Eastern Link
November 2019
Content for Eastern Link is gathered from circle newsletters and notice of meetings, could circle and group secretaries please add p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au to your distribution list, we can also publicise your meetings if a calendar of upcoming speakers and events is included in your circle newsletter.
Contributions to Eastern Link are welcome, if you have an article that might be of interest to other circles please send a Word document and any photos to p21.newsletter@thecatenians.org.au
Contents:
A Catenian welcome for Bishop Anthony Province 21 President Chris Vale welcomes Bishop Anthony Randazzo to Broken Bay at his Liturgical Reception and Solemn Mass of Installation as the 4th Bishhop of Broken Bay at The Light of Christ Centre at Waitara. |
John Rayer visits Manly as a part of his world tour Catenian Director for Development Areas John Rayer and his wife Anne, along with Gerry and Lynn Barton dropped in to Manly's October Circle meeting. |
A reflection on the Catenian Association by Fr David Ranson, former Diocesan Administrator of Broken Bay The Catenian Association is a wonderful Catholic association which exists to support men in their relationships, faith and values. Its paradigm is circles of friendship. |
Manly's trivia nights continue to grow community Manly's last Trivia Night (first Tuesday of every month at Balgowlah RSL) had 23 eager participants.The group included Manly Catenians as well as Friends of Catenians, including visitors from Vinnies and fellow parishioners. |
An Appeal to the Brothers in Province 21 to assist the War on Slavery Brothers by the time that you read this, many of you would have attended a presentation on the War on Slavery which Jane Jeffes and her colleague Becky Honey have been giving to the Catenian Circles in the Greater Sydney Area. |
Pittwater Wins the Ku Pitt shield The Ku Pitt shield is a golfing trophy which is competed for annually in October between the Brothers of Kur-Ring-Gai and Pittwater Circles. |
A Chatswood membership drive for Ku-Ring-Gai's Steve Swain gathers a new member Jimmy Jiminez is a parishioner of Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Chatswood and is the first of several prospective new Chums from that Parish to show interest in becoming a Catenian. |
Harbourside North Catenians on Mary's House Walk Peter Walden his wife Chona and Province 21 Membership Officer Graham Short represented HSN Circle on Mary's House Walk from Kirribilli to Rose Bay this morning. |
An evening with former Police Commissioner Ken Moroney at Parramatta Catenians The Parramatta Catenians hosted a most informative and inspiring visit by retired Police Commissioner Ken Moroney on Thursday 22nd August. An article from the local parish bulletin. |
A Cruise on the famous Riverboat Postman On Sunday 22nd September 2019, a group of 19 from Ku-ring-gai Circle and the Brisbane Waters Group (2) departed from the wharf at Brooklyn on the Riverboat Postman, travelled a short distance upstream past the Brooklyn Bridge and then toured downstream almost to the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. |
A message from Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes.  Can Brothers in each circle look to see how they can be of assistance to our country brothers who are facing drought. |
An invitation to parishioners ... This invitation could be published in your parish newsletter, inviting parishioners to your next dinner/meeting. |
Mario Rebelo delivers the latest Catindian to Ku-Ring-Gai Br. Mario presented a hard copy of the Indian newsletter the CatIndian to P21 President Chris Vale and Ku-Ring-Gai President Paul Rubenach |
| Provincial Calendar 2019-20 |
| Prayers for ... |
The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Catenian Association.
A Catenian welcome for Bishop Anthony
Province 21 President Chris Vale welcomed Bishop Anthony Randazzo to Broken Bay at his Liturgical Reception and Solemn Mass of Installation as the 4th Bishhop of Broken Bay at The Light of Christ Centre at Waitara.
Bishop Anthony mentioned in their discussion that he was looking forward to meeting with the Catenians.
Br. President Chris has invited Bishop Anthony to attend a meeting of the Brisbane Water gathering.
John Rayer visits Manly as a part of his world tour
Catenian Director for Development Areas John Rayer and his wife Anne, along with Gerry and Lynn Barton dropped in to Manly's October Circle meeting.
Visiting Africa and Western Australia on his way to Manly, John and Anne moved on to India then Malta for Malta Week, where he officiated at the elevation of Malta to Provincial Status and the appointment of its first director.
