Eastern Link
May 2021
If you or your Circle is doing anything that might be of interest to other Circles, social activities, new ideas, keynote speakers coming up, helpful tips, or just of general interest, please share that information and photos (if possible) through Eastern Link by emailing p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Without your stories Eastern Link doesn't exist.
Contents:
Golden Opportunities in a Golden Anniversary Year - Australian National Conference 2021 The conference will not only provide opportunities to celebrate the Association's Australian Golden Anniversary year, but also provide unique opportunities for brothers to continue their participation in the journey to revitalise the life of the Association in Australia. A journey which commenced when the 2014 National Catenian Conference |
A Dinner invitation from Brisbane Water Province 21 brothers are invited to dinner, Thursday 20th May 2021 at Davistown RSL. 6:45 pm for 7:15. Our guest speaker the Honourable Taylor Martin MLC will speak on Nuclear Energy. This forum allows us to meet, socialise, share experiences, & support each other. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of likeminded friends. |
Pathway to inauguration for Adelaide Group  THE DESTINY of the recently inaugurated Adelaide Group can probably be traced back some 18 years to 2003 when Michael Cogman, a man of Irish birth living in England joined Southgate Circle 122. Michael had originally been approached to join the Catenian Association about 20 years before, but had declined because of commitments to his career and young family. |
Good progress in difficult times Ralph Fitzpatrick's update on developments during the last year a lot has been happening in the Catenian world both in Great Britain and Australia. As Chairman of Central Council and Vice President of Australian National Council I have been fortunate to be involved in many reviews, planning and implementations. In this article I will attempt to convey a little of what has happened with a lot of it behind the scenes. |
Leadership handover in Province 21 Prior to handing over and taking up duties, current and elected Province 21 Directors and Presidents met for a briefing and lunch at Campbelltown Catholic Club. Geoff Young (left from Hornsby Circle, takes over as Province 21 President. George Kazs (2nd from left), now steps aside to become Canberra's Provincial Councillor... |
Pope at Audience: vocal prayer is a sure way speak with God Pope Francis reflects on the importance of vocal prayer in his catechesis recently during General Audience. Prayer, Pope Francis said at his General Audience on Wednesday, "is dialogue with God; and every creature, in a certain sense, engages in dialogue with God." |
Letter of gratitude received by Ku-Ring-Gai, from Secretary, Catenian Bursary Fund Thanks again for the initiative of Br Martin Stebbings and wife Gen for organising this sponsorship drive and to all the Ku-ring-gai Brothers who got behind it. Donation of Aus$2050 from Ku- Rung-Gai Circle (284) What an Awesome Donation to the Bursary Fund!! In writing to thank you and your circle for this magnificent donation it is almost impossible to convey to you from the Trustees our debt of gratitude for your generosity. We were overwhelmed by the truly magnificent amount forwarded to us, not just once this year but twice. |
An invitation to see Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit Ku-Ring-Gai Catenians are going to see Pymble Players in their production of Noel Coward's Blith Spirit at 8pm on Saturday 26 June 2021. The production is at the church hall of Pymble Chapel, at the corner of Bromley Avenue and Mona Vale Road, Pymble. The cost is $20 per ticket. We have a limited number of seats reserved - Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to come - Spouses and friends/family are welcome. |
| Try it for free Register for the GB National Conference 2021 Registration link for the Virtual Conference 2021 http://bit.ly/2021CatenianVirtualConference-BookingForm View the full program for the conference. |
Area Victoria trip to Bright On April 12th, 40 Catenians and wives from four Victorian Circles were picked up from around Melbourne by coach and transported to Bright for a four night stay at the Bright Chalet. The coach was at our disposal during our stay, we visited Rutherglen for a little wine tasting and Yarrawonga for a cruise and lunch on Lake Mulwala . |
Successful Legal Eagles Dinner at City of Sydney What a fantastic night was organised by Bros. Pres. Peter Gialouris, Brian Skinner and Peter Tilbrook when our Circle and the Saint Thomas More Society invited the Hon. Terry Sheahan to speak at our dinner. In all the years of our meetings at the Occidental we have never had 75 bodies present to dinner. Father Brian Lucas was a guest and proposed the Grace before meals before dinner. |
Vale Francis Charles ('Frank') Boyle, OAM It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of our oldest and one of our longest serving members, Frank Boyle. He was 96. Frank was born on 24 August 1924. He was the youngest son of Charlie and Nancy Boyle. Frank began work in Sydney at the then Postmaster-General's Department. He moved to Canberra in 1947 to work at the Public Service Board. It was there that he met his wife, Pat. |
| News from around the circles News from all of our circles in Province 21 and Area Victoria, gathered from newsletters supplied. |
| Regular social gatherings at circles A list of regular social gatherings organised by circles keeping connected with their brothers, friends and fellow parishionsers |
Prays for ... Please keep in your prayers your brother Catenians and their families. |
Golden Opportunities in a Golden Anniversary Year - Australian National Conference 2021
The success with which Circles throughout the Catenian family adopted virtual and, later, hybrid meetings in response to restrictions on gatherings during the pandemic has demonstrated to the Australian National Council that either a virtual or a hybrid National Conference can be successfully presented in August 2021, the Association's fiftieth anniversary year in Australia.
