Eastern Link
March 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
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Contents:
Province 21 Members Survey In an effort to establish how the Province and each Circle might better meet the needs of Catenians, both now and post Covid, Province 21 Council has formulated an on-line survey, which asks each member a series of questions to establish their attitudes to the Catenian Association and what could be done differently. |
Very special guest speakers at Parramatta's 21st Anniversary on March 25th The City of Parramatta Circle 333 will be having its 21st Anniversary Meeting and Dinner on Thursday 25th March 2021 as we were unable to celebrate our 20th Anniversary dinner in 2020 because of COVID. Brothers from other Circles are invited to attend. We will be marking the occasion with guest speakers Danny and Laila Abdallah who lost three of their children and a niece in a tragic motor vehicle accident |
The Shroud of Turin The Shroud of Turin is the most studied artifact known to man, with numerous scientific research papers completed. The scientific research continues today, as continually improving technology provides greater insight into the mystery. However, it is surprising how many people maintain the common view that "it's a medieval forgery dated to the middle ages as shown by Carbon Dating". |
An email of thanks for Cairns and a prayer Catenian Brothers in Cairns! Happy, happy new year to you all – it does seem a bit weird that I am still greeting people with a Happy New Year when it is nearly Valentine's Day! I am writing to share with you a quick update from our missionary project in Ghana. This was one of the projects that you generously supported in 2019 ... |
Pittwater's Mike Maynard, the winner of the Little John Mug competition at Ku-Ring-Gai 27 Ku-ring-gai Brothers and 13 visiting Brothers assembled on Monday, February 8th at the Warrawee Club for our February meeting and hosting of the annual Little John Mug speaking competition for incoming Circle Presidents. We were also supposed to be joined by several Brothers from Canberra Circle via Zoom. However, a power outage in the local neighbourhood due to some fallen power lines just before 7pm put paid to that |
Legal Eagles Night for City of Sydney in April It has taken some planning but the Legal Eagles night is on track for for our April meeting on Wednesday 14th April (NOT THE FIRST WEDNESDAY). Brothers Brian Skinner and Peter Tilbrook have been able to organise retired Judge and M.P. Terry Sheehan to speak on the night. He is the son of Hon. W. (Billie) Sheehan who represented Gundagai for many years. |
Around the Circles All of the news from the P21 circles who have distributed their newsletters. |
Province 21 Members Survey
In an effort to establish how the Province and each Circle might better meet the needs of Catenians, both now and post Covid, Province 21 Council has formulated an on-line survey, which asks each member a series of questions to establish their attitudes to the Catenian Association and what could be done differently.
If there is a question not asked in the survey that you would like to raise or you wish to offer a suggestion, please use one of the free text fields to do so.
The responses will be invaluable in informing Circle and Provincial leadership teams of each Circle's and individual member's needs in gathering suggestions for the future.
The survey can be filled in on-line at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JZRWBJQ
We have 47 responses so far, it would be fantastic if we could get to 100 before the survey closes.
Very special guest speakers at Parramatta's 21st Anniversary on March 25th
The City of Parramatta Circle 333 will be having its 21st Anniversary Meeting and Dinner on Thursday 25th March 2021 as we were unable to celebrate our 20th Anniversary dinner in 2020 because of COVID.
Brothers from other Circles are invited to attend.
We will be marking the occasion with guest speakers Danny and Laila Abdallah who lost three of their children and a niece in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Oatlands on 1st February 2020. Danny and Leila will be speaking on their journey through the accident and their forgiveness of the young man responsible.
The celebration will be held in Southern Cross Hall at St Joseph's Conference and Retreat Centre, 33 Barina Downs Road Baulkham Hills.
- 6.15 for 7pm commencement of dinner
- There will be prayers and an "all business deferred meeting",
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Ladies' Night
- Cost $50 per person including finger food on arrival and a two course dinner, drinks and a small donation to the I Forgive Foundation
Please RSVP to Catering Officer, Brother Mel Waters by Friday 19th March 2021
Mobile: 0433 887 645
Email: melwaters702@gmail.com
The Shroud of Turin
An article by John Formosa from Warringah Circle
The Shroud of Turin is the most studied artifact known to man, with numerous scientific research papers completed.
