle Milne, and Visitors, three from Manly Circle - Bob Rigon, Tony Shannon and Joseph Grech and from Parramatta Circle Peter Moriarty.
We celebrated a birthday for Peter O'Reilly. Mike Tighe had made it into the city but felt ill and returned home, so was an apology.
The next luncheon will be on Tuesday 19 May 2020 i.e. the third Tuesday.
The Hills:
A new member, Mr Campion Fernando has requested membership, installation in March if no objections.
Status of Circle is of real concern – down to 18 members, 6 of which have a permanent apology.
Urgent need to approach parishes of Stanhope/Winston Hills/Blacktown /Kellyville & Kenthurst.
Manly:
Manly's Friends of Catenians activities continue -
Latest trivia night and the Five Triviateers!
While our normal gathering for Trivia is between 10 and 30, you've heard of the Three Musketeers, well in February, we had the Five Triviateers holding the flag high for The Catenians. After getting every question right in Round 1 and using our bonus sticker to double our points, we were off to the perfect start. The rest of the night was great fun – notice that no further mention is made of scores! We finished mid-pack on the night. Our main claim to fame on the night (apart from Round 1) was that the overall winner of the trivia night, a gentleman on his own, took our photo!
The Manly walkers were faced with a change in the landscape at Queenscliff Surfclub as David Addington inspects the damage to our famous beaches after the recent storms.
Regular Circle extracurricular activities
A new section in Eastern Link, add your regular circle activities to this list by including them in your newsletter.
You might even get visitors from other circles or give other circles some ideas for expanding their own circles activities.
Carlingford:
A regular Carlingford event is the Tuesday morning coffee gathering from "10ish to 11ish" generally at Cucina de Luca, Carmen Drive, Carlingford.
City of Sydney:
Lunch at the Occidental, 43 York St, Sydney, every third month.
The next luncheon will be on Tuesday 19 May 2020 i.e. the third Tuesday.
RSVP: to Peter Gialouris at peter.gialouris@cadtre.com.au or on 0400 332 495 by Friday 15 May, 2020
Manly:
All Manly activities are Friends of Catenians events, which while frequented by many Manly members, are open to anybody who wishes to join us, friends, neighbours, fellow parishioners, prospective members all ...
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7am, join us for a walk along Manly Beach, from Queenscliff Surf Club to Shelley Beach and return. A 5km walk, on the flat, where we solve the problems of the world.
Trivia, every first Tuesday of the month 6:30pm to share a meal, 7:30pm for Trivia in the auditorium, at Balgowlah RSL, 30-38 Ethel Street, Seaforth. Just turn up at around 7:00 if you aren't sharing a meal, seating can be tricky if you lreave it too late.
Prayers for ...
Our members, family and friends who are sick and for whom we pray -
Cairns:
Brother Peter Duggan and Alma who are not very well at the moment.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski, Ron Burke, Jack Garcia, Tony Lee and Mike Tighe.
Family members Barbara Burke, Jan and Rebecca Davies, Mariles Garcia, Brendan Stone, Gayle and Suzie Meagher, Elaine Rickard, David Gardener Madeleine Szymanski and daughter Kate McRea, and Monica Moldrich.
Manly:
Michael Van Ommen, after 8 years of chemotherapy, Michael has now had to move on to new drugs. Michael is in good spirits (isn't he always!) and says he misses his Manly Brothers.
Romano Di Donato is well on the road to recovery after a couple of relaxed nights at our monthly trivia.
Chris Micallef has dispensed with the sling on his broken shoulder and was discharged from hospital on 5 February and is receiving treatment at home.
Pittwater:
Our current "prayer list" consists of Margaret and Barry McNamara; 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; Margaret Schloeffel; Kevin Cullen; Peter McDonald and Josephine Pezzano and Peter's 17 year old granddaughter Taylah McDonald. All are in need of our prayers.
The Hills:
Br Milan & Mary; Br Jim Quinn