John reports from Malta - "The Malta farewell dinner last night was good and Brendan O’Connell got a number of mentions and presented the Australian visiting cup."
A reflection on the Catenian Association by Fr David Ranson, former Diocesan Administrator of Broken Bay
We are first and foremost social beings.
The more connected we are with others the more whole we experience ourselves, the more we are assured of our place, and more we experience a sense of possibility.
This is why the construction of community remains as urgent a need today as it has always been, perhaps even more so today given a certain fragmentation and isolation that marks our time.
Men, especially, can feel alone.
The Catenian Association is a wonderful Catholic association which exists to support men in their relationships, faith and values.
Its paradigm is circles of friendship.
I encourage the men of our parishes to consider belonging to such a circle.
Catena means "link".
To be linked with others of similar faith and values can provide a sure foundation and an invaluable source of support.
Discover the links, and discover that we don't have to go forward on our journey alone.
Fr David Ranson
Parish Priest, Holy Name
Diocesan Administrator
Catholic Diocese of
Broken Bay
Fr David has given his permission for this reflection to be used in any way we wish.
Could we submit this to our parish newsletters?
Manly's trivia nights continue to grow community
Manly's last Trivia Night (first Tuesday of every month at Balgowlah RSL) had 23 eager participants.
The group included Manly Catenians as well as Friends of Catenians, including visitors from Vinnies and fellow parishioners.
As we say, it's not about the trivia (just as well) it's about community, gathering together and as Jesus did in his time, sharing a meal.
Can we encourage more circles to organise regular events like trivia as an introduction to Catenians or just for brothers and their families to have a good night?
Manly started with a group of 2 brothers finding the best trivia night at local clubs and pubs, then the word spread and we started inviting our own friends as well as parishioners, just to share community and perhaps as an introduction to Catenians.
At Manly we've found it increases the brotherhood and community among members as we meet socially outside of the dinner and meeting.
We begin the night by sharing an economical club meal before we get into the trivia.
An Appeal to the Brothers in Province 21 to assist the War on Slavery
Brothers by the time that you read this, many of you would have attended a presentation on the War on Slavery which Jane Jeffes and her colleague Becky Honey have been giving to the Catenian Circles in the Greater Sydney Area.
Many of you have expressed the same reaction that I had.
We were shocked to know that there are more people in bondage and slavery now than there was when Sir William Wilberforce started a campaign which resulted in the Abolition of Slavery Act being passed by the UK Government in July 1833.
In addition to the sex trade around the world. There are millions of young people being sold into bondage by their destitute parents to work on: -
- Plantations (Cocoa, Banana, Palm oil etc.)
- Fishing boats
- Mines
- Cattle ranches
- Factories (Garment and Manufacturing)
- And other money making ventures too numerous to mention here
Jane and Becky are passionate campaigners and have outlined to us their plan of action. They want: -
- The NSW Modern Slavery Act passed into law
Over 12 months ago in June 2018, NSW passed and assented to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW).
It was anticipated that the NSW Act would commence by 1 July 2019.
However, no commencement date has to-date been proclaimed, and as a result, the NSW Act has yet to commence operation.
This act, if passed, will make NSW one of the leading states in the World to begin to reign in Modern Slavery.
If you put "Modern Slavery Act NSW" into your browser you will see many sites which cover the subject.
Details of the current NSW Government Inquiry into the Act including submissions and transcripts of hearings can be found here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2546
- To Bring Modern Slavery to the forefront of matters requiring the public's attention
Although Modern Slavery is a huge problem worldwide, very few of us get to hear about it. In order to get this problem bumped up the queue for the public's attention Jane and Becky plan: -
- To get philanthropists to support the movement
- To make newsworthy, interesting and thought provoking documentaries that engage the wider public
- To get top TV, Stage and Movie stars to come on board and endorse the movement
They have met relevant ministers in Canberra and Sydney and a range of international corporations who are showing interest in their initiatives. They believe that a trip to Western Australia could bear fruit regarding matters philanthropic.
There is a very good chance that if they travel to the USA they could persuade a very big star to star in or be the voice on their documentaries.
At present they are unable to do these things or chase other opportunities because of lack of funds.