Photo 1. John Formosa at International Shroud of Turin Conference St Louis 2014The scientific research continues today, as continually improving technology provides greater insight into the mystery. However, it is surprising how many people maintain the common view that "it's a medieval forgery dated to the middle ages as shown by Carbon Dating".
My personal interest in the Shroud began from a holiday 1986 with my parents to Turin Italy, and grew after I attended the 3-day 2014 International Shroud of Turin Conference in St Louis.
A key aspect of the St Louis Conference was the evolution of research due to increased computing power and digital imagery that has allowed research to continue based on the Shroud 1975 collection of detailed scientific data and the Carbon Dating undertaken in 1988 .
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Figure 1. Neutron Absorption Hypothesis with modelling results for C14 with a body that has been radiated ( Robert Rucker 2020).The main area of scientific development and research was in the area of nuclear physics, and surprisingly, a large portion of the conference attendees worked in the nuclear industry or Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratories. There was a core group of several people that were mainly involved in the initial 1975 shroud research, they unofficially called themselves the "Shroud Crowd". The conference was attended by about 150 people from USA, Italy, UK, Canada and Australia. Many were scientists like myself, wondering about the latest scientific developments and if they could possible prove or disprove the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Figure 2. Image of the outline of a person of a footpath after the Hiroshima radiation burst of light.The big scientific development was a presentation by a Nuclear Physicist, Robert Rucker. Bob presented his research work called the "Neutron Absorption Hypothesis" that concludes "If neutrons were included in the burst of radiation that caused the image, a small fraction of them would have been absorbed in Nitrogen atoms in the Shroud linen to produce Carbon 14 (C14) Atoms." . This newly produced C14 would increase the laboratories Carbon Dating Age of Carbon 14, which could explain the middle ages (1155-1410AD) date of the shroud. His research modelling also predicted if C14 samples were taken from in the middle of the shroud, rather than the bottom of the shroud ( as was done) it could show a date of 4500 years AD, or a maximum date of 8500AD (where the body has the most atoms) See Figure 1.
Italian scientists at the ENEA Research Center in Frascati, undertook studies with bursts of UV Radiated light. They blasted linen with UV at different power levels and reported that they "achieved a very superficial Shroud-like coloration of linen yarns in a narrow range of irradiation parameters." The best effect depended on laser pulses lasting less than 50 nanoseconds.
There is evidence of radiation burst of light after the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima causing the shadow images of people on footpaths, these images are also negative images ( See Figure 2)
Robert Walker's Nuclear Absorption Hypothesis was shown to potentially explain a number of the unique factors of the shroud, as follows.
Figure 3. Shroud image shows Xray of hand and finger bones, note blood is over wrist bone.The shroud image shows long fingers similar to an X-Ray(See Figure 3). The length of the finger is due to finger bones (phalanges), note one of the arms is longer possible due to dislocation of shoulder:
Figure 4. Representative drawing of man with blood covered in burial shroud.The shroud also has reddish blood over the wounds (see Figure 4). The Radiation theory may also explain the blood on the cloth as Crookes Radiometer which states "Light has Force". Radiation pressure could thrust the dried blood off the body onto the cloth.
Currently I am working with two other Catenian brothers Sam North and Craig Bullock from the Warringah Circle 328. We are making progress to organise the next International Shroud of Turin Conference in Sydney November 2022. We consider the new scientific information an exciting development in our understanding of the Shroud, and a potential opportunity to evangelise non-believers and scientists in Australia. We have organised the two best Shroud presenters in the world Robert Rucker and Russ Breault both from the United States, and will be advertising for other international experts to attend the conference.
We are interested in visiting other Catenian Circles to be a guest speaker on the Shroud, to hear feedback and opportunities.
Please email me on jpf114@uowmail.edu.au
Further information can be found at www.shroudencounter.com and www.shroudresearch.net
An email of thanks for Cairns and a prayer
Good morning,
Catenian Brothers in Cairns! Happy, happy new year to you all – it does seem a bit weird that I am still greeting people with a Happy New Year when it is nearly Valentine's Day!