The conference will not only provide opportunities to celebrate the Association's Australian Golden Anniversary year, but also provide unique opportunities for brothers to continue their participation in the journey to revitalise the life of the Association in Australia. A journey which commenced when the 2014 National Catenian Conference held in Sydney discerned that the Association in Australia must respond to Evangelii Gaudium, the first Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, to remain relevant to the ministry of the Australian Church.
These opportunities to participate will emerge at both the Workshop and the Conference plenary session. The unique feature of these occasions is that, for the first time, participation will not require physical presence, as both events will be live streamed and will feature interactive sessions so that those participating on-line are not just passive observers.
There will be two sessions at the Workshop focused on participation. The first will be a one hour session during which six Catenians will have the opportunity to present pre-submitted talks each with a maximum duration of up to 10 minutes. These talks may be presented either from the floor or as recorded video presentations. If the session is over-subscribed random selections from submitted presentations will be made. Each submitted talk must have a theme relevant to the Catenian Experience or the operation of the Association in Australia.
The second session will be a Question and Answer session with a moderator and panelists who will take questions relating to the life of the Association, particularly in Australia, from the live and virtual audience.
Submit a talk or ask a question at the Workshop:
Is there something about your Catenian Experience that you think should be shared with your brothers? Perhaps you have some insights on living our spirituality of interdependence through shared faith, friendship, respect and service in everyday life. Is your Circle, Area or Province getting "runs on the board" with a programme to recruit new members, to extend friendships, to support young Catholics or to help the Clergy?
Our invitation to you is to consider whether you have something you feel you should share with the Catenian family and, if so, to commence preparing a script for a short talk which you can either deliver in person or video record using the features available on either your Apple or Android smart phone.
Alternatively, we invite you to contribute to the panel session by developing questions that might bring greater clarity and transparency to the governance and operation of the Association. In this session the panel will be drawn from the National, Provincial and Area leadership teams to ensure responses are informed by both a practical involvement in the management of the Association's Australian affairs and insights into the strategic considerations of its governance and relationships within the Australian Church.
Submit a motion to the Conference:
Participation in the plenary session of the Conference has effectively commenced following the call for motions issued by the Australian National Secretary on 4 April 2021. We encourage you not to miss this opportunity to make a contribution to our journey towards a revitalised Association by responding to this call.
The Conference will consider two types of motion:
Those proposing changes to the governance structure or identity of the Association, that is: to the Constitution, Principles or Rules and
Those proposing that the Australian National Council consider some operational or other action.
A motion proposing a change to the Constitution, Principles or Rules (Rule 26 provides for such changes), must specify which particular document is proposed to be changed and how.
For example: That Rule xx be amended - followed by the precise wording of the change which is proposed, such as: by adding the following sentence at the conclusion of the present Rule: "And so say all of us!".
Motions proposing consideration of operational or other action by the ANC must not be formulated so as to be directive and must have the support of the proposer's Circle or Province/Area Council. The following is an example of appropriate formulation: That ANC consider recommending that brothers elected to offices in Circles offer to serve two consecutive terms.
At a first reading these requirements may seem daunting, but don't be discouraged. A feature of the Association's governance structure is the Australian National Conference Standing Orders Committee which is given a role which includes scrutinising and, if necessary and in consultation with the proposer, amending motions submitted for consideration by a National Conference.
So, formulate your motion and submit it to the Australian National Secretary, if the Standing Orders Committee considers that the motion requires amending it will attend to that, after consulting you. The Rules require the Committee to complete this task by 20 June, the date on which notice of the motions to be considered by the Conference must be given by the Australian National Secretary.
Remember you must submit your motion to the Australian National Secretary, at: anc.secretary@thecatenians.org.au , no later than 5:00pm AEST May 20, 2021.
Again, our invitation to you is to continue to participate in our collective journey to revitalise the life of The Catenian 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
A Dinner invitation from Brisbane Water
Taylor Martin MLCProvince 21 brothers are invited to dinner, Thursday 20th May 2021 at Davistown RSL. 6:45 pm for 7:15.
Our guest speaker the Honourable Taylor Martin MLC will speak on Nuclear Energy.
This forum allows us to meet, socialise, share experiences, & support each other.
It is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of likeminded friends.
A 2-course dinner with wine is $30ea.
Please RSVP Monday 17th May, to Chris 0410434840 or Brisbanewatercircle@gmail.com
Pathway to inauguration for the Adelaide Group
An article by Michael Cogman, originally published in Western Link #57
Chairman Michael Cogman presents an Adelaide City Group membership certificate to Kingsley Forsyth.THE DESTINY of the recently inaugurated Adelaide Group can probably be traced back some 18 years to 2003 when Michael Cogman, a man of Irish birth living in England joined Southgate Circle 122. Michael had originally been approached to join the Catenian Association about 20 years before, but had declined because of commitments to his career and young family.
When he did join Michael and his wife Mary were delighted to renew friendships with many people they had known back in their Youth Club days and had lost touch with. They settled into Catenian life quickly enjoying the Friendship, Faith and Fun.