On their behalf I am appealing to you to do two things: -
- The date for submissions to the panel examining the Act and the Government's proposed amendments has passed as have scheduled hearings. There is however good reason to write to our local state member and to the Premiere asking that the Act is passed into law and enacted without further delay and without dilution. I was once told that if an MP receives one request he or she will generally ignore it. If they receive 6 or more they jump to attention and take the matter up.
- Donate to the cause! Every donation will be gratefully received. A small amount such as $10.00 will go to help these two passionate women take the next step. You simply make a direct debit to:-
| Account Name: | Not Forgotten Pty Ltd |
| BSB | 082-299 |
| Account Number | 48-269-4470 |
Or you can send a cheque, made out to Not Forgotten to me, Kevin Doherty at 28, Veterans Parade, Collaroy Plateau. 2097.
You can consider your help as start-up funds for a good-cause not for profit. Or a small Christmas gift to those many people trapped in slavery around the world.
Please help.
P.S. there is an interesting article on John McCarthy who heads the fight against modern slavery in the Sydney Archdiocese: - https://cathnews.com/cathnews/36449-church-aims-to-end-modern-slavery-by-2030
And another published last week by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/08/nsw-anti-slavery-act-could-be-abandoned-despite-being-voted-into-law
Pittwater Wins the Ku Pitt shield
The Ku Pitt shield is a golfing trophy which is competed for annually in October between the Brothers of Kur-Ring-Gai and Pittwater Circles.
It was held this year, as it has been every year in the past at the Palm Beach Golf Club on the shores of Pittwater.
The weather was terrific, plenty of sunshine, no wind and a pleasant temperature .
Picture shows the competitors, from left to right - Stim Robinsom Kur-Ring-Gai Circle (Co organiser), Peter Macdonald, Pittwater Circle President (Co organiser), Dr. Robert McLeod, Pittwatter Circle, John White, Kur-Ring-Gai Circle, Eddie Diggins (A Visitor playing for Pittwater Circle), John Stone Kur-Ring-Gai Circle, Phil Davies Kur-Ring-Gai Circle, Peter Veney Pittwater Circle Vice President, Charlie Murton Kur-Ring-Gai Circle Past President (He is hiding behind Peter Veney and Kevin Doherty), Kevin Doherty Pittwater Circle, Gordon Rorke Pittwater Circle (Behind the Fence), Claude Jugmans Kur-Ring-Gai Circle (Official Tallier of scores) and Tony Reagan Pittwater Circle.
A Chatswood drive for Ku-Ring-Gai's Steve Swain gathers a new member
At the October meeting, acting President Martin Stebbings enrolled new member Jimmy Jimenez.
Jimmy is a parishioner of Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Chatswood and is the first of several prospective new Chums from that Parish to show interest in becoming a Catenian.
Brother membership Officer Steve Swain recently conducted a successful membership drive there with the support of Parish Priest Fr Jim McKeon.
Brothers Martin and Jimmy after the ceremony.
Harbourside North Catenians on Mary's House Walk
Peter Walden his wife Chona and Province 21 Membership Officer Graham Short represented HSN Circle on Mary's House Walk from Kirribilli to Rose Bay this morning.
Mary's House is a refuge for women in North Sydney and the walk is an annual fundraiser event in which about 200 participated.
Its major sponsor is Mater Hospital Crows Nest.
An evening with former Police Commissioner Ken Moroney at Parramatta Catenians
L-R, Mr. Ken Moroney, Bro Michael Lilley, President of City of Parramatta Circle and Bro Chris Worthington, Vice President of City of Parramatta CircleThe Parramatta Catenians hosted a most informative and inspiring visit by retired Police Commissioner Ken Moroney on Thursday 22nd August.
It was a Ladies' Night with several other visitors and guests in attendance. After introductions and a short prayer, all present enjoyed a two - course dinner.
Retired Police Commissioner Ken Moroney spoke of his experience in the Police Force, including his involvement with the Thredbo landslide in 1997. He emphasised the importance of good role models for our young people, and commended the Catenians for their commitment to being good role models for their children and grandchildren.
After his talk, he was presented with a donation from our Circle to his preferred charity - the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, helping kids in hospital.
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a children's charity that, for more than 28 years, has been purchasing essential and often life-saving medical equipment for sick and injured children in Paediatric Wards, Neonatal Units, Maternity and Emergency Departments in hospitals across Australia.
