Eastern Link
May 2020
Contents:
Communication and Friendship are different We have all become familiar with our Catenian charism of faith based friendship and I've been reflecting on this following many recent Catenian virtual meetings - Australian National Council, P21 Council, my own Canberra Circle to name but a few. |
Staying In Touch Brothers, a significant part of our Catenian life is the social interaction we enjoy with our Catenian Brothers. For many of us that interaction is mainly within our home Circle where we are likely to have ready access to phone numbers and email addresses. But as our Catenian links grow wider -– finding contact details can be a little more difficult. |
Are we nearly there? "Tonight before falling asleep think about when we will return to the street.When we hug again; when all the shopping together will seem like a party. Let's think about when the coffees will return to the bars, the small talk, the photos close to each other. |
A Message of Hope - Mike O'Malley, Chairman of Trustees for the Benevolent Fund, gives an important message to members. I would like to assure all Brothers that the Benevolent Fund is fully up and runningduring the current crisis. Though Trustees' meetings have temporarily been suspended, the well-tried emergency procedure is available to process all applicants and payments. It is a time for all Brothers to fulfill their promise on enrolment 'never to fail to comfort a Brother in difficulty or need'. Most if not all, Circles are taking special steps to ensure that they are in touch with their Brothers and that they are safe and well. |
2020 Provincial Golf Day another outstanding success This year's Provincial Golf day was again held at The Muirfield Golf Club, North Rocks. And again, Ku-Ring-Gai won the day with President Paul Rubenach and Stim Robinson taking the Director's Cup, the best single score went to Brother John Secker, from Carlingford Circle. Next years Provincial Golf Day has been booked for the 12th of March with Stim Robinson again organising the day. |
Catenians help tackle starvation in Indian slums and villages CSA (The Archdiocese of Bombay) - WWH partnership in association with Mumbai Police & Sarva Dharma Sadbhavna Manch Marol tackles starvation during COVID19 lock-down in slums and villages Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you ! |
How is Swindon Circle in the UK dealing with Covid-19? Swindon is the home of the European manufacturing site for Honda cars, but sadly the site will be closing in 2021. Swindon circle is the second largest circle in the Province, currently with 49 Brothers. Province 12 is truly a Multinational Province, with 7 circles in England, 6 circles in South Wales and our newest circle, Monmouth Wyedean |
Covid-19 Worries for a Provincial Membership Officer and How to deal with Them A number of circles have contacted me in the last six weeks or so, concerned about losing Brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Because we are not meeting up face to face for circle meetings and social events and if we do try to fill the void with virtual Circle Council, virtual Circle meetings or virtual social events, |
Andheri Mug competition for the best Circle newsletter in 2019/2020 Catenian year  Each circle in Province 21 is called on to submit their best newsletter for the Catenian year ending on March 31st this year. Manly Secretary Terry Hayes was the inaugaral winner of the Andheri Mug, which was donated by Andheri Circle in India and to be awarded to the circle with the best newsletter in Province 21 each year. |
Recommended Reading - "Boy Swallows Universe " Trent Dalton. Set in bad old days of the Bjelke-Petersen government, politicians on the take, bent cops and drug lords. Brisbane 1983, A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious criminal for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli Bell's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, |
Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe This all-time favourite goes through a healthy makeover but without losing flavour and deliciousness. Replacing the traditional fried fish and chips, this recipe bakes crumbed white fish fillets and sweet potato wedges for a lighter result. |
Australian Circles meeting virtually A list of all Australian Circles still meeting during Covid-19, contact the secetary of any circle you would like to visit. |
| News from Province 21 Council meeting No 135, held on May 4th A wrap up of discussions and decisions from the latest Province 21 Council meetinh |
Draft Provincial Calendar 2020-21 All dates and locations are to be confirmed as the Covid-19 situation becomes clearer. |
Communication and Friendship are different
We have all become familiar with our Catenian charism of faith based friendship and I've been reflecting on this following many recent Catenian virtual meetings - Australian National Council, P21 Council, my own Canberra Circle to name but a few.
There is a clear difference between communication and friendship. The former is evident from the little pictures we see on the computer screen at virtual meetings; the latter is developed by contact. Close contact.
