Eastern Link
November 2020
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:
ANC President's response to the Central Council on the Woodford review The ANC has formally responded to Central Council's request for comments in relation to certain recommendations relating to the Woodford review. As a consensus position on the review committee's report was not able to be reached, ANC President and member of the Council's review committee Bro George Kazs provided a minority report to Central Council. |
| Chris Vale Comments on the Woodford SWG Review Report The Woodford SWG Review Report is disappointing. The Catenian Association missed an opportunity to chart an improved path for the future. |
| Manly Membership Questionnaire - Lunch and coffee catch-ups after Manly questionnaire? Manly Circle recently undertook a survey of its' members on the current and future needs of the Circle. The Hypothesis being that Circles need to evolve to maintain and attract a new generation of members. |
Is religion cherished in Australia? Sophie York believes, "religious freedom is a basic, natural human right", and will discuss the importance of religious freedom as the foundation for all our freedoms.We'll ask Sophie is religious freedom cherished in Australia the same way it is longed for in many of our neighbouring countries? |
Membership Eligibility  Article 3 in Series by Phil MurrayIn September's Catena, I identified an underlying Purpose (Mission) evident in our Association's documents and history, and consistent with Church teaching: To strengthen the lived faith of lay Catholics in the world, through faith-based friendship. |
City of Sydney President's Mass Sunday 22nd November, St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel, 121 Arcadia Road, Arcadia Mass at 11:00amLuncheon to follow 12:30pm, Biviano's Italian Restaurant, 628 Old Northern Road, Dural |
"The Carpathia and the Californian" - a talk on the sinking of the Titanic and the parallel challenges facing the faithful of the Church today at HSN Our Thursday November 12th after dinner speaker is Paul McClintock AO. Paul will be speaking on the topic "The Carpathia and the Californian" in the context of the sinking of the Titanic and the parallel challenges facing the faithful of the Church today. |
Brisbane Water Circle - Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires Ron Tesoriero will speak of his experiences of The Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires. Ron is a lawyer and documentary film maker. With Mike Willesee he investigated the facts and scientific evidence of how living heart tissue emerged from a communion host. How did life come from nonliving matter? |
Hornsby Circle 317 is celebrating its 30th Inauguration Anniversary. There are surprises. Come along, find out. You will remember the night. Acceptances are limited. Do not be disappointed.When: Thursday 3rd December 2020, A Ladies Night. Cost: $60 each includes 3 course dinner and wine Where: Warrawee Function Centre |
Ku-Ring-Gai Weekend in the mountains Members of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle enjoyed a fantastic weekend in the Blue Mountains recently. From arrival on Saturday morning to departures on Monday, the weekend was packed with optional activities including an art gallery visit with an artist talk, visit to National Trust gardens, tennis, croquet, a billiards completion and golf on the agenda. |
Melbourne Cup at City of Sydney Circle It was a successful and historical lunchtime meeting of the City of Sydney Circle, the first in our nearly 50 years. What a great day to experiment - the famous "nation stopping event the Melbourne Cup". The restaurant on the second floor of the Occidental Hotel was decorated with balloons and racing memorabilia and reserved for the Catenians. |
International Rosary by ZOOM Brothers I was invited to take part in a special Rosary Event on Saturday 1st November 2020. It was the Catenian International Intercessory Rosary. It celebrated the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary Mackillop of the Cross, Patroness of the Catenian Association in Australia. |
Join The Province 21 Circle of Friends choir A big invitation is issued to each Circle and groupt to have a representative join the Province 21 Circle of Friends Choir. Following on the success of our first rendition of "Never Alone" we will individually ,in isolation, record our next rendition of another composition of Canberra Circle brother Phil Murray's "Friends for Life" |
| News from Around the Circles All of the news taken from Circle newsletters. |
| Regular Circle Social gatherings If your circle members are gathering for any regular activities please email newsletter@thecatenians.org.au to be included in this list, contact the various Circle secretaries if you would like to visit any of the listed events. |
Prayers ... Please remember in your prayers members of various Circles in Province 21 listed |
ANC President's response to the Central Council on the Woodford review
The ANC has formally responded to Central Council's request for comments in relation to certain recommendations relating to the Woodford review.
As a consensus position on the review committee's report was not able to be reached, ANC President and member of the Council's review committee Bro George Kazs provided a minority report to Central Council.