This article was prepared by Bro Michael Tan and published in the parish newsletter, a great idea to help parishioners become aware of Catenians and perhaps an invitation to the next dinner with a guest speaker? - Ed.
A Cruise on the famous Riverboat Postman
Above left: Enjoying the fresh air on board. Above right: Jayne and Stim Robinson with Jayne's friend Lucerios from Columbia
Luke Samson and his brother RalOn Sunday 22nd September 2019, a group of 19 from Ku-ring-gai Circle and the Brisbane Waters Group (2) departed from the wharf at Brooklyn on the Riverboat Postman, travelled a short distance upstream past the Brooklyn Bridge and then toured downstream almost to the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.
Ramon and Ruby SamsonThe journey passed a number of islands, some magnificent secluded beaches and stunning sandstone cliffs.
A mix of cloudy and sunny skies made for an enjoyable open deck experience.
A welcome morning tea, a lunch of fish and chips and a bar complimented the excursion.
A good day!
A message from Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes.
Can Catenians help?
Can Brothers in each circle look to see how they can be of assistance to our country brothers who are facing drought.
Besides prayers you may want to consider contacting Vinnies in the bush for the most deserving cases and donating your circle's charity cash.
Alternatively you may want to travel to the towns to spend?
They will continue to pray for rain.
An invitation to parishioners ...
This invitation could be published in your parish newsletter, inviting parishioners to your next dinner/meeting.
Jesus often invited His friends to share a meal with Him. He was sociable.
We are an international fraternity of laymen; faith based friendship is at the heart of our mission. We, too, are sociable and would like to share a meal with you.
We invite you to be our guest at a gathering of our (Name) Circle which meets on the (Day) of the month at (Location).
To be our guest please contact (Name) at (Phone number) or by email to: (prefix)@thecatenians.org.au.
We look forward to welcoming you.
(Word count 89, sans headers)
Download the 400 pixel Catenian logo and strapline to the right, this can be used in Parish newsletters.
Mario Rebelo delivers the latest Catindian to Ku-Ring-Gai
President Paul Rubenach, Provincial President Province 21, Chris Vale and visiting brother Mario Rebelo from Panjim Circle 353 preparing for the inauguration of new brother Ben Astono.
Brother Mario presenting The Carindian to Provincial President Chris Vale and Kuring-gai President Paul Rubenach.
Dining at the President’s table with from left to right - new member Ben Astono, Jimmy Jimenez, Steve Swain (Membership Officer), Paul Rubenach, visiting Brother Mario Rebelo and Chris Vale.
Ben and Jimmy were our speakers for the evening, telling us a little about themselves, being our newest Brothers. Jimmy is from Chatswood parish and was enrolled at our previous meeting in October. Ben Astono, from Pymble parish, was enrolled at this November meeting.
Download the CATINDIAN newsletter, the hard copy of which was presented to Br. Chris and Bro. Paul, celebrating 10 years of Catenians in India.
Provincial Calendar 2019-20
| 3 February 2020 | Council Meeting No 134 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills |
| 21 February 2020 | Little John Mug | Canberra to host, meeting date changed to Friday |
| 13 March 2020 | Province Golf Day | Course to be confirmed |
| 4 May 2020 | AGM and Council Meeting No 135 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills |
| June 2020 (dateTBC) | Province Mass | Parramatta Circle to host |
| 20 July 2020 (TBC) | Council Meeting No 136 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills |
| August 2020 (dateTBC) | O'Connell Cup | Gold Coast Tweed to host – August meeting date is Thursday 13 August |
| 21-23 August 2020 | ANC Conference Sydney | |
| 8 October 2020 (dateTBC) | Truthful Jones | Harbourside North to host |
| 2 November 2020 (TBC) | Council Meeting No 137 | Broken Bay Diocese office Pennant Hills |
Prayers for ...
Please remember in your prayers -
Carlingford:
Please remember in your prayers Bros. Stan Burgin and Bill Carpenter together with Jan Burgin. Also, continue to pray for Patrick Wheeler (grandson of Barbara Kenny), Timothy Carpenter, and Christopher Carter.
Manly:
Michael Van Ommen
The Hills:
Br Milan & Mary; Br Paul Roberts B.I.L, - Arun; Br Peter Huby's brother- Anthony; David MacRae & Crystal Good.