Then in 2006 with their three children and grandchildren having migrated to Australia Michael and Mary decided to follow them.
"Although we had moved to South Australia, a State without a Catenian presence, I was keen to maintain my membership of the Association and expressed this to Southgate Circle," Michael writes.
"Surprise, surprise I received a telephone call from the Province 20 Membership Officer, John Monkhouse who did a good selling job transferring my membership from Southgate to Joondalup where I remain a member and permanent apology."
"John Monkhouse, later joined by Ralph Fitzpatrick, gave great support in trying to generate interest in the Catenian Association in South Australia but in the end concluded that the 'time was not right'. Mary and I settled into our Blackwood Catholic Parish life and joined in the various church activities."
"Fast forward a few years to February 2021 and I received a call from Chris Downey about an enquiry on the Catenian web site from Kingsley Forsyth in Adelaide. A member of the Cathedral Parish, Kingsley had formed a Catholic Men's Group to meet socially and talk about their faith."
"I met up with Kingsley armed with Catenian pamphlets, old copies of Catena and the Western Link and explained to him what Catenians were all about. What he was trying to achieve had been invented over a hundred years ago and they called it Catenians," Michael said.
"It all happened quickly. Kingsley went back to his group and explained what Catenians had to offer, followed by another meeting at his house where we explained more with the aid of a Power Point presentation. It all went well and we had nine committed future Catenians."
"On 10 March 2021 following a great deal of hard work and support from Province 20 Councillors we were inaugurated via a Zoom meeting as the Adelaide City Group 942 with nine members and me as a joint member."
"I was very proud and honoured to be appointed Chairman of the new Group with Kingsley as Secretary/Development Officer and Andrew Mulholland as Treasurer. We feel confident that the 'time is now right' for the Catenian Association in Adelaide and hope to develop into a Circle before very long."
Good progress in difficult times
Reprinted from Western Link #57
Ralph Fitzpatrick's update on developments during the last year a lot has been happening in the Catenian world both in Great Britain and Australia. As Chairman of Central Council and Vice President of Australian National Council I have been fortunate to be involved in many reviews, planning and implementations.
In this article I will attempt to convey a little of what has happened with a lot of it behind the scenes.
CENTRAL COUNCIL
Strategy Work Group (SWG) review National/Provincial and Circle Councils do not need approval to make many local changes. A list of these was issued in late 2019 early 2020 and building on from this the results of questionnaires regarding implementation of the SWG review was made public.
These recommendations were passed to National Councils in July 2020 to advise on implementation and Central Council is waiting on information from National Councils, Provincial Councils and Circles on which recommendations are to be, or have been, implemented and the effect they are having in their area.
Membership statistics
A statistical report showing the various measures used to track the trends of the Association has been developed. As it is progressed further it will enable the Central and National Councils see how Provinces are faring compared to other Provinces.
Individual Provinces can now develop reports that will allow them to compare Circles with other Circles and evaluate the effect of policies and initiatives designed to impact membership. It is vital that the Association database is well maintained so that the statistics provided can be interpreted accurately.
Financial systems review
The financial systems review report was approved by Central Council and passed to National Councils to advise on implementation. This review contains significant recommendations for change in the management of the Association's finances.
Accounting for the investment income and allocation of that income to projects to address membership issues was a major area of recommendation. The way in which the Association's magazine Catena is financed was also reviewed and changes have been recommended.
The Financial Systems Review Committee is currently considering feedback from National Councils. Any changes to the recommendations will be considered by Central Council and then communicated back to National Councils.
International Regional Council
The International Regional Council (IRC) was created in September 2020. The purpose is to raise the status of the Development Areas (Catenians outside of Great Britain and Australia) to be similar to the two other National Councils. IRC will have a voice on Central Council and the same autonomy of other National Councils.
After a period of bedding down Central Council expects to see great development in membership in regional areas. The intent is that the Association grows its membership outside of Great Britain to offset the anticipated fall in membership as existing members age.
The Association, of course, will still need to develop in Great Britain and indeed the whole world to become attractive to a wider spectrum of potential members.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL
COVID-19
Province 21 and Area Victoria have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victoria suspended operations for the year and focussed their efforts on maintaining contact with all of their members and caring for their well-being. Efforts to increase membership and create new circles were put on hold until face-to-face meetings are again possible.
Some circles in Province 21 used the Internet tool Zoom to good effect and conducted activities such as walks, coffee mornings and lunches to maintain the social aspect of Circle life.
One initiative that may be of interest is the separation of meetings from dinners on the occasion of ladies nights. On such occasions it might be worthwhile to have a Circle Zoom meeting to transact formal business a few days prior to the ladies night.
Province 20 has been much less affected by COVID-19. Some circles missed several meetings, but for the most part life continued on much the same as normal.
A positive effect of the pandemic is the rapid development of Zoom and its acceptance by people of all ages. For example, the use of Zoom enabled Province 20 to process a request from a small group of Catholic men in Adelaide and to facilitate the inauguration of a Catenian Group.
Australian National Council welcomes the Catenian presence in South Australia and looks forward to seeing how this dynamic group develops and expands as a Circle in the future.