I am writing to share with you a quick update from our missionary project in Ghana. This was one of the projects that you generously supported in 2019. Sr Stan has purchased many of the catering materials to launch phase two at the Vocational school (see attached image).
We are aiming to have phase two completed and the school fully equipped and ready to operate by June 2021.
Thank you for your prayers and generosity. In the year when Pope Francis place our catholic family under the patronage of St Joseph, I offer this prayer for all your intentions –
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
May I please request that you share this message to the rest of our Catenian brothers?
Again, MARAMING SALAMAT (Thank you very much in Filipino, my native language ). Take care and God bless!
Kay Kristo Buong Buhay Habambuhay,
(In Christ All My Life For the Rest of My Life)
Anna Jimenez (Smile is the beginning of love – Mother Teresa)
Director – Diocese of Cairns
Parish Appeals Coordinator – QLD / NT
Mob 0450 213 042
Email ajimenez@catholicmission.org.au
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMission.Cairns
PO Box 763, Cairns QLD 4870
Freecall: 1800 257 296
www.catholicmission.org.au/
Pittwater's Mike Maynard, the winner of the Little John Mug competition at Ku-Ring-Gai
27 Ku-ring-gai Brothers and 13 visiting Brothers assembled on Monday, February 8th at the Warrawee Club for our February meeting and hosting of the annual Little John Mug speaking competition for incoming Circle Presidents.
Ku-Ring-Gai President-elect Br Stefan Wawryzniak competing in the LJM competition with ANC President Br George Kazs looming large via Zoom behindWe were also supposed to be joined by several Brothers from Canberra Circle via Zoom. However, a power outage in the local neighbourhood due to some fallen power lines just before 7pm put paid to that. Fortunately it was still light enough outside to proceed with the meeting and the staff did a great job in decking out all the tables with candles and proceeded to serve the meal (thank goodness for gas ovens!).
Province 21 Secretary and competition convenor Br John Tweedie introducing Br Mike Trevethan, Canberra Circle on Zoom behindAround 9pm the power came back and with lighting, microphones and Zoom restored we were able to proceed with an excellent speaking contest. Br George Kazs and Br Mike Trevethan rejoined us from Canberra via Zoom.
Contestants were asked to speak on the following quote (attributed to Dolly Parton) for 5 minutes each: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you've gotta put up with the rain".
Five Circles: Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Canberra, Pittwater and Paramatta were represented.
Our own Stefan Wawryzniak went first and put up an excellent performance, but Pittwater's Mike Maynard was declared a deserving winner.
Despite the blackout, everybody seemed to have a great night. A big thank you to Andrew Sim for setting up the Zoom connection (which he had to do twice). It worked extremely well.
Congratulations on the win Mike.
Canberra trials a Zoom meeting in the nights before a Ladies Night
Sue Cowley and Dorothy WellsIn February we trialled having our monthly meeting by Zoom two days before our ladies' night Dinner. This meant that we were able to spend more time with the ladies and did not have to leave them while we had our meeting.
We intend to trial two other options at future ladies' nights:
- holding our meeting at the tables, with the ladies in attendance; and
- holding our meeting as usual, but inviting the ladies to join us for the meeting, should they wish to do so.
The views of members and the ladies will then be canvassed on the three options.
Ku-Ring-Gai wins the Ku-Pitt Shield Golf
Stim Robinson presents Claude Jugmans with the Maid Marion TrophyThe annual golf day between Ku-ring-gai and Pittwater Circles was played on Sunday, February 14 at Palm Beach Golf Club for a 7.30am hit off.
The winning team with the shield.The field was smaller than normal with only 6 Ku-ring-gai and 4 Pittwater Brothers turning out. Nevertheless, an enjoyable day was had by all in glorious weather.
The course, which has a gorgeous setting along the Pittwater coastline was in as good a condition as people could remember.
Ku-ring-gai was successful in winning the shield with Claude Jugmans taking out the Maid Marian trophy for the best individual score by a Ku-ring-gai team member with 38 stableford points.