Witness the outpouring of emotion and friendships during the recent bushfires when people came together shoulder to shoulder.
Witness the same among our armed services and police officers.
Our Catenian model is similar – we meet to share a meal, like Christ did so often with his disciples, and we share time and space when we join in social and other activities. We enjoy each others' company. It is this sharing which develops our friendships.
It's sad when you see members resigning for all sorts of reasons, but I suggest the underlying reason relates to a lack of sharing – and that can and does apply to both sides of any relationship.
We need to be open and honest with our brothers and take the time to share – in their hopes, concerns, happiness and sadness. Only then will we come to appreciate what faith based friendship is all about - our common faith building friendships.
And in this Covid 19 environment with virtual meetings and limited or no personal contact, that's hard.
Pope Francis got it right – Online Masses and spiritual communion do not represent the church. But it the best we can do. Like the recent Anzac day services – gathering in driveways is an exception. Or lets pray it is.
So in the meantime, keep in contact the best way you can.
Fraternally,
George Kazs
President
Australian National Council
Staying In Touch
Brothers, a significant part of our Catenian life is the social interaction we enjoy with our Catenian Brothers. For many of us that interaction is mainly within our home Circle where we are likely to have ready access to phone numbers and email addresses. But as our Catenian links grow wider -– finding contact details can be a little more difficult.
Whereas in the past we might have hunted for that annual Catenian directory "brick" that our Circle Secretary had insisted we lug home from a Circle meeting, they haven't been printed for some years and if you do still have one then its likely way out of date.
Today's solution is to use the Catenian Portal https://portal.thecatenians.com/ which allows you to search for the contact details of every Catenian in the world.
Like any database though it is only as good as the information it has been given so the other important role of the Catenian Portal is that it lets every Catenian keep their personal information up to date.
So as a first step please log in, check and update as necessary your information. The email address you use to access the portal is the one on which you received the email with this newsletter.
Stay safe and be in touch with your Catenian family.
Fraternally,
John Secker
Secretary
Australian National Council
Are we nearly there?
"Tonight before falling asleep think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again; when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let's think about when the coffees will return to the bars, the small talk, the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will be all a memory, but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift.
We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious.
Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage. See you soon!"
Pope Francis – 18 March 2020
A Message of Hope - Mike O'Malley, Chairman of Trustees for the Benevolent Fund, gives an important message to members.
Reprinted from Catena
I would like to assure all Brothers that the Benevolent Fund is fully up and running during the current crisis. Though Trustees' meetings have temporarily been suspended, the well-tried emergency procedure is available to process all applicants and payments.
It is a time for all Brothers to fulfill their promise on enrolment 'never to fail to comfort a Brother in difficulty or need'. Most if not all, Circles are taking special steps to ensure that they are in touch with their Brothers and that they are safe and well. The Trustees of the Benevolent Fund are also here to help.
Some Brothers and their families will be hit financially as a result of Covid-19: through loss of income, for example,or because house sales are falling through. There may be other reasons, May I encourage Brothers to ask about these things when talking to each other? Many people are naturally embarassed to disclose that they may have financial problems. But this is no time for embarassment - difficulties caused by Covis-19 are nobody's fault.
If someone is thinking for example that they can manage for a few months by using credit cards, please suggest that they come sooner rather than later to the Benevolent Fund. It could save them months of worry and avoid a whole lot of interest being charged.
The Benevolent Fund is financially sound. Thankfully our spread of investments has withstood the market decline since the beginning of 2020 somewhat better than the FTSE All Share Index but the total value of Fund's assets has reduced by almost 15%.
The Investment Committee has long considered that the market was pretty fully valued and that a realignment was due. However, it did not ecpect that the adjustment would be caused by the global shutdown resulting from a pandemic, nor did it anticipate the severity of the fall. But the Committee's caution has allowed cash reserves to build up so that there are adequate funds in hand to meet anticipated needs over the next few months.