Patron Saint
Perhaps the most exciting event in 2020 occurred when ANC reached agreement with the Sisters of Saint Joseph to allow the Catenian Association of Australia to adopt St Mary of the Cross MacKillop as its Patron Saint.
The event was marked with a special Mass and dedication ceremony held in July 2020 at the tomb of St Mary in North Sydney. The numbers attending the Mass and ceremony were limited due to COVID-19, but it was broadcast on-line.
Speaking after the Mass the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Sister Monica Cavanagh RSJ said that the sisters were delighted to share the occasion with the Catenians.
She observed that Mary MacKillop's way of living the gospel in our Australian context aligns closely with the values at the heart of what it means to be a Catenian.
Her practical down to earth spirituality has much to offer the work of the Catenians in Australia today.
Plenary Council 2020
Australian National Council acknowledges the outstanding effort and work done by Catenians to get people to respond to the call by the Church for their comments and opinions leading up to the Plenary Council 2020, now postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Archbishop of Perth, The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe was most impressed as were the rest of the Bishops too at the 220,000 responses received.
I extend my personal thanks to Province 20 Catenians for their effort within their parishes to facilitate responses.
As with all of the Catholic community in Australia we anxiously await news of developments as the Plenary Council progresses.
Incorporation
Australian National Council has finalised the Incorporation of the Catenian Association in Australia. The need to deal with this incorporation was identified to provide the Association with the legal protection necessary to operate as it is today and is developing.
Australian National Conference
The Australian National Conference planned for August 2020 was postponed for 12 months due to COVID-19 and planning is now underway for a conference, which will most likely be conducted electronically via Zoom. My thanks are extended to the Province 21 planning team.
Safeguarding guidelines
The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards issued by Catholic Professional Standards Ltd have been adopted by the Catenian Association and are being promulgated across Provinces, Areas and Circles.
Response to disasters
It is difficult to comprehend that Australia is the "lucky' country after recent experiences with devastating bushfires, the COV ID-19 Pandemic and now floods, but when we look across the world we are indeed one of the "luckiest" countries.
So many countries are experiencing far worse conditions than us. As transcend to our new reality, let us not forget our faith and be thankful for the friendships we have made through the Catenian Association and those people we can rely on in these troubled times.
In times of hardship the Benevolent Fund is a very practical benefit of being a Catenian.
The future
As always our first challenge is to ensure our meetings, dinners, events and activities are enjoyable and appealing to prospective members. The reaction we are trying to evoke is: "That looks great, I want to be part of it."
We can't expect all activities to appeal to all members so we should try to organise a few different types of events recognising that you are not trying for 100 percent attendance. The questionnaire used by Liwara Circle published in February 2021 Edition 56 of the Western Link is one method that could be adopted by your Circle to identify what activities current members want, always bearing in mind that prospective and new members may have different needs and should be asked.
Join forces with other Circles
There is no maximum number on the activities that Circle's can hold in any month or year, so a coffee morning, a picnic or pub lunch, a walk and a dinner as well as a meeting could always be considered. Some of these events could be shared with other Circles, taking turns in organising. Members can choose which of these they would like to attend.
Public relations and promotion
The next challenge for the Association including Province 20 is to strive to make the name Catenians well known in the Church and community answering the question "what do Catenians do?"
Perhaps it's time to develop a dedicated Media Liaison Team within Province 20 charged with the task of maximising exposure in publications such as The West Australian, Community
Newspapers, The Record and E-Record, Archdiocese Communication newsletter, CathNews, Western Link, Eastern Link and Catena.
To achieve this objective it must be recognised that these listed publications (other than our own three Catenian journals mentioned above) are not interested in the day-to-day repetitive activities of Circles or internal Provincial events such as the Annual Mass for Deceased Brothers and Visitors Cup unless there is a unique angle, such as occurred with the Archbishop's presence at our recent function hosted by Fremantle Circle. The challenge is for the Media Liaison Team to become a source of regular articles and photos to supply to journalists and editors.
We also need to establish our importance in the Catholic Church to gain widespread general exposure and there are a number of ways that we can achieve this publicity:
Build on our Patron Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Promote our Youth Support Fund and Catenian Charity Inc with stories of scholarships, bursaries and grants
Develop and expand our "Speak for Faith" speaking competition in Catholic Colleges and Schools
Creation of new Circles within parishes, particularly in developing suburbs and areas
Having said that, the involvement of Catenian Brothers in the ministries of the Church, such as Acolytes, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Parish Councils, Finance Committees and Social Committees should never be overlooked. Most Brothers have made this commitment to their parishes and continue to do so, but in the course of fulfilling these responsibilities it doesn't hurt to remind fellow parishioners that you are a Catenian.
Contributed by Ralph Fitzpatrick
Chairman Central Council
President-Elect Australian National Council
Province 20 Director
Leadership handover in Province 21
Prior to handing over and taking up duties, current and elected Province 21 Directors and Presidents met for a briefing and lunch at Campbelltown Catholic Club.
Geoff Young (left from Hornsby Circle, takes over as Province 21 President.