That report is available here.
Bro George notes that while in some respects the reform agenda might now be seen as complete, there remain many challenges for the Association in the short term ahead if it is to grow and develop as a vibrant association of friends contributing to Christ's mission here on earth.
With the support of members, their Circles and Provincial and Area Councils, the ANC hopes to be able to respond appropriately to those challenges.
Province 21 President Chris Vale Comments on the Woodford SWG Review Report
The Woodford SWG Review Report is disappointing.
The Catenian Association missed an opportunity to chart an improved path for the future.
Two to three years spent on this Association Review are wasted in the view that many of the analysis, results and conclusions could have been written without recourse to the Review results. It recommends little change and a bleak future for the growth of the association. It is not concerned to look outside the boundaries of the association.
Importantly the Central Council chooses to ignore Australian National Council (ANC) recommendation that explores an alternate path.
Bishop Casartelli in 1908 supported the creation of a men's association which reflected the social and economic norms of the time. Women struggled over the next one hundred & fifty years to gain equality. Were the Bishop alive today he may choose to create a different type of association to reflect societal changes.
The Association is aging with declining membership. Previously the Catenian Association sought practicing Catholic men. The average age is rising because less than 5% of Australian Catholic men in the age group 20 to 45 attend mass regularly. New Catenian members are usually in the 50+ age group. Young men are not used to men only associations. They expect mixed groups.
ANC recommends that membership be open to all lay Catholics. Membership autonomy to be located at Circle level; circle membership then determines the type of circle it wishes to be. Four circle types are envisaged. These are: 1) All male 2) Community - a mix of male and females 3) Youth - male & female between ages 20 to 40 years and 4) All female.
Province 21 takes credence of the membership health of each of its 16 circles and groups. One of Province 21 circles indicated that with a membership of 55 it could cease to exist within 10 years. This issue is being debated within the circle concerned. Other circles with average age in the 70s may fold within less than 5 years.
It is appropriate that ANC explore membership options not the least the option above rejected by Central Council.
Chris Vale
President Province 21
The Catenian Association
Wednesday 21st October 2020
Manly Membership Questionnaire - Lunch and coffee catch-ups response to Manly questionnaire
Manly Circle recently undertook a survey of its' members on the current and future needs of the Circle.
The Hypothesis being that Circles need to evolve to maintain and attract a new generation of members.
That is not to say that the purpose of Catenians has changed ...it remains the same but we expand the meaning of Community.
- For some Brothers a meeting a month and ladies nights, meets their needs
- For others, a wider interaction outside formal meetings with fellow Brothers is of interest
..we are evolving our Catenian Brotherhood not only to cater for a diverse set of member needs but to be an attractive option for men nearing retirement or retired who are looking for community
Overview:
- We had 20 Brothers from some 33 potential Brothers who completed the survey
- 60% overall response rate
- Not every question was answered, Brothers answered those that were relevant to them
- Enough responses were obtained to be able to draw some firm conclusions
The questions and answers:
Separating Meeting Nights from Circle Ladies nights
- 72% agreed to separate these and there was strong support to have up to 4 Ladies Nights per annum
- A key suggestion was to have the Ladies Night on a different night to the Circle Meeting night and Zoom the Circle meeting therefore avoiding an additional dinner cost.
Are social gatherings, outside the meeting night, of interest to you?
- 83% in favour, ie 15 Brothers said Yes
- 3 said No ...
- Live too far away or
- Covid risk,
- But we're interested in social activities post Covid
What types of social activities would be of interest?
Would you like to join a small group (max 6-10) dinner in a socially distanced club or a restaurant?
- Post Covid the majority of Circle members were interested.
Would you join a small group luncheon get together?
- Post Covid the majority of Circle members were interested.
Would you prefer a morning or afternoon coffee get together?
- A few members were interested.
Morning or afternoon walks?
- We're currently averaging 6 on each Tuesday and Thursday walk, it's already a successful venture
Things that we've tried and been successful
- Special event dinners – Bastille Day etc.
- Dinner and movie nights
- Theatre nights
Suggested other activities raised in response to a request for suggestions –
- Visits to Museums and places of interest
- Bowls days
- Day trips
- Weekends away
- Group overseas trips
- Men's breakfast
- Cake at meetings for birthdays
- Circle visitation
- Phone checks on members we haven't seen for a while
Concluding Observations
- There is a clear demand from most Brothers for more than the monthly dinner and meeting, creating the opportunity for forming deeper friendships of like-minded people – the aim of Catenians.