Looking further ahead, dividend income will be reduced in 2020/21 as many companies are deferring planned payouts for the time being and may have to cut them as a result of the downturn in business. Dividends (of about 300,000 pounds) currently provide around 75% of the Funds regular income, and donations about 25%. It would be timely for all Brothers to review whether and how much they should contribute so as to ensure that the Fund can continue to sapport fully our Brothers in need.
2020 Provincial Golf Day another outstanding success
This year's Provincial Golf day was again held at The Muirfield Golf Club, North Rocks.
And again, Ku-Ring-Gai won the day with President Paul Rubenach and Stim Robinson taking the Director's Cup, presented here (at right) by Past Provincial Director, John Secker.
Left, Brother Paul presents the award for the best single score to Brother John, from Carlingford Circle
Next years Provincial Golf Day has been booked for the 12th of March with Stim Robinson again organising the day.
Catenians help tackle starvation in Indian slums and villages
Bro. Lawrence Das and son Carson CSA (The Archdiocese of Bombay) - WWH partnership in association with Mumbai Police & Sarva Dharma Sadbhavna Manch Marol tackles starvation during COVID19 lock-down in slums and villages
Bro. Allan PintoLiving for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you !
Fr. William leads the team in prayer.This was felt and experienced by members of different faith and religion of SDSMM group, Marol in our outreach program to one of the most remotest villages of SGNP, thanks to Fr Mario Mendes, Director of Social Action and the Mumbai Police.
Due to the pandemic lock-down, there has been loss of livelihood for so many people living in desperate conditions where rampant starvation is a major cause for dire concern. These are extremely difficult times and while COVID19 threatens us all, starvation and hunger are real immediate threats to many families living in low resource communities where we operate.
Our volunteers are working tirelessly to provide emergency rations and packed meals to thousands of people in the slums and rural villages.
Today, total team of about 24 volunteers distributed 300 Packed hot meals and essential supplies - "Grocery Care kits" of 750 kg to Pataacha Paani Pada, a remote tribal village of SGNP. This will help feed the Tribals, migrants, elderly and other vulnerable sections of society of all communities for at least few weeks !
WWH is increasing its emergency nutrition program to these families.
Together we can build a better tomorrow !
How is Swindon Circle in the UK dealing with Covid-19?
- a submission to Eastern Link by Roger Stroud, married to Theresa and Vice President of Swindon Circle 231 & Joint Brother of North Glamorgan Circle, both in Province 12.
- This article is an edited version of the submission, download the complete Word version here.
Swindon Circle is on the eastern edge of the Province 12, in the county of Wiltshire. Probably one of the few places you will have heard of in the county is Stonehenge, a ancient prehistoric site, in Wiltshire about an hour's drive from Swindon.
Swindon is the home of the European manufacturing site for Honda cars, but sadly the site will be closing in 2021.
Swindon circle is the second largest circle in the Province, currently with 49 Brothers.
Province 12 is truly a Multinational Province, with 7 circles in England, 6 circles in South Wales and our newest circle, Monmouth Wyedean which is half in Wales and half in England. By British standards it is quite a large Province Stretching from Swindon in the East to Swansea in the West, approximately 120 miles apart.
England and Wales are joined by two bridges that span the River Severn. They are both magnificent structures, which until two years ago had a £6.60 toll charge, but now they are free.
We know from the Catenian logo, that the organisation is represented by a strong chain circle that bonds our circles together and as a Chemist I know that the strongest chemical structure is circular and made up of alternating single and double bonds and is known as Catenation (honest).
Some of our circles are in large cities and towns – Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester/Cheltenham, Newport, Swansea and Swindon, some are in country towns Abergavenny, Cirencester, Hereford, Penybont (Bridgend) and Weston super Mare and two Circles are deep in the countryside Monmouth Wyedean and North Glamorgan.
Dealing with the challenge of life under Covid-19 Restrictions
How we are staying connected with our Circle Members?
In Swindon, when we realised that it was going to very serious, we contacted all Brothers and widows, including a widow whose husband hadn't been in our circle, but who had moved into the area to ensure that we had their up to date addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers. After updating the information copies were provided to everybody in the circle and to the widows.