George Kazs (2nd from left), now steps aside to become Canberra's Provincial Councillor after spending six years as director – last chairman of AusCom (ANC predecessor) and inaugural and three years as Australian National President. Also one year as chairman of Central Council.
Graham Short (3rd from the left)from Harbourside North steps into the role of Director Province 21 after a stint as Province 21 President and later Membership Officer.
Chris Vale (right) has completed 2 years as Provincial President during very difficult Covid times and his continuing work with the Brisbane Water project.
Pope at Audience: vocal prayer is a sure way to speak with God
- a contribution from Simon Coolican, Cairns Vice-President
Pope Francis reflects on the importance of vocal prayer in his catechesis recently during General Audience.
By Christopher Wells
Prayer, Pope Francis said at his General Audience on Wednesday, "is dialogue with God; and every creature, in a certain sense, engages in dialogue with God."
For human beings, he continued, "prayer becomes word, invocation, hymn, poetry… The divine Word is made flesh, and in the flesh of every person the word returns to God in prayer."
The importance of words
The Holy Father's catechesis began with a reflection on words, which not only proceed from us, but also "to some extent shape us." In the Bible, words bring everything to light, ensuring that "nothing human is excluded, censored."
That, said Pope Francis, "is why Sacred Scripture teaches us to pray, sometimes even with bold words." The human authors of the Bible are intent upon showing humanity as it really is, to the point even of including "harsh expressions against enemies… words that belong to human reality and which find their way into the Sacred Scriptures."
They are included, the Pope explained, "to testify to us that if, in the face of violence, there are no words to make bad feelings harmless, to channel them so they do no harm, then the world would be overwhelmed."
The surest way to pray to God
Pope Francis notes that "the first human prayer is always a vocal recitation. The lips always move first."
While recognizing that prayer does not consist in simply repeating words without meaning, he nonetheless insisted that vocal prayer is the "surest" means of speaking with God. Feelings, he said, can be uncertain and unpredictable, as can the graces that come from prayer. At times, the mysterious "prayer of the heart" can be lacking.
Vocal prayer, however, "can always be practiced" and is necessary, even when our feelings are confused.
Whispered prayer
"We should all have the humility of certain elderly people who, in church… recite softly the prayers they learned as children," Pope Francis said. "That prayer does not disturb the silence, but testifies to their fidelity to the duty of prayer practised throughout their lives, without fail."
These "practitioners of humble prayer," he said, "are often the great intercessors of our parishes." They too, like all of us, sometimes face dark nights, and "empty moments." But, the Pope said, "one can always remain faithful to vocal prayer."
Therefore, Pope Francis concluded, "we must not despise vocal prayer," which is the only "sure" way "to direct to God the questions He wants to hear."
Letter of gratitude received by Ku-Ring-Gai, from Secretary, Catenian Bursary Fund
Thanks again for the initiative of Br Martin Stebbings and wife Gen for organising this sponsorship drive and to all the Ku-ring-gai Brothers who got behind it.
Donation of Aus$2050 from Ku- Rung-Gai Circle (284)
What an Awesome Donation to the Bursary Fund!!
In writing to thank you and your circle for this magnificent donation it is almost impossible to convey to you from the Trustees our debt of gratitude for your generosity. We were overwhelmed by the truly magnificent amount forwarded to us, not just once this year but twice.
As you know, we exist as a Charity to 'help young Catholics, help others' and I can promise you that your Circle's impressive efforts will be put to very good use indeed.
I would like to share this success story with you. The Catenian Bursary Fund helped a troubled young man, Adam, who had come from a broken home, left school without any qualifications and was heading for a life of crime. With help from his Nan, who had brought him up, and an award from the fund he volunteered as a cook on the MS Africa Mercy ship, a hospital ship that tours Africa making life changing surgery available to the poorest of the poor. During his 4 months stay he cooked for almost 12000 cases and ended up in charge of the ship's galley.
He returned home and though not academic he was accepted to train as a chef at the University of Derby. He graduated with First Class honours and was recently headhunted by a well known chef in Colorado to join his team.
That's what the generosity of your Circle's donation enables us to do. To literally change young Catholics lives.
Please thank everyone in your Circle so very much indeed-
Terence Donnelly
Secretary
Catenian Bursary Fund
An invitation to see Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit
Ku-Ring-Gai Catenians are going to see Pymble Players in their production of Noel Coward's Blith Spirit at 8pm on Saturday 26 June 2021. The production is at the church hall of Pymble Chapel, at the corner of Bromley Avenue and Mona Vale Road, Pymble.
Some information about the play is below.
The cost is $20 per ticket.
We have a limited number of seats reserved - Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to come - Spouses and friends/family are welcome.
First come first served!
If there is the demand I will get some more seats (if any more seats are available) but your early reply will be appreciated to secure your spot. The performance is expect to sell out quickly and I will need to get in soon with any further reservations.
Martin Stebbings
Tel 0412 726803
Email: martinjstebbigs@msn.com
BLITHE SPIRIT
Written by: Noël Coward
An Amateur Production by arrangement with ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL on behalf of SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.