Stim Robinson (nearest the pin on the 6th hole) and Paul Rubenach (nearest the pin on 2nd hole and longest drive) also winning prizes.
Legal Eagles Night for City of Sydney in April
It has taken some planning but the Legal Eagles night is on track for for our April meeting on Wednesday 14th April (NOT THE FIRST WEDNESDAY).
Brothers Brian Skinner and Peter Tilbrook have been able to organise retired Judge and M.P. Terry Sheehan to speak on the night. He is the son of Hon. W. (Billie) Sheehan who represented Gundagai for many years.
Community Activity
Member (honorary) of the Cootamundra Rotary Club 1983 - 1988. Served as National President of Diabetes Australia 1993 - 1996 and on the New South Wales board 1997 - 2004; UNICEF Australia 2001 - 2005, and 2008 to date; Rainbow Memorial Fund 1997 - 2005; LCM Health and Aged Care 1997 - 2007; St Vincent's College Board 1992 - 1998; Board member and chairman 2HD at Newcastle 1983 - 1997. Also involved with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, the Australian Tax Research Foundation, the Visiting Committee of the Faculty of Law at the University of Wollongong, University of Technology Business Round Table, Kosciusko National Park Advisory Committee, Keep Australia Beautiful Council, Matthew Talbot Special Appeal Committee, the Law Society's Dispute Resolution and Constitutional Law Committees, Board of Australian Legal Resources International Incorporated; Leadership Group of the Young Womens Christian Association of Sydney, Board of the Northern Medical Research Foundation, Council of the John Hubert Plunkett Society, Board of the Foundation for the New England Regional Art Museum.
Qualifications, occupations and interests
Lawyer (solicitor). Educated at the St Thomas Becket Infants School, Lewisham 1952 - 1954, Christian Brothers High School, Lewisham 1955 - 1963 and Sydney University 1964 - 1969. BA, LLB. Articled clerk and practised as a solicitor in Roy Turner Jones & Co, Sydney 1967 - 1972 and later in Yass with Elrington & Elrington in 1973. Admitted to the New South Wales Bar on 12 February 1982. Solicitor from 1988 - 1997 and mediator and consultant with Cowley Hearne, Solicitors and on own account with Ernst and Young 1995 - 1997. Has been a Judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales since appointment on 9 April 1997 and president of New South Wales Workers Compensation Commission November 2001 - November 2007. Recreational interests include family and films.
Honours Received
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to the Law, the Parliament and the Community (health, care of the aged, human rights and the environment).
KEEP THIS DATE FREE TO HEAR FROM A LEARNED AND EXPERIENCED JUDGE AND M.P.
Around the circles
Cairns:
WELCOME BACK BROTHER JIM…
At our February meeting, we welcomed the return of former Brother Jim Callahan, great to see you back Jim, he was very warmly received by our Catenian Brothers. We had a super meeting and many discussion's were held regarding attracting new members, we now have 13 prospective Brothers we are talking about inviting to join the Catenians.
Peter Cash joins the Cairns meeting from BournemouthNews from sunny Bournemouth
Still in complete lockdown over here in Bournemouth, hope maybe I can get my haircut in June!!! Here's hoping My son Paul is so pleased to be back in Bournemouth, I cannot go and visit him in his Care Home, hoping this and everything will change soon. Paul did not leave home until he was 41, he wanted to seek his own independence then. Great meeting this month, welcome back Jim. God Bless you all and your families. Best wishes to you all. Keep safe and well.
Dominus Vobiscum
Brother Peter Cash
Harbourside North:
Our speaker in March 8 was Claire Barber CEO of Mary's House Services. Claire provided the following information about herself and her role.
As CEO of Mary's House Services, Claire is responsible for ensuring the delivery of quality services to women and children escaping domestic violence.
She has led the service through the COVID pandemic, and oversaw the introduction of the Daisy Centre, and the addition of transitional living options to the service offerings.
Claire's previous role as CEO of South Pacific Private hospital equipped her with essential experience in the areas of corporate and clinical governance, safety, quality and risk management.