- The foundation activity of the Circle still revolves around the Monthly meeting and ladies nights.
- This meets the needs for some Brothers, perhaps all they want or can do due to other commitments
- Many have varying interests as can be seen in the spread of answers expressing interest in various activities but overwhelmingly Lunches & Dinners outside formal Circle meetings is by far and away the most popular activity.
- It is clear that Covid Risk is a concern for many Brothers and rightly so.
- On Ladies nights we should consider that no formal meeting be held.
- A good suggestion is that the normal Circle meeting for that month be held by Zoom thereby reducing cost
- Currently some brothers still have substantial work commitments or live too far away and although have an interest in Social Gatherings – they are unable to participate at this stage.
- Could we establish a social committee including some ladies? We need some sort of structure to manage the expansion of social gatherings.
- All it takes is two people to start something (coffee, lunch or ...) talk about it at the meeting or in the newsletter.
Could circles gain individual information from each of their brothers with an email questionaire like this?
- Manly have begun a 2nd Friday lunch at Wakehurst Golf Club each month, based on the responses in the questionire.
Is religion cherished in Australia?
The topic - part of the 'On Liberty' Series is: "Is religion cherished in Australia?"
This week we welcome Sophie York, barrister, law lecturer, and board director.
Sophie believes, "religious freedom is a basic, natural human right", and will discuss the importance of religious freedom as the foundation for all our freedoms.
We'll ask Sophie is religious freedom cherished in Australia the same way it is longed for in many of our neighbouring countries?
Watch the interview of STMS member Sophie York by Salvatore Babones of CIS (Centre for Independent Studies) -
Does the Chinese Communist Party fear religious freedom more than economic freedom, or freedom of speech?
Do Muslim-majority countries repress non-Muslim religions?
Do Australians reject religion over embracing indigenous and new age spiritualities? Tune in live from 10 am (AEST), Thursday 22 October 2020.
See more from CIS here: https://www.cis.org.au/
Learn more about Sophie here: https://www.sophieyork.com.au
Join in the conversation live every Thursday at 10 am AEST, on YouTube or Facebook.
Like this video if you enjoyed it and want to see more, it really helps us out.
Subscribe to our channel to watch our videos first: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5c-...
Membership Eligibility
Article 3 in Series by Phil Murray
In September's Catena, I identified an underlying Purpose (Mission) evident in our Association's documents and history, and consistent with Church teaching:
To strengthen the lived faith of lay Catholics in the world, through faith-based friendship.
To support their Purpose, Canon Law requires that lay associations include in their statutes 'conditions required for membership…attentive, however, to the necessity or advantage of time and place' (Can.304§1).
Time and Place
In 1908, when the Association was founded in the UK, society was male-dominated. In seeking to overcome the discrimination Catholics experienced in business and employment, the focus on men's needs through a male-only Association made sense.
Today, in western society, things are very different. For instance, women's labour force participation has increased from 34% to 73% since 1931 (UK) and from 34% to 61% since 1961 (Australia). If the Association were being founded today, would male-only membership be appropriate?
Influencing 21st Century Western Society
Our service to members builds faith-based friendships through which we influence each other's lived faith so that, in turn, each can better influence society. However, limiting membership to practising Catholic men leads to male-orientated spirituality (the way we live in response to our faith).
St Paul said that, to be effective, we must be credible to those we seek to influence: 'I became like a Jew to win over the Jews…I became like one outside the law…to win over those outside the law…I became weak, to win over the weak…I have become all things to all, to save at least some' (1 Cor 9:19-23).
In gender-inclusive societies, to be credible among those we seek to influence, both men and women need to be enriched by exposure to the lived faith of both genders, developing gender-inclusive spirituality.
Accordingly, in 1965, Vatican II stressed:
- 'That women and men, working in harmony, should renew the temporal order and make it increasingly more perfect: such is God's design for the world.' (Apostolicam Actuositatem (AA), 1965, n7)
- 'Since in our days women are taking an increasingly active share in the entire life of society, it is very important that their participation in the various sectors of the church's apostolate should likewise develop.' (AA, 1965, n9)
Fifty-five years on, responding to this important principle by accepting women as members, is long overdue. Not doing so is harmful to the Church's mission in today's world.
