9th Eastern Link March 2011 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...
9th Eastern Link March 2011 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...
9th Eastern Link March 2011 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...
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1908<br />
<strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
The<br />
<strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Link</strong><br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
NEWS & EVENTS OF<br />
CATENIAN CIRCLES AND GROUPS OF<br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
1<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 1 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
EASTERN LINK<br />
Volume 2 Issue no 9<br />
MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
News from<br />
Circles and Groups<br />
Of <strong>Province</strong> 21<br />
Please send all copy to<br />
Editor: Peter Cash<br />
3 Greenhaven Street<br />
Clifton Beach Qld 4879<br />
Telephone: 4055 3529<br />
Email: petercash@btinternet.com<br />
Contents:<br />
Page 2 . . . Provincial Director<br />
Brother Paul Despoges<br />
Page 3<br />
Provincial President Bro. Ron Daly<br />
Pages 4-13 . . . . . . . . . <strong>Province</strong>, Grand<br />
Council & Membership News<br />
Pages 14-15 . . . . . . . .AusCom Report<br />
Pages 16-17<br />
More News from <strong>Province</strong><br />
Pages 18-34 . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous<br />
Page 35 . .The Catenian Rosary Group<br />
Pages 36-37 . .St Mary’s Rosary Chain<br />
Pages 38-44 . . . . Brother Guy Cassar<br />
Pages 45-51 . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous<br />
Page 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter writes!!<br />
Page 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Snippets<br />
Pages 54-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . Obituaries<br />
Page 57 . . . . . . Japanese Earthquake<br />
Page 58 . . . . . .New Group Casey 216<br />
Prayer for the Middle East<br />
Page 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . Life’s a Laugh<br />
FROM<br />
PROVINCE 21 DIRECTOR<br />
PAUL DESPOGES<br />
The past year has presented the Association with a<br />
period <strong>of</strong> excitement, anxiety and revelation as we<br />
settle into our second century <strong>of</strong> operation.<br />
The excitement refers to the fact; in Australia we<br />
have witnessed the inauguration <strong>of</strong> 3 new Groups,<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 - with Gold Coast Tweed; Victoria Area<br />
Council – Casey and <strong>Province</strong> <strong>20</strong> – Busselton<br />
Each has commenced with greater numbers than<br />
minimum required starting up a group, which<br />
delivers a very clear picture, <strong>of</strong> how healthy our<br />
Association is in Australia.<br />
The anxiety comes from the work <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Restructure Commission. Naturally when a review<br />
<strong>of</strong> such portions is undertaken, many will have<br />
concern for the future and their own presences<br />
within the Association. The only anxiety we need to<br />
harbour is, are we each doing enough to ensure<br />
the future <strong>of</strong> our Association and our own<br />
membership.<br />
The Commission is working tirelessly to deliver a<br />
robust structure for our purpose and existence<br />
well into this century. The next phase <strong>of</strong> it’s<br />
recommendations will be presented to Grand<br />
Council at their November meeting for discussion<br />
and recommendations to the membership for their<br />
acceptance.<br />
The revelation is the area <strong>of</strong> real concern .We all<br />
own the Association, being over 100 years old, but<br />
sadly few understand its true purpose <strong>of</strong> existence<br />
and even worst lack <strong>of</strong> knowledge pertaining to our<br />
Rules & Regulations<br />
We can only ensure the Association’s future by<br />
each <strong>of</strong> us having a better awareness, <strong>of</strong> our<br />
purpose – refer to our ethos and <strong>of</strong> our Rules &<br />
Regulations as to their relevance in our daily<br />
operation.<br />
It is your Association and only by your<br />
involvement and concern can we grow and have<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> existence<br />
Fraternally<br />
Brother Paul<br />
2<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 2 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
From . . .<br />
Brother<br />
RON DALY<br />
President <strong>Province</strong> 21<br />
The Catenian Association<br />
WELCOME TO ALL INCOMING OFFICE HOLDERS!<br />
With the first edition <strong>of</strong> THE EASTERN LINK for <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> I think it is appropriate on behalf <strong>of</strong> all the<br />
Brothers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> 21 to congratulate the <strong>of</strong>ficial organizations and volunteers who have<br />
responded magnificently to all <strong>of</strong> the natural disasters that have been heaped upon our<br />
continent over the past three months. Our erstwhile editor Peter Cash in a special edition<br />
showed with graphic pictorial detail the effect <strong>of</strong> the Brisbane flood on the house <strong>of</strong> Brother<br />
Tom Lyons' son. Whilst the emotional and financial scars take time to heal it is at least some<br />
consolation to the people <strong>of</strong> Queensland <strong>Western</strong> Australia Victoria and New South Wales that<br />
the country as a whole responded to their respective plights.<br />
With the beginning <strong>of</strong> a New Year and one in which we celebrate 40 years <strong>of</strong> <strong>Catenians</strong> in<br />
Australia I look forward to visiting all our Circles and I wish all the incoming Office holders my<br />
congratulations on accepting active positions in each <strong>of</strong> their Circles.<br />
At the same time it has been a wonderful experience to witness the fellowship that exists in<br />
each <strong>of</strong> the Circles that I have visited and in particular I express my thanks on behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Province</strong> to all the Presidents <strong>of</strong> our Circles who will relinquish their positions this April – WELL<br />
DONE!<br />
There are two related matters that I think are relevant to the Brothers <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Province</strong> .One was<br />
the untimely death <strong>of</strong> the President <strong>of</strong> Manly Circle Peter Griffiths. At the Mass to celebrate the<br />
life <strong>of</strong> Peter, it was gratifying and <strong>of</strong> comfort to Helen and her family to see so many Catenian<br />
Brothers there to show their respect and love for her husband, father and grandfather. At about<br />
the same time Evan Godfrey, Provincial Chamberlain, tendered his resignation from his<br />