Both roles provided her with the privilege of supporting people to process and understand their trauma, and to heal from these experiences in order to thrive and grow.
Claire is passionate about being able to facilitate lasting positive change for people and she has a reputation for integrity and authenticity and for having a collaborative and empowering leadership style.
Claire is currently the CEO of Mary's House Services. She is a Director for the Women's Resilience Centre and BPAC Clinical Solutions and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Congratulations to our new Aussies!
Congratulations are due to Martin and Gen Stebbings who are amongst our newset citizens elect. They also used the occassion of sitting their "Aussie values" test into a fundraising opportunity for the Catenian Bursary Fund.
Catenians were asked to sponsor them an amount for each question they got right in their individual 20 question tests. Of course they both got full marks and at last count expected to raise about $1500 towards the Bursary Fund. Well done Martin and Gen, who can be seen raising a glass of 'bubbles' to their success!
City of Sydney:
Our guests Kieran Newton and Blair Pleash at dinnerOur February meeting was not well attended with only eleven brothers present and fifteen apologies with two guests. The Occidental has a minimum of seventeen attendees to open the Fairmont Restaurant for our meeting and dinner so the Circle had a $365.00 loss on the event.
It means that the City of Sydney Circle has to insure that we reach the 17 figure either with a greater attendance of members or we scour the parishes to procure more Catholic gentlemen to join us.
It has been suggested that we revert to our previous reply system that you are attending unless you apologise in timely fashion. We will discuss this at the March meeting.
The Circle welcomed Bro. George Newton's son Kieran and his son-in-law Blair Pleash to our meeting and dinner in February. They fitted in beautifully and enjoyed the night with an excellent dinner and conversation. Kieran of course was an ex-officio member as he had worked as night manager for some years at the Occidental and called into our dinner evenings. I have included a photograph of Kieran and Blair in this newsletter. We hope that they will join us in March.
Eileen Newton and daughter and Paula had been to our Christmas celebration and replied that they had an excellent night with all the Circle.
Some news from your Circle Council:
The reply for attendance at meetings drew some discussion and it was decided that permanent attendances with timely apology for non-attendance would be discussed at the next meeting to make the guessing job of the Catering Officer much easier. It was also decided that the reply date would be one week prior to the meeting.
We will have a combined meeting with Harbourside North Circle at the Occidental Hotel in May with Peter G. and Graham Short to organise.
The quarterly luncheon gatherings would be resumed as the restrictions are eased for Covid.
The celebration of our 50 years will be in July and held on two floors at the Occidental Hotel. It is a big night for the Association as it makes half a century since Catenians were launched in Australia. The Lakes Golf Club unfortunately is closed to functions June/July for renovations. Memorabilia will be resurrected with some historical notes. We still have three members who have been in the Circle all these years – Bros. Max Cattle, Ronald Daly and Peter O'Reilly with Brendan O'Connell a member of Hornsby and Harbourside North.
September would be a "Medicos night" and next February we will have a "Business night".
Happy Birthday Peter O'Reilly
Your secretary had his 84th birthday in February and the Sydney branch of the O'Reilly clan gathered in Dolls Point for a celebratory BBQ. Unfortunately the Melbourne and Wagga Wagga families were absent as the Covid restrictions compelled. Thanks family for all the good wishes and pressies. It only seems like yesterday that they were babes in arms but now very interesting and loving adults.
Manly:
After an approach from Manly Golf, our hosts, Manly have reluctantly moved their meeting night to the 2nd Wednesday of each month from their June meeting.
Bro Jim Rush has been having some health issues with his heart. Latest is that Jim's planned operation on 8 March at St Vincent's Hospital to repair a leaking valve has been delayed 2 weeks. He was expected to be in hospital at least overnight. Jim is in very good spirits, although he says he would be very pleased to have his appetite restored! Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Liz.
Trivia on Zoom returns on Monday night, with Terry and Ann Hayes as quizmasters, with a return to Trivia at the RSL Club to be discussed.