Brothers are encouraged to ring other Brothers in the Circle, to see how they are copying and if they need any help with things, including shopping and prescriptions for medicines that they regularly have to take.
We tend to have two or three Brothers who regularly contact the widows, probably every week or every fortnight. We try to remember their birthdays. Interestingly and it is worth mentioning here, some Brothers and widows prefer to be rung by Brothers that they have known for quite a few years rather than Brothers that they don't really know.
At this time, I am trying to encourage circles to regularly contact their local priests to see how they are and if there is anything that the Catenians can do to help them.
Are we still meeting (online)?
Swindon circle has been organised very quickly. We are using Zoom.
We quickly took the decision to install the new circle officers, by telephone. The retiring President called the Vice President and installed him as President and the new President called separately the one or two new officers to install them.
It was decided to do a trial run of the April meeting using zoom and about 50% of the circle joined in.
As I write we are about to have our virtual May circle meeting. The technical officer taken out a Zoom professional membership, which brings additional useful options.
We have a potential joint member "visiting", along with at least 6 or 8 Brothers from across the Provincial booked in.
Across the Province, there has been variable approaches.
Council meetings: Quite a few circles have started having zoom council meetings and others are still thinking about this, and most other circle councils ring around each other.
Circle meetings: A number of circles are introducing zoom circle meetings, others are thinking about it and some have decided to wait until they can return to meeting face to face.
Are we still sending out newsletters?
The Brother who produces our Circle newsletter, has decided to have a well earned rest for a few months, as we have cancelled all social events at this time.
However, Provincially it has been decided to produce a good news newsletter to bring some positivity at this difficult time. So far it is looking very good and has been well received in the Province. The person who produces it can already be called the editor, as he has enough material available to have to make a decision on what to include. As some of you will know, some newsletters never get to the point where the editor gets a chance to use their editing skills!
Covid-19 Worries for a Provincial Membership Officer and how to deal with them
- a submission to Eastern Link by Roger Stroud, Vice President of Swindon Circle 231 & Joint Brother of North Glamorgan Circle and Province Memebership Officer, Province 12.
A number of circles have contacted me in the last six weeks or so, concerned about losing Brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Because we are not meeting up face to face for circle meetings and social events and if we do try to fill the void with virtual Circle Council, virtual Circle meetings or virtual social events, for technical reasons some Brothers will be virtually excluded from their circle.
When things return to normal it is quite likely that our Brothers in these circumstances will decide to leave our organisation and our Provincial numbers will drop by a significant amount.
Each quarter I look at our Membership statistics and as a rule of thumb tend to class Circles with an average monthly attendance of less than fifteen Brothers as a circle that is beginning to struggle and needs support from me and the bigger circles in our Province.
At this time, of the fourteen Circles in our Province, seven circles fit into the struggling category with an average circle attendance of 14 Brothers or less, with two averaging ten or less.
The quorum for a Circle meeting is 7, so several circles will be in a grave situation if they lost say 4 Brothers. There is a real concern about a significant loss of Brothers and I know that at least one circle is thinking about the possibility of merging with another one.
At this time it is vital that we put all our energies into our Provinces and Circles, creating Positivity and being Inclusive to our Brothers, Wives and Widows.
As mentioned elsewhere Province 12 is producing a fortnightly newsletter with good news and positivity.
Some circles actually installed their new officers at their March meeting as they expected that circles would not be able to meet for some months. Other circles installed their new officers using email or zoom and others are waiting until they are meeting once again face to face.
What circles need to do is to decide what is best for them and it will vary from circle to circle. When making these decisions it is important that circles make the decision based on how they will retain the most Brothers. They need to decide what is right for them.
Some options are -
- One to one communication with all brothers, but especially with those who could fade away from continuing as a Catenian. In the circle email is one option, but the better more personal option is by picking up the telephone.
- Is it important to continue with Council meetings? The best option here is have council meetings and to use zoom. Another way is for the President to ring individual members of council, but it is less efficient and doesn't allow for discussion.