Couple Spirituality
Most Catenians are married. Vatican II noted: 'married and family life'…'sanctified by a special sacrament…has a special value' in the laity's 'prophetic office' of influencing society (Lumen Gentium (LG), 1964, n35); '...family cares should not be foreign to their spirituality' (AA, 1965, n4).
Male-dominant spirituality is not ideal for married couples. We do them a disservice by developing primarily the husband's spirituality.
Even though some members' spouses are non-Catholics, they share sacramental marriage. To reject the non-Catholic would inhibit development of the Catholic's and the couple's spirituality inherent in their sacramental bond.
Non-practising Catholics
In Australia, Mass attendance fell from 74.0% (1954) to 11.8% (2016) – similar to many countries (UK data inaccessible).
Excluding non-practising Catholics from membership no longer makes sense, though few may wish to join:
- Non-attenders' faith may still influence their lives, contributing to our Purpose and the Church's mission. Membership will improve their lived faith and may lead some to return to Mass attendance.
Implications
In 21st century western society, to fulfil our Purpose (Mission) and contribute effectively to the Church's mission, membership must be open to:
- All baptised lay Catholics aged 18 years or more and their non-Catholic spouses.
Gender-inclusive membership would not preclude gender-specific activities – considered subsequently in Catena under Member Services.
Phil Murray BA (Econ), MA (Theol Stud)
Phil is Membership Officer, Canberra Circle 331 and author of 'Friends for Life: Catenians in the 21st
Century', 2018. His career included 10 years as a senior manager in the Church's national peak body that
supports its social welfare services throughout Australia
City of Sydney President's Mass
Sunday 22nd November
St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel
121 Arcadia Road Arcadia
Mass at 11:00am
Luncheon to follow 12:30pm
Biviano's Italian Restaurant
628 Old Northern Road
Dural
RSVP Peter O'Reilly peteror37@bigpond.com 0423 059 633
By Sunday 15th November
"The Carpathia and the Californian" - a talk on the sinking of the Titanic and the parallel challenges facing the faithful of the Church today at HSN
Our Thursday November 12th after dinner speaker is Paul McClintock AO. Paul will be speaking on the topic "The Carpathia and the Californian" in the context of the sinking of the Titanic and the parallel challenges facing the faithful of the Church today.
Paul is Chair of St Vincent's Health Australia, I-Med Radiology and Laser Clinics Australia. His former positions include Secretary to Cabinet in the Federal Government, Chair of Medibank Private, Symbion Health, Affinity Health, the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, the COAG Reform Council and Sydney Health Partners, National Chair of CEDA and a Commissioner of the Health Insurance Commission.
Paul was Chair of Sacred Heart Parish Pastoral Council during the time of Monsignor Eugene Harley PP.
Paul was educated at St Ignatius College, Riverview and graduated from Sydney University in Arts and Law. He is an honorary fellow of the Faculty of Medicine of that university, a Life Governor of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and a Honorary Life Trustee of CEDA.
GATHER for drinks at 6.45 pm
MEETING at 7.15pm
DINNER at 8.00pm
R.S.V.P: Phil Guiney
philip.guiney@gmail.com
0450 090 026
Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires - Brisbane Water Circle
An invitation from Chris Vale, Province 21 President
Ron Tesoriero will speak of his experiences of The Eucharistic Miracle at Buenos Aires. Ron is a lawyer and documentary film maker. With Mike Willesee he investigated the facts and scientific evidence of how living heart tissue emerged from a communion host. How did life come from nonliving matter?
Watch - Blood of Christ Part 1: The Eucharistic Miracle of Buenos Aires
I urge you to see his website https://reasontobelieve.com.au/
As Catholics we believe that we receive Our Lord's body and blood at Holy Communion. What does it mean to see a consecrated host suddenly start to develop scientifically recognised heart flesh and blood?
Ron will speak at dinner at the Davistown RSL, 19 Murna Road, Davistown, NSW, 2251 on Thursday 19th November, 7:00 for 7:15.
Cost is $30 for a two-course dinner, wine included.