Terry Hayes and John McCarney (pictured right) took their lives in their hands on a recent walk along a wild Manly beachfront. John had an umbrella and so "volunteered" to stand closer to the action.
"Second Friday Lunch" gatherings continue
Our regular "Second Friday Lunch" each month continues at Wakehurst Golf Club. The menu gives a very good variety of food and the price can be inexpensive depending on menu choices made, and the venue is beautiful looking over the golf course. The February lunch was held on Friday, 12 February 2021.
Peter Williams, Gary O'Sullivan, Greg Dunn. The lunch group was joined by Greg's father-in-law Stewart visiting from Canberra circle (far right). Paul Pearson was behind the camera.
The lunches will continue, so feel free to come along.
The next lunch at Wakehurst Golf Club is at 12 noon on Friday, 12 March 2021.
Pittwater:
A report from Gavin Williamson.
Bro Chris Micallef of Pittwater and Manly Circles has been delivered a mobility scooter with the assistance of Pittwater Circle.
He has had an incredibly tough time under Covid. He has had to have several operations due to infection from diabetes which resulted in loss of most toes. He then has had to face isolation in rehab and even his new home at Taylor Village where because he had to leave three times a week, it was Covid risk so he was isolated to his room including for meals.
I live less than 100 m from him and we came up with inventive ways to meet with him on a balcony, using a long pole and bag for items. The great news is that Covid restrictions are relaxed, Chris getting the jab and visiting a lot easier. He would love to see you, Chris is in room 31 Wesley Taylor Village 156 Ocean St Narrabeen and mobile 0472 546 233 but ring first as he goes to dialysis on Tue, Thurs and Sat afternoons.
He is looking forward to going to Mass and Catenians (he can walk with a walker but needs somebody to take him)
Canberra:
March Monthly Meeting, 6:45 pm, Thursday, 18 March 2021
At our March meeting we will be installing two new members –– Pat Mullhall and Peter Heffernan. Pat and Peter will each give a brief outline of their backgrounds.
We will also be farewelling Myles Hannan, who will be leaving the Circle at the end of this month. We would like to make this a special evening for him, so we hope you can be there to wish him well.
With Pat and Peter's enrolment and Myles' departure at the end of the mmonth, we will then have 52 members.
Griffith Weekend Away, 5 to 8 March
Our Canberra Day long weekends away are always most enjoyable occasions, and this year's weekend away to Griffith was no exception. There were 26 of us who travelled to Griffith and we all had a wonderful time.
The festivities began on the Friday evening, with a 3-course dinner at our motel. Entertainment was organised by Geoffro and the Chocolate Coconuts (alias Geoff Rowsell and George Kazs). The fun and festivities included music, a poem/limerick competition and a quiz.
On the following two days we had a feature-filled itinerary, where we learnt so much about the Riverina and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, and the many agricultural and horticultural crops that are produced there. We also visited tourist attractions, wineries, a sugar plum and prune farm, a malt house, and a cotton gin and farm. We were amazed at the vastness of the agricultural area.
If you were planning a break to one of our Canberra Day Weekend locations, you would simply be unable to organise a better itinerary for yourself. As usual, we had a brilliantly organised itinerary by people who know what they are doing. Our hosts, Simon Crook and his wife Louise, were experienced long-time locals, who are really accommodating. Simon was the winemaker at McWilliam's Wines for 40 years, so he knows wine-making well. He now organises his own tours and works with a company (Carrick) that processes grape waste into ethanol (for fortified wines) and livestock feed (nothing is wasted in wine production). He also often drives the school bus and so knows the farmers and their children well (meaning we also had good access to the farms).
We were interested to learn that planning of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) began in the 1880s, with construction of the Burrinjuck Dam, from which water flows into the MIA, and the canals beginning in 1902. Further expansion occurred in the 1970s following the completion of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The water from the Burrinjuck Dam flows to the MIA by gravity. It is a major engineering feat. There were certainly visionaries in those early years of Australia.
A word of warning to people thinking of attending future weekends away. If you are on a diet, it will be ruined!
And to those who were unable to attend, commiserations. You missed out on a great weekend.