- Is it important to continue with Circle meetings? From talking to circles, it appears to work best with smaller circle and less so with larger circles, just because of the numbers involved. Circulating reports in advance of the meeting is probably more effective. What is important is to make sure that those without computers, appropriate hardware, no wifi connection, or very slow speed should be able to access it, either with the zoom landline access version, or by using a zoom buddy and a landline. There is a very good procedure available that is specific to zoom circle meetings. If you would like a copy please send an email request (rogstroud@aol.com)
Other suggestions
- A circle social evening conducted by zoom. Brothers, wives, widows and evening potential new Brothers and their wives could attend. People could eat and drink if they want and the content is up to you, amongst the content being used is Just chatting to catch up, having a quiz, someone talking about a specific subject, reading a poem, singing a song, playing an instrument, playing bingo, a couple of people mentioning things they have done, two being true and one untrue. E.G. 1. I was involved in designing a needless injection system for vaccines; 2. I passed my driving test on my 17 birthday; 3. I went to Japan for 8 days, all expenses paid to give a 15 minute talk in English to a group of Japanese science teachers. (By the way number 2 was untrue).
- A circle social evening involving 2 circles.
- A circle social evening, slightly more formal by including prayers for the sick of the circle and the province and an informal welfare report from those who have phoned other members of the circle.
- A virtual Circle Vocations Mass streamed from a local church. Swindon Circle are planning to do this later this month and will be inviting other circles to join them.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PLANS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE EMAIL rogstroud@aol.com, p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au and p21.membership@thecatenians.org.au and we'll publish them in Eastern Link's next issue.
Andheri Mug competition for the best Circle newsletter in 2019/2020 Catenian year
Each circle in Province 21 is called on to submit their best newsletter for the Catenian year ending on March 31st this year.
Manly Secretary Terry Hayes was the inaugaral winner of the Andheri Mug, which was donated by Andheri Circle in India and to be awarded to the circle with the best newsletter in Province 21 each year.
The key criteria to be used by the judges to evaluate the newsletters are:
- The visual appeal/impact of the newsletter
- Past and future updates and content within the newsletter
- News on Brothers/family and spirituality content
- Information/news about other Circles and Province.
Recommended Reading - "Boy Swallows Universe " Trent Dalton.
Another book review by Harbourside North President and Provincial Membership Officer Graham Short
Set in bad old days of the Bjelke-Petersen government, politicians on the take, bent cops and drug lords.
Brisbane 1983, A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious criminal for a babysitter.
It's not as if Eli Bell's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps on throwing obstacles in his way- including Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer. But Eli's life gets a whole lot more serious he is about to fall in love.
And he has to break into Boggo Road Prison, on Christmas Day (see sketch) to save his mum.
Set in suburbs with names like Darra, Nundah, and aspirational suburb The Gap, a dysfunctional family overcomes numerous obstacles to come out of them better people.
This is a story of brotherhood, true love and unlikely friendships.
Cover script transcribed by G.Short
Healthy Fish and Chips Recipe
- A submission from the Cairns Circle newsletter
This all-time favourite goes through a healthy makeover but without losing flavour and deliciousness. Replacing the traditional fried fish and chips, this recipe bakes crumbed white fish fillets and sweet potato wedges for a lighter result. What's more, these ingredients can be cooked straight from the freezer, making this recipe perfect for a quick and easy midweek meal when you need to feed the whole family.
Serves 4- 5 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook
- 515 calories / serving
- Healthy
Ingredients…
- 700g frozen sweet potato wedges
- 1 tbsp light olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tsp sweet paprika (optional)
- 4 frozen hake fish fillets, approx 100g each
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, zested, plus extra wedges to serve
- 25g Parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
- frozen peas or petits pois, cooked to pack instructions, to serve
Method…
- Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C. Lightly brush a shallow roasting tray with oil then add the frozen sweet potato wedges. Sprinkle with the paprika (if using) and bake for 10 mins in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, place the frozen fish fillets well apart on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Put the breadcrumbs in a bowl, then add the lemon zest, Parmesan, parsley and 1 tbsp of oil. Season with black pepper and mix together.
- After 10 mins in the oven, turn the potato wedges, brushing with a little more oil if sticking. Return them to the middle shelf of the oven and put the fish fillets on the top shelf. Bake for another 5 mins.