For catering:
Please reply as soon as possible to:
SMS 0410434840
email: Chris Vale brisbanewatercircle@gmail.com
by Monday 9 November 2020
I welcome you to hear the story behind this miracle and understand what it means for our faith.
Hornsby Circle 317 is celebrating its 30th Inauguration Anniversary.
There are surprises. Come along, find out. You will remember the night.
Acceptances are limited. Do not be disappointed.
When: Thursday 3rd December 2020, A Ladies Night.
Cost: $60 each includes 3 course dinner and wine
Where: Warrawee Function Centre (previously Warrawee Bowling Club).
Apply immediately to: Secretary Pat Moran.
Ku-Ring-Gai Weekend in the mountains
Members of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle enjoyed a fantastic weekend in the Blue Mountains recently.
From arrival on Saturday morning to departures on Monday, the weekend was packed with optional activities including an art gallery visit with an artist talk, visit to National Trust gardens, tennis, croquet, a billiards completion and golf on the agenda.
In the evenings a trivia quiz was held along with the premiere screening of a short film produced by kuringgai's youngest member, Luke Samson.
Mass was streamed into the Carringtom Ballroom on Sunday morning after breakfast
We were blessed with great weather for the long weekend.
Our numbers were restricted to ensure that we were within limits for Covid 19 purposes. Fortunately they had large rooms at the hotel to enable us to gather as a group for meals and mass.
https://thecatenians.org.au/province-21/eastern-link/november-2020#sigProIdee05df4653
AGENDA – Ku-Ring-Gai Blue Mountains Weekend
Saturday
12-2pm Tennis at Katoomba Tennis Courts, 14 Bowling Green Ave Katoomba (viewing area for those who may wish to watch)
https://play.tennis.com.au/katoombatennisclub
2pm Onwards Check-in at Carrington Hotel
https://www.thecarrington.com.au/our-hotel/map-directions/
3pm Group Photo at the Viewing Platform, Blue Mountains Cultural Heritage Centre, art Exhibition & artist talks (5 mins walk from hotel; closes at 4pm)
http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/
6pm Meet in Ballroom for pre-dinner drinks . Dinner 6.30pm. Trivia 8-9pm
Sunday
8-10am Breakfast in Grand Dining Room (you will need to book your preferred breakfast time when you arrive on Saturday)
10am Mass, Ballroom
11am Leave for Everglades and Walking trips
6pm Billiards Tournament
7pm Meet in Billiards Room for pre-dinner drinks
7.30pm Dinner in Grand Dining Room (you will be given menu when you arrive in order that you may pre order for Sunday night)
Monday
8-10am Breakfast in Grand Dining Room
10 am de-brief in Billiards Room
10.30am Croquet, Katoomba
12 noon Golf, Blackheath
Melbourne Cup at City of Sydney Circle
A report from Peter O'Reilly, City of Sydney Secretary
Province 21 Membership Officer Graham Short with his cup and Lucky Door prize It was a successful and historical lunchtime meeting of the City of Sydney Circle, the first in our nearly 50 years.
What a great day to experiment - the famous "nation stopping event the Melbourne Cup".
The restaurant on the second floor of the Occidental Hotel was decorated with balloons and racing memorabilia and reserved for the Catenians.
Bro. Pres. Peter Gialouris opened the meeting at 12:10pm in the presence of 10 brothers and recited the traditional prayers. There were a few late comers with a total of 11 Sydney brothers and 3 visiting brothers.
Bro. Pres. welcomed Bros Graham Short (H.S.North), Martin Stebbings and Malcolm McEwan (Kur-ring-gai).
Business was kept to a minimum as our ladies were in waiting and the meeting was closed at 12:25pm.
The menus were rolled & tied on each setting with a lucky door ticket and a $1.00 TAB Trifecta voucher. The hotel had their own sweep which was sold at the tables. A glass of champagne was given to all the 24 guests as they sat down at the tables.
The three course meal was quite exceptional with an extensive wine list.
When race time arrived the TV screens in the room were focused on Flemington for the running of the Cup. It was exciting for us all to see Twilight Payment virtually lead from start to finish.
The Catenian Sweep winner was Bro. Max Cattle with Ian Milne second and Geoff Byrne was third place.
Gabrielle Milne was the winner of the lucky door prize of 6 bottles of wine. Bro. Graham Short won a prize also.