Directed by: Sarah Lovesy
As research for his latest novel, sceptic Charles Condomine invites a self-proclaimed medium, Madame Arcati to conduct a seance. When Mme Arcati accidentally conjures up the spirit of his first wife Elvira, he doesn't stand a ghost of a chance against Elvira's determination to wreck his current marriage. Through supernatural shenanigans she creates merry mayhem for all!
Witty, elegant and one of Coward's most popular comedies.
Try it for free Register for the GB National Conference 2021
Registration link for the Virtual Conference 2021 http://bit.ly/2021CatenianVirtualConference-BookingForm
|
Area Victoria trip to Bright
On April 12th, 40 Catenians and wives from four Victorian Circles were picked up from around Melbourne by coach and transported to Bright for a four night stay at the Bright Chalet.
The coach was at our disposal during our stay, we visited Rutherglen for a little wine tasting and Yarrawonga for a cruise and lunch on Lake Mulwala . Bright itself is a pretty little town with beautiful autumn tonings in April.
The below photo is of our group in front of the paddle steamer on Lake Mulwala during our recent getaway to Bright.
These getaways have been a feature of the Catenian year in Victoria for many years and are always well attended, with the obvious exception of 2020 when we were booked in to the Ramada resort on Philip Island, deposit paid when the Covid shut down of all Victoria hit.
Happily our deposit was refunded. Perhaps our most ambitious excursion was our 2011 Holy Land pilgrimage, am unforgettable experience.
The Getaway was voted a great success by all attending.
The most important and pleasing part of the trip was the camaraderie generated, in no small part due to the pre dinner "happy hours".
More articles from Area Victoria are most welcome, send an email with photos and some words to p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Successful Legal Eagles Dinner at City of Sydney
Terry Sheahan with MC Brian SkinnerWhat a fantastic night was organised by Bros. Pres. Peter Gialouris, Brian Skinner and Peter Tilbrook when our Circle and the Saint Thomas More Society invited the Hon. Terry Sheahan to speak at our dinner. In all the years of our meetings at the Occidental we have never had 75 bodies present to dinner.
Father Brian Lucas was a guest and proposed the Grace before dinner.
Brian Skinner was the MC for the evening and it ran like clockwork from the humourous introduction to the most interesting speech from Terry Sheahan when he spoke about the visits of the Royal Family from 1954 onwards and the close involvement of the Shehan family in these visits.
Terry was an old boy from Christian Brothers Lewisham and he was accompanied to our Circle by his brother-in-law Bro. Pat Moran, another Lewisham graduate.
He must have been a sight catching a cab home with a huge bunch of flowers (for his wife) and some wines as a reward for his most entertaining address to the large gathering.
Bro. Bob O'Mara completed the proceedings with a speech of thanks referring to the connection with the Sheahan family and his relatives with the Jugiong Hotel.
Historic City of Sydney and Harbourside North meeting
L to R Bros Presidents Ed Van Riet Harbourside North, Peter Gialourus, City of Sydney and Lou le Compte,HSN, Bob O'Mara, CofS, Ron Daly, CofS and John Crawford, CofS.City of Sydney and Harbourside North brothers gathered at the Occidental Hotel Wynyard for their historic inaugural joint meeting, on Wednesday 5th May.
Bro Presidents Peter Gialouris and Ed Van Riet welcomed 13 C of S and 10 HSN brothers.
The procedural two AGMs were held and then a normal combined meeting with the two Circles following traditional procedures. It all worked seamlessly without any practice.
The two Circles welcomed our new Province 21 Director Brother Graham Short who is a member of the HSN Circle. He addressed the brothers with his thoughts and plans for the future.
Graham was pleased his first meeting was with Harbourside North and City of Sydney Circles, the latter he congratulated on achieving it's 50th, Golden Anniversary year.
We all then moved to the tables to sample the fine fare of the Fairmont Restaurant at the Hotel, a delicious entree and then big juicy steaks with a cheese platter to follow, washed down with white/red wines and finished with coffee.
The evening was dedicated to St Mary MacKillop as the two Circles are in close proximity to her shrine in North Sydney.
Unfortunately founder of both Circles Bro Brendan O'Connell was a late apology for health reasons.
All in all a very successful night was had by all the brothers who had to be shooed out finally from their chairs for the staff to go home.
Vale Francis Charles ('Frank') Boyle, OAM
Canberra's oldest and one of its longest serving members, Frank Boyle, had died at the age of 96.
Frank was born on 24 August 1924. He was the youngest son of Charlie and Nancy Boyle.
Frank began work in Sydney at the then Postmaster-General's Department. He moved to Canberra in 1947 to work at the Public Service Board. It was there that he met his wife, Pat. Pat said that he had a sense of humour, played tennis at lunchtime with those who played in the courts at the back of Jolimont, and played football at the weekends. After a while he and some other fellows used to go and sit with the girls, and they would eat lunch together under the big trees between the Sydney and Melbourne buildings.