- Drain off any liquid released from the fish then divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly between the fillets, pressing down firmly onto the top of each one with the back of a spoon. Return to the oven and leave everything to cook for another 15-18 mins, or until the crumbs are golden, the fish is opaque and the potatoes are golden and crisp.
- Serve with peas and lemon wedges on the side.
Around the circles
A round-up of Circle news.
Carlingford:
The Circle has now used Zoom for 3 meetings - 2 purely social, 1 official, namely -
a) the usual Tuesday morning coffee group has had "virtual coffee" at home for the last 2 weeks. Typically, 6-8 participants logged on for a yarn over about 60 minutes.
b) the Circle Council met via Zoom on 21st April. There were 7 participants.
Bro President Rob Haddad has invited all Brothers to a virtual Circle meeting next Tuesday afternoon April 28th at 4.00pm.
I will record minutes and circulate as per normal practice.
Fraternally
Phil Gallagher Secretary-Elect
Cairns:
Cairns Chaplain Fr Neil saying Mass recently via livestreaming, assisted by our two Brothers, Brother Tony and Brother MarkNorther Beaches Parish Cairns - Live-streaming services
Our Circle Chaplain Fr Neil saying Mass recently via livestreaming, he was assisted by our two Brothers who are Deacons, Brother Tony and Brother Mark, it was so marvellous to watch them. All the Mass's said are on the following website, this is also the site to join in Mass when it is being said live, please enjoy; (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTTHcZMpOQMPr_Jqaya_Cgw/)
I think most of you would have read about Tony Moore and one of his dogs being attacked!!!
Miracle escape as Croc attacks Catenians dog
Tony was out on his usual morning walk when a Croc appeared from nowhere and attacked the dog. We are so lucky that the Croc did not manage to get to Tony, so glad.
I think that God on that day was looking out for him and keeping him safe.
Please stay safe Tony, although I think the Croc has been caught, there will be others around there.
City of Sydney:
The City of Sydney Council had a meeting last week on Zoom and it worked extremely well. It took a little while for the members to logon from the emailed link and to adjust the sound and the video so that they were in full contact with us all.
Manly:
Michael van Ommen joined the Manly meeting remotely after a long absence due to illness.Manly's April meeting was held on Zoom with 14 brothers in attendance and already several international visitors booked for our May meeting, including incoming GBNC President Eddie O'Donnell.
It was wonderful to see Michael van Ommen able to join the meeting remotely after a long absence due to illness.
He said his son worked his IT magic and the background behind Michael is the Kinder Dyke in The Netherlands.
Michael said his chemo and radiation treatment have stopped working and the doctors have said there is nothing more they can do for him. He is now at home with his son and family in Wollongong, and is taking things one day at a time. Michael is in good spirits and remains in our prayers.
After the meeting closed, we had a discussion, suggested by Brian Hamer, about How we are surviving as Christians at this difficult time. Brian said he found the online services for Easter from St Kierans very good and this Easter was one of best he has experienced, and the COVID-19 isolation provided more time for reflection, he said.
Harbourside North:
We had a guest speaker joining us by Zoom at the end of our May Circle meeting. Chris Geraghty, who has spoken to us in the past, spoke about his latest book "Virgins and Jezebels".
As noted in the advertising material for his book "In a former life, Chris Geraghty worked as an ordained priest, a lecturer in theology and later as a judge. He is now a contented retiree, living with his books and enjoying his grandchildren. He has published two memoirs of his life as a seminarian and one on his life as a young priest. His latest book, Virgins and Jezebels, is a sequel to an earlier publication – Jesus –The Forgotten Feminist."
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Brother Mike Tighe recently visited our senior Brother, Greg Scahill, causing him to be late for footie training (pictured left). After dinner at our February meeting, Brothers Kevin Duffy and Justin Gardener (far right), (both of whom have also been around for a long time) spoke about their lives and (long) times. They were very interesting and entertaining.