The whole day went extremely well and all enjoyed the welcome release from our months long isolation.
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Gabrielle Milne with lucky door 1st prize
Gabrielle Milne with lucky door 1st prize
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Genevieve Martin Stebbings Malcoml McEwan Graham Short Peter Marie Tilbrook
Genevieve Martin Stebbings Malcoml McEwan Graham Short Peter Marie Tilbrook
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Graham Short with his cup and prize
Graham Short with his cup and prize
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Graham Short with his cup and prize
Graham Short with his cup and prize
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Graham Short with his cup and prize
Graham Short with his cup and prize
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Lorelie O'Reilly Ian Gabrielle Milne Michael Patricia Murphy
Lorelie O'Reilly Ian Gabrielle Milne Michael Patricia Murphy
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Malcolm McEwan Graham Short Genevieve Martin Stebbings Peter Marie Tilbrook
Malcolm McEwan Graham Short Genevieve Martin Stebbings Peter Marie Tilbrook
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Martin Stebbings was pleased that this resulted in him getting his stake back!
Martin Stebbings was pleased that this resulted in him getting his stake back!
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Tom Boyce Elizabeth Peter Gialouris Gai Frank Filocamo Roslyn Boyce
Tom Boyce Elizabeth Peter Gialouris Gai Frank Filocamo Roslyn Boyce
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Veronica O'Mara Joe McGuinness Tony Mazzei Max Cattle Bob O'Mara
Veronica O'Mara Joe McGuinness Tony Mazzei Max Cattle Bob O'Mara
https://thecatenians.org.au/province-21/eastern-link/november-2020#sigProId99a49c3d45
International Rosary by ZOOM
Brothers I was invited to take part in a special Rosary Event on Saturday 1st November 2020.
It was the Catenian International Intercessory Rosary. It celebrated the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of St Mary Mackillop of the Cross, Patroness of the Catenian Association in Australia.
The event was arranged and coordinated by Bros Michael Tan (Parramatta Circle) and Eugene Das (Andheri Circle). It attracted 87 international brothers from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Malta, Bangladesh, India, Nazareth, GOA and Australia.
It was an experience to share our faith across the world in honour of Our Lady and St Mary Mackillop. Bro Eugene screen captured the following participants:
If you want the experience please talk to Bro Michael Tan.
Chris Vale
Provincial President
Province 21
Join The Province 21 Circle of Friends choir
A big invitation is issued to each Circle and groupt to have a representative join the Province 21 Circle of Friends Choir.
Following on the success of our first rendition of "Never Alone" we will individually ,in isolation, record our next rendition of another composition of Canberra Circle brother Phil Murray's "Friends for Life"
Soundtracks and vocal are provided to singalong to.
All welcome no experience necessary .
To register your interest contact Choir convenor Graham Short
Watch our last performance -
News from around the Circles
Cairns:
What a fantastic October meeting and lunch.
Thanks Simon and Tony for the great pictures.
It was so good to see former Brother Jim Callaghan joining us for the lunch and meeting.
God Bless you all and your loved ones.
Tony and Helga at Paronella ParkHelga, Brother Tony's wife, celebrated her birthday on the 8th October, here are some lovely pics of them having a wonderful day. Special memories of the most wonderful picnic location of Paronella Park where "dreams come true"
CONGRATULATIONS TO SIMON AND CARY ON YOUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY…
Best wishes from your Catenian Brothers and their loved ones. We hope you have many, many more happy years together.
They had a lovely surprise from their children who shouted both Simon and Cary to dinner at their local Italian restaurant.
Their children are a credit to them, so caring and so helpful in our parish at Sacred Heart Mass on Sunday mornings.
LOVE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU BOTH
Harbourside North:
Thank you from Bro John Tweedie – virtual Trek for Timor
Bro John completed his epic 153 km 6 day trek from Chatswood to Blackheath on 24 October and wishes to thank all those brothers who so generously sponsored him and thus provided much needed funds for the educational and other needs of the people of Hatobuilico in East Timor with projects supported by the Blue Mountains Timor supporat group.
John's trek started on Saturday 17 October with 5 days of solid trekking averaging just over 25kms per day, followed by a two day break then the last onslaught on Saturday 24 October. To date John's personal sponsorships have raised in excess of $8,000 and the 110 participating trekkers have raised overall just shy of $70,000.