In 1948 the girls decided to ask the boys to go with them to the Catholic Ball. This led to other social outings and Frank and Pat started going out together. In September of that year, Frank and Pat announced their engagement. They married on 28 January 1950 at 8 am at St Christopher's, with nuptial Mass celebrated by Fr Stan O'Donnell. Their reception for about 60 guests was held at the Masonic Hall in Barton. They honeymooned at New Norfolk, 25 miles up the Derwent River in Tasmania, where they stayed at the Old Bush Inn.
After they were married, Frank and Pat originally lived with Pat's parents at Monaro Crescent. Later, when Christopher was born, they were allocated a government house In Narrabundah.
Pat and Frank had seven children ― Maureen, Christopher, Michael, Susan, Helen, Joanna and Paul. Pat was the homemaker and sheet anchor. When Michael was born, Frank picked Pat and Michael up from the Canberra Hospital in a brand new Ford Zephyr!
Meanwhile Frank was progressing in the Prime Minister's Department and, towards the end of 1964, he was offered a post at Australia House in London to be there by early February 1965. Frank and Pat spent five and a half years in London, returning to Canberra in September 1970. Among the highlights of his time in London was organising a concert at the Royal Albert Hall to showcase Australian talent.
Other highlights of Frank's distinguished career included an appointment as Administrator of Christmas Island from 1977 to 1980.
In the 1991 Queen's Birthday Honours List, Frank was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the community.
Frank and Pat were married for 62 years and they were a perfect match. Pat died on 6 August 2011. They had 22 grandchildren.
Frank joined the Catenians as an inaugural member on 16 April 1998. He hardly missed a meeting and valued the friendship and support of Circle members. He was an active member, organising and attending weekends away at which he provided the scotch whisky for the Saturday evenings. He also provided the sherry decanter for after-dinner toasts at Canberra Circle's annual general meetings.
Frank died peacefully on 25 April 2021 (Anzac Day) at Fred Ward Gardens in Curtin.
John McWilliam
News from around the circles
Harbourside North:
Bro John Tweedie continues in his role as acculturation and language mentor for Fr Biju Matthew, who is now the assistant priest in the Lower North Shore Parish based in Naremburn. Bro John took on this role following an request to the Catenians by Broken Bay Diocese in May 2020, shortly after Fr Biju arrived from India.
Cairns:
Our April meeting was again a really super meeting and this was followed by another great dinner, the Chef at the Nova Hotel really spoils us. Many items were discussed at the meeting and dinner. It was great to see Brother Lui who has not been well lately. Our Circle Brothers have many other projects throughout the Diocese. All for charity and for helping others. /Brother Peter
Canberra:
May Monthly Meeting and Ladies Dinner, 6:30 pm, Thursday, 20 May 2021 Orion Room, Canberra Southern Cross Club
We have a special speaker for our May meeting and you will not want to miss this event. Our speaker will be Brother John Formosa of Warringah Circle, who will speak about the Shroud of Turin.
Br John's interest in the Shroud began in 1986 when he visited Turin with his parents. In 2014 he attended a 3 day 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. John is a scientist and his main area of scientific development and research is in nuclear physics and a large proportion of the 150 attendees at the conference worked in the nuclear industry of Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratories.
Manly:
Our April meeting was held on Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at Manly Golf Club. It was a ladies' night and our guest speaker was John Formosa from Warringah Circle who gave an excellent presentation on the Shroud of Turin. John has researched the shroud extensively and his talk was most interesting.
Brian and Gai Hamer recently returned from a trip in outback South Australia. Stunning, and "interesting", scenery was a feature, as were some of the "locals". The photos below are a snapshot of their holiday.
The photos are mainly around Arkaroola where the 4-wheel driving is along mining tracks made before WW2 for uranium mining for the atomic bombs used in Japan.
Arkaroola is the common name for the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary situated on 610 square kms of freehold and pastoral lease land in South Australia. It is located 700 kms north of Adelaide in the Northern Flinders Ranges.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
April meeting
29 Brothers, one visiting Brother and one visiting gentleman, Chris Robbins (from Chatswood parish) assembled on Monday, April 12th at the Turramurra Bowling Club for our April Meeting and Dinner. It was great to see former Ku-ring-gai Brother, David Conoulty (Brisbane Circle) back visiting us, and we are hopeful that we will see him back permanently soon as he relocates back to Sydney.
This was our first gathering at this venue and most of the feedback from the night regarding the food and the venue itself was very positive. The room we used for both the Circle meeting and the Dinner was well suited to our needs. The location is very central to most of the Circle members and there is ample off-street parking. Council has decided to again use this venue for our May meeting, after which time a decision will be made as to whether the Turramurra Bowling Club should become our permanent venue going forward.
Stefan Wawryzniak The April meeting marked the start of a new Catenian year and the swearing in of new officers and Council members. Immediate Past President, Br Paul Rubenach opened the meeting and commenced the swearing in process by installing Stefan Wawryzniak as the Circle’s new President.
Michael BurkeBr Stefan then took over proceedings, also investing new Membership Officer, Br Jimmy Jiminez and new Registrar, Br Michael Costin.
Chamberlain-elect, Br Ramon Samson was also due to be invested, but unfortunately was ill on the night, so his investiture will need to wait until a future meeting.
We thank this year’s Council members for assuming or continuing in office and pray for their ongoing leadership and stewardship of our Circle’s wellbeing.