Australian Circles meeting virtually
This could be an opportunity for all of us to visit other Catenian Circles, contact the circle secretary to join a meeting.
| Circle name | Province / Area | Meeting time | Meeting day | Meeting week | Holding virtual meetings | Email contact |
| Avon Valley | Province 20 | 19:00 | Thursday | 2 | avon.valley.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Boroondara | VAC | 19:00 | Wednesday | 4 | ? | boroondara.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Bouvard | Province 20 | 18:30 | Tuesday | 3 | bouvard.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Brisbane Group | Province 21 | 18:45 | Monday | 3 | brisbane.group@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Canberra | Province 21 | 18:45 | Thursday | 3 | ? | canberra.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Canning | Province 20 | 18:45 | Thursday | 4 | canning.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Carlingford | Province 21 | 19:15 | Tuesday | 3 | Y | carlingford.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| City of Cairns | Province 21 | 18:45 | Thursday | 3 | Y | cairns.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Como | Province 20 | 19:00 | Tuesday | 1 | como.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Dandenong | VAC | 18:45 | Wednesday | 2 | dandenong.group@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Darling Range | Province 20 | 19:30 | Wednesday | 2 | darling.range.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Dianella | Province 20 | 19:00 | Wednesday | 5 | ? | dianella.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Fremantle | Province 20 | 18:45 | Thursday | 3 | fremantle.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Gold Coast Tweed | Province 21 | 18:00 | Thursday | 2 | Y | gold.coast.tweed.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Harbourside North | Province 21 | 19:15 | Thursday | 2 | Y | harbourside.north.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Hornsby | Province 21 | 19:10 | Thursday | 1 | Y | hornsby.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Joondalup | Province 20 | 18:30 | Wednesday | 3 | joondalup.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Ku-Ring-Gai | Province 21 | 19:15 | Monday | 2 | Y | kuringgai.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Liwara | Province 20 | 19:15 | Thursday | 1 | N | liwara.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| City of Mandurah | Province 20 | 18:30 | Tuesday | 2 | mandurah.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Manly | Province 21 | 19:00 | Wednesday | 3 | Y | manly.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Maroondah | VAC | 19:00 | Wednesday | 3 | maroondah.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| City of Melbourne | VAC | 19:00 | Monday | 4 | Y | melbourne.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| City of Parramatta | Province 21 | 18:45 | Thursday | 4 | Y | parramatta.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Peninsula | VAC | 19:00 | Friday | 2 | peninsula.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| City of Perth | Province 20 | 17:45 or 11:30am | Monday | 3 | perth.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Pittwater | Province 21 | 19:15 | Wednesday | 2 | pittwater.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| Shire | Province 21 | 19:00 | Wednesday | 4 | Y | shire.group@thecatenians.org.au |
| Swan Valley | Province 20 | 18:30 | Wednesday | 1 | swan.valley.circle@thecatenians.org.au | |
| City of Sydney | Province 21 | 19:15 | Wednesday | 1 | Y | sydney.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| The Hills | Province 21 | 19:15 | Tuesday | 4 | Y | the.hills.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Warringah | Province 21 | 19:15 | Wednesday | 1 | N | warringah.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
| Waverley | VAC | 18:45 | Tuesday | 1 | waverley.circle@thecatenians.org.au |
News from Province 21 Council meeting No 135, held on May 4th
An overview of topics discussed and reports submitted at the recent Provincial Council meeting.
Installations:
Provincial President Chris Vale installed John Tweedie, Harbourside North Circle, and Michael Tan for Parramatta Circle for their 3 year terms.
Circle activities:
Treasurer Paul Day has requested Circles advise him prior to carrying out activities which may not have previously been notified to insurers.
Membership:
Membership Officer Graham Short advised that Lismore Circle development has approval of the Bishop but is on hold due to Covid19 restrictions.
To date: Written approval, from Bishop and Priests, has been obtained to establish a Circle in the Lismore diocese. An Organising Committee comprising myself, Stephen Moran and Paul Bellhouse of GCT Circle has been formed.
Stephen Moran is our local Catenian organiser. He has been requested, in the interim, to form a core group of local Catholic men to assist with the formation of the Circle, and to provide their names and contact details to the Organising Committee.
A venue for meetings/ dinners has been located and costings obtained.