John was accompanied on each day of his Trek by a number supporters, including the Timorese Consul General Senhor Luciano Valentim, who trekked for the whole of the first day. Harbourside North Catenians Graham Short and Jim Phelan trekked the fourth and fifth days respectively - and John very much appreciated their support.
Trek Day 1 at Chatswood with Sr Luciano Consul General and friends Jude, David and David
Trek Day 4 – Long Angle Valley near Springwood. With Graham Short who walked on day 4 and friends David, Ross and Margaret who did the entire 6 day trek. David is a dentist and was raising funds for his separate project, the Timor Leste Dental Program which he co-founded almost 20 years ago.
Trek Day 5 - Paradise Pool near Woodford with Jim Phelan and David.
The trekking group on Day 6 of the Trek - near Leura Blue Mountains – just before the rain. The number of trekkers each day ranged from 4 to 16.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
WE ARE BACK! The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 9th at the St Ives Club, commencing at 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start.
Br President and Br Catering Officer recently met with club management and the caterer, who said they were ready and eager to have us back, with satisfactory arrangements in place to comply with Covid guidelines and keep us safe.
We are delighted to have Gerald Kenneally and Sr Josephine Mitchell from the Australia Timor-Leste Advancement Society (ATLAS) as our guest speakers.
Gen and Martin celebratePlease advise Br Catering Officer no later than Wednesday, October 7th if you will be attending. Brother Andrew's phone number is 0419 812 112 or email at asim@simtecit.com.
The cost of the dinner will be $55. Please either bring the correct money or (even better) make an EFT transfer to the following account before the dinner: Account name: The Catenian Association Ku-ring-gai 284
BSB no: 062784 Account number: 1722 8200
To celebrate our first face to face Circle Meeting since March, Brothers will receive a complimentary drink on arrival.
Br Martin Stebbings 60th birthday celebration (see our earlier article about the Ku-Ring-Gai Blue Mountains weekend)
A group of Ku-ring-gai Brothers, wives and friends had a wonderful weekend at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba to celebrate Past President & Provincial Councillor Martin's big milestone. Reportedly a great time was had by all. Pictured below (left to right) are Martin & Gen, the group toast (with good social distancing!) and Martin cutting the cake!
Manly:
John Zemek gives the bible reading reflection with our Zoomers looking onOur meeting and dinner on 16 September at Manly Golf Club celebrated the Circle's 300th meeting. Some 17 Brothers attended in person and 23 via Zoom. Special guests included Alan Hickey (inaugural Manly President), 
Brendan O'Connell and Allan Hickey share some manly storiesGraham Short (Immediate Past Provincial President), and Fr Peter Jones OSA.
The Zoom attendees included Ralph Fitzpatrick (Chairman, Central Council), Eddie O'Donnell (GB National President). George Kazs (ANC President), David Arundale (GB National Vice-President). In all, some 17 Brothers from the UK dialled in via Zoom.
Our Tuesday Trivia continues, with 7 or 8 teams involved every two weeks.
Trivia will move to Monday nights as of Monday 16th November.
Kevin and Duffy Regan's big adventure!
Kevin and Duffy Regan recently completed their first trip (for a week) in NSW in their new caravan (an Avan – the pictures following explain). They acquired the Avan after they rented one first for a "test run". Kevin said learning how to tow, set up and use everything in their new little house was challenging!!
Their first 2 nights were at Cowra. The streets were lined with beautiful spring blossoms. There were plenty of interesting sights to see especially the Japanese garden and the POW camp. Kevin and Duffy discovered how friendly people are in campsites with many tips to help them with their new van.
The next 2 nights they camped at Forbes. They couldn't get into the caravan park at Parkes because they didn't have their facilities open due to covid. They don't have a toilet and the shower is on the outside of the van! They went to see the dish at Parkes and it was fantastic! There were a few nice lookouts in the city and a graffiti trail.
City of Sydney:
Bro. Peter and Lorelie O'Reilly decided last inclement Sunday to set out on our $2.50 seniors Opal Card and try Sydney trains. We parked at Kogarah and caught a train to Town Hall, changed for Wynyard and on alighting asked the station porter about the Metro. He informed us that buses were on from Wynyard to Chatswood and the Metro had track work in progress!! Disappointed we walked through the tunnel to Barangaroo (rain and very uncomfortable gale) and sat down at Love Fish Restaurant for lunch.