Br Michael Burke, resplendent in blazer and Catenian tie. As Br David Conoulty observed, Michael is always the non-conformist. When David was in Ku-ring-gai Circle, Michael was the advocate for more casual dress. Now that most Brothers have complied, he’s dressing up!
Regular Circle Social gatherings
If your circle is doing any regular activities please email newsletter@thecatenians.org.au to be included in this list, allowing brothers from other circles the opportunity to join in.
Please contact the various Circle secretaries if you would like to visit -
Carlingford:
10.00am Tuesday mornings get-together at the Cucina de Luca, the Carmen Drive, Carlingford, café and coffee shop, using the footpath seating to uphold social distancing.
Manly:
2nd Friday lunch: Every 2nd Friday of the month, join us for lunch at 12 noon at the scenic Wakehurst Golf Club, Upper Clontarf Street,
Seaforth. We sit out on the verandah in the socially distanced fresh air enjoying the wonderfully diverse menu, everything from $5 sandwiches, hamburgers, spinach tarts to $25 steaks.
Walks along Manly Beach continue every Tuesday amd Thursday at 7:15am, starting from Queenscliff Surf Club to Shelley Beach and return.
Virtual Trivia, every second Tuesday via Zoom.
Prayers for ...
Please keep in your prayers brother Catenians and their families.
Cairns:
Please Lord Bless all our City of Cairns Circle Brothers and their loved ones, especially Brother Lui and Pam's little grandson Odin.
Brother Tony McInnes Mum Marie Jose who is very unwell at the moment. Brother Angelo's father Giuseppe who is unwell at the moment.
Brother Mark Cavicchiolo's mum RIP who recently passed away. Brother Stephen Devenish's family after Stephen losing his mum Carmel RIP.
Fr Neil and his family after losing his mum Elizabeth RIP. Brother Mark Freeman's mum Judy RIP who recently passed away. Brother Joe's Great-Nephew Carter RIP, who recently passed away. Brother Joe's Brother Charlie RIP, Who recently passed away. Brother Lui's Auntie who has just moved into a care home. Brother Bill Dixon's mum Pauline RIP, who has just recently passed away.
Brother Mark Johnston who is unwell, Brother Lui who is unwell, Brother Peter Duggan's wife Alma, who is unwell. Brother Lui's sister Frances who is unwell at the moment. Brother Alan's niece Anne who is unwell. Brother Tony's sister-in-law Marylyn who is unwell.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Our members, family and friends who are sick and in need of our prayers -
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski, Steve Swain, Kevin Duffy, John Boland and Ramon Samson.
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.
City of Sydney:
We remember in our prayers our brothers who are on the sick list. Brothers Ian Milne, Guy Cassar, Max Cattle and wives Susan Crawford, Beverley Goodacre. We know that you are in good hands and being lovingly cared for but we do miss your company at our gatherings.
Carlingford:
Bro Don Mees' daughter, Helen, advises that Don is doing as well as can be expected. He recently enjoyed a visit from his last remaining sibling, a sister from Melbourne. Whilst Don does not expect visits, Helen says that he does enjoy having visitors – even if he is occasionally confused. You can get an up-to-date immunisation record, as needed to access his facility, by visiting the Medibank section of the myGov website.
Bro Stan and Jan Burgin are settling happily into their new environment at Aminya Aged Care at Baulkham Hills. Contact and visiting details will be circulated soon.
Please remember Bro Bill Carpenter in your prayers as he undergoes an operation on 7th May to remove a plate that was inserted in his wrist some 2 years ago.
Bro Ken Morton has recovered sufficiently from his skin cancer operation to allow him to return to the golf course this week.
Manly:
We remember in our prayers all Manly Brothers who have been unwell or who have been having medical procedures.
Chris Micallef continues his medical travails.
An update on 6 May 2021 on Chris provided by Gavin Williamson (who lives very close to Chris' retirement village). Chris is in Northern Beaches Hospital and has advised that on the afternoon of 6 May, the surgeons will remove his left big toe which means all his toes will have been amputated. This will affect his balance. Gavin said that once Chris gets back to the village, he will do his best to encourage him to use his mobility scooter.
Chris would love to see any Brothers who can visit him – he is in Room 31, Wesley Taylor Village, 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen; his mobile is 0472 546 233. It would be best to ring Chris first as he goes to dialysis on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons.
Chris is nonetheless looking forward to renewing his attendance at Manly Catenians soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris.
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.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and Liz.
Paul Pearson continues to have treatment for his macular degeneration which consists of regular injections in his affected eye. It sounds awful but Paul says "you can't see the needle coming"! Great news for Paul at his injection on 8 April – the injections are actually healing his macular! His latest injection on 3 May went very well, and the time between injections has now moved out to 7 weeks for the next one. Paul said his condition has gone to dry macula (wet macula is bad). He is managing the experience as well as possible and 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, including rehab, is now under way. Latest is that Bob says his rehab is going "remarkably well". He's walking again (up to 500 metres) without a stick and is back to driving. He has another month of rehab and hopefully all will go well. He's very positive about it.