There were 32 resignations in the Province in the last Catenian year, there was discussion on the need for one on one interface with those resigning, to attempt to elicit reasons. Discussion also on need to maintain ongoing contact with members who are not showing up at meetings, as it's too late finding out at time of resignation why they are resigning.
Suggestion that we also need to know why people stay in Catenians, rather than simply why they leave. There is a need to publicise the social activities of Circles, and actively publicise in Circle newsletters.
Youth:
President Chris Vale is producing a report on amalgamating our various youth projects.
Friar Tuck Trophy:
The Friar Tuck Trophy was won by Canberra Circle for 2019-2020 with 5 new members.
Association Review submission by ANC:
ANC President George Kazs advised that the ANC has prepared a draft submission to be put to the Central Council on the Association review. This includes matters taken on board by the ANC from the P20, P21 and Area Victoria submissions.
The ANC draft will be provided to P20, P21 and Area Victoria on the 16th May for comment by the 26th May.
30 Year Catenian Membership Certificates:
George Kazs is to investigate awarding 30 year membership certificates to members.
Brisbane Water update:
While things are on hold during Covid-19, the inclusion of Wyong Parish is the next target for Provincial President Chris Vale to be included as formation members of the Brisbane Water Circle.
2021 National Deacons Conference:
New Parramatta Provincial Counillor Michael Tan raised the the prospect of possible Catenian sponsorship, hosting of an evening at the conference for deacons and their wives or volunteering to help with logistics. Michael is the convener of the conference in October 2021 and suggests it as a good opportunity to place Catenians before the 100-120 people in attendance.
O'Connell Cup:
There was discussion on O'Connell Cup, to be hosted by Gold Coast Tweed Circle. The formula would need to be adjusted if there were a Zoom meeting, as it covers distance and speed which would no longer be relevant. Also should it be deferred for 12 months so that GCT could hold it in the normal way, could there be an alternative contest? Gold Coast Tweed will be consulted for their preference.
Provincial Calendar:
Province Mass to be hosted by Parramatta Circle set for June 28 may need to be postponed.
Truthful Jones may still be able to go ahead hosted by Harbourside North in October.
After the success of this year's Golf Day, the 2021 Province Golf Day has been booked by Stim Robinson for the 12th of March 2021.
A big congratulations to Stim for organising another fantastic day.
Safeguarding Officer:
Provoncial Scretary John Tweedie takes on another role as the Provincial Safeguarding Officer.
Treasurers report:
Provincial Treasurer Paul Day discussed the Budget for 2020-2021 which had been prepared having regard to changes based on the impact of Covid19. Bro Paul noted that based on the waivers in capitation fees by both the ANC and Province 21, discussed earlier in the meeting, and the fact that there had been no waiver of the Central Council capitation fee, the total capitation fee amounts payable by members for 2020-2021 would be $56 – ($9 + $4.50) = $42.50.
IT and Communications:
Paul Pearson reported the website is under review, particularly the public section as that is where any potential members will be looking to find out about being a Catenian.
Communications during this Covid-19 time, it is even more important that we communicate at every level, members, circles, Province and finally ANC.
One method is through Eastern Link, and Circle newsletters, so please keep them going and circulate them to other secretaries and Eastern Link so we can all share your good news and information.
Provincial Councillor Reports:
President Chris Vale asks all circles to include whether they had a formal membership plan.
Draft Provincial Calendar 2020-21
All dates and locations are to be confirmed as the Covid-19 situation becomes clearer.
| 28 June 2020 | Province Mass | Parramatta Circle to host |
| 20 July 2020 | Council Meeting No 136 | |
| August 2020 (dateTBC) | O'Connell Cup | Gold Coast Tweed to host |
| 8 October 2020 | Truthful Jones | Harbourside North to host |
| 2 November 2020 | Council Meeting No 137 | |
| 1 February 2021 (TBC) | Council Meeting No 138 | |
| 8 February 2021 (TBC) | Little John Mug | Ku Ring Gai Circle to host |
| 12 March 2021 | Province Golf day | Muirfield Golf Club |
| 3 May 2021 (TBC) | AGM and Council Meeting No 139 |