Lo and behold sitting near us on their Sunday outing were Terry and Maurine McNamara! They normally have dinner on Sunday after Mass but the Grand Final was on that night – so change of routine. We had a small plate of Clarence River prawns which we were told you eat the whole small prawn head/eyes/tails completely! A first for both of us. It was a great lunch on a miserable day. Lorelie and I still have not sampled the Metro – maybe another effort but during the week with no track work!
The President's Mass has been arranged for Sunday 22nd November at St. Benedict's Chapel Arcadia at 11:00am with a fine luncheon at Biviano's Italian Restaurant Dural at 12:30pm. Bro. Geoff Byrne has a school mate Father Michael Kelly (Marist Brothers Parramatta 1963) a Benedictine Priest who has been in Rome as the World Provincial of the Sylvestrine Congregation since 2007. He has arranged for us to have Mass in the Chapel in the beautiful grounds of St Benedict's Monastery.
Hopefully Father Michael will join us for lunch after Mass. The Sylvestrine Congregation is a member of the Benedictine Confederation. It originated as a monastic reform movement in eastern-central Italy in the early 13th century.
The Hills:
Br President, Victor Gauci reported on the excellent lunch held at Enigma's on 28th Sept, Enjoyed by all.
Alternative proposal from Parramatta regards joint meetings received & accepted for 2 per year.
Br Campion raised question of what is the object of joint meetings, feels we must ensure it does not impact on membership.
Regular Circle Social gatherings
Please contact the various Circle secretaries if you would like to visit -
Carlingford:
11:00am 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:
Walks along Manly Beach continue every Tuesday amd Thursday at 7:15am, starting from Queenscliff Surf Club to Shelley Beach and return.
2nd Friday Lunch, every second Friday of the month at Wakehurst Golf Club.
Virtual Trivia, every second Tuesday via Zoom.
If your circle is having any regular activities lease email newsletter@thecatenians.org.au to be included in this list.
Prayers ...
YOUR PRAYER'S ARE NEEDED FOR…
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 Mark Cavicchiolo's mum RIP who recently passed away, and Brother Stephen Devenish's family after Stephen losing his mum Carmel RIP,
and for Fr Neil and his family after losing his mum Elizabeth RIP.
Brother Mark Freeman's mum Judy RIP who recently passed away.
Please pray for all the families who have lost ones recently.
Walk with me, O my Lord, Through the darkest night and brightest day.
Be at my side, O Lord,
Hold my hand and guide me on my way.
Brother Peter Duggan would like to thank all Brothers and their loved ones for the prayers for Alma. She has improved immensely and just one little item to deal with, they are sincerely grateful for your prayers which show they have worked. Thanks a million Brother Peter Duggan.
Ku-Ring-Gai:
Brothers Greg Scahill, John Szymanski, Jack Garcia and Steve Swain.
Family members Carolynne Wawryzniak, Marie Gibbons, Barbara Burke, David Gardener, Gayle and Suzie Meagher, Rebecca Davies, Madeleine Szymanski and daughter Kate McRea, Margaret Marshall and Karen Tighe.
Sadly, we lost two more Brothers during the month of October, in Dan Gibbons (left) and John Huggett (right).
Both enjoyed full and rewarding lives but will be greatly missed by the Circle Brothers.
Our sympathies and prayers are for Dan's wife Marie, John's wife Libby and their families.
May they rest in eternal peace.
Manly:
We remember in our prayers all Manly Brothers who have been unwell.
Bro Chris Micallef has been somewhat in the wars in recent times. After recovering from a fall and broken shoulder, he has unfortunately now had several toes amputated and the recovery is proving difficult. Chris has been moved to the Rehabilitation Section at Mona Vale Hospital. Unfortunately, he is only allowed 2 nominated visitors and nobody else.
More complications have befallen Chris, with an uncertain departure from rehab at Mona Vale.
Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with Chris and we look forward to seeing him again soon.
Your editors' daughter Abaigh and future son in law Ben, are in London (with grandson Jack), have just discovered they have Covid-19, so are in special need of prayers.
The Hills:
Br Milan & Mary Bohman, Paul Roberts – mother & B.I.L. Jacinta Byrne (wife of Geoff) & global victims of COVID 19.