position as Chamberlain. I mention these two particular matters as in the case <strong>of</strong> Evan he has<br />
not only been Provincial Chamberlain, but, Secretary <strong>of</strong> Warringah Circle and member <strong>of</strong><br />
Pittwater Circle. In the case <strong>of</strong> Peter through his association with his Parish, work, sport that he<br />
too devoted his life to family and others through the bonds <strong>of</strong> friendship and faith. Both <strong>of</strong> these<br />
Brothers in their own quiet way are examples to each and every one <strong>of</strong> us.<br />
This edition <strong>of</strong> EASTERN LINK will see the beginning <strong>of</strong> Lent for us all and as we prepare for<br />
the death <strong>of</strong> Our Lord that gives rise to our salvation we look forward with hope that this Easter<br />
will bring to all <strong>of</strong> us the salvatory graces that are given through the Resurrection.<br />
Elaine & I wish all Brothers and their families a happy and holy Easter<br />
Fraternally<br />
Brother Ron<br />
3<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 3 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
NEWS FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL<br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
PROVINCIAL<br />
COUNCIL<br />
Provincial President:<br />
Ron Daly<br />
Provincial<br />
Vice-President:<br />
TBA<br />
Provincial<br />
Past President:<br />
Phil Davies<br />
Provincial Secretary<br />
Peter Tilbrook<br />
Provincial Treasurer:<br />
Peter Gialouris<br />
Provincial<br />
Chamberlain<br />
Evan Godfrey<br />
Provincial<br />
Membership Officer:<br />
Pat Moran<br />
Provincial<br />
Publicity Officer:<br />
Peter Cash<br />
<strong>Province</strong> Director:<br />
Paul Despoges<br />
Lots <strong>of</strong> information<br />
available at<br />
www.thecatenians.com<br />
Resolved:<br />
<strong>Province</strong> Council Meeting No 94<br />
7 th February <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
Decisions<br />
That the Website Design and Development<br />
Proposal submitted by web.d3 be circulated to<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Council for consideration.<br />
That in the absence <strong>of</strong> objections to the Proposal<br />
within fourteen days <strong>of</strong> its circulation, a budget <strong>of</strong> a<br />
maximum <strong>of</strong> $1800 be deemed allocated for<br />
executing the Proposal.<br />
That Brother Chris Pitts be authorised to manage<br />
the execution <strong>of</strong> the Proposal within the budget<br />
allocation.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary, all Brothers<br />
Councillor, Brother Chris Pitts, <strong>Province</strong> Treasurer]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That Circle secretaries be requested to canvass<br />
Brothers with a view to identifying gentlemen<br />
residing in Adelaide who might be approached by<br />
<strong>Catenians</strong> in that city with a view to initially forming<br />
a Group.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Resolved:<br />
That Brother Brian Goodacre <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> Sydney<br />
Circle be appointed as <strong>Province</strong> 21 Auditor<br />
commencing from the <strong>20</strong>10/11 year.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
/Cont.<br />
4<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 4 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
Agreed:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> Council note the views <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Province</strong> Treasurer regarding the<br />
distribution and redistribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> funds between existing accounts to<br />
improve income from interest on investments and agrees that he should act on<br />
those views at his discretion.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Treasurer]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That the Provincial Secretary remind Circles <strong>of</strong> the need to obtain Tax Invoices/<br />
receipts for all charitable donations and to provide those Tax Invoices/ receipts to<br />
the <strong>Province</strong> Treasurer for Taxation purposes.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That the arrangements for the <strong>Province</strong> Workshop for <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> proceed in line with<br />
the Programme Outline circulated as part <strong>of</strong> the Report by the <strong>Province</strong><br />
Membership Officer<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Membership Officer]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> Council note the information provided by Brother Phil Davies as to<br />
the origin <strong>of</strong> the membership enrolment process apparently followed by Circles in<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 and, also, notes that Brother Director will survey Circles in the near<br />
future to document actual procedures followed so as to assist in developing<br />
procedures to be recommended to the Grand Secretary.<br />
<strong>Province</strong> Council is <strong>of</strong> the view that a step in any procedures recommended to the<br />
Grand Secretary should require that copies <strong>of</strong> all application forms be provided to<br />
each <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Province</strong> Membership Officer and the <strong>Province</strong> Treasurer<br />
[Action: Brother Director; <strong>Province</strong> Membership Officer]<br />
5<br />
Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 5 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
Agreed:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> Council acknowledges the contribution <strong>of</strong> Brother Plunkett Sweeney<br />
as the Inaugural President <strong>of</strong> the Foundation Circle in Australia expresses its<br />
appreciation for that contribution and wishes brother Plunkett a happy 90 th birthday<br />
on 9 February <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>.<br />
[Action – <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That Circles be advised <strong>of</strong> the impending revision <strong>of</strong> the <strong>20</strong>06 Edition <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Catenian Handbook and Manual <strong>of</strong> Procedure and be invited to suggest particular<br />
revisions which might be considered appropriate.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That an order be placed for the production <strong>of</strong> 12 Circle Meeting Attendance<br />
Registers<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Supply Officer]<br />
Resolved:<br />
That the following decisions reached prior to the meeting 94 <strong>of</strong> the Council by a<br />
ballot <strong>of</strong> its voting members be ratified:<br />
Decision 1:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council support and adopt the Proposal for the alteration <strong>of</strong><br />
Rules 2 <strong>of</strong> the Rules <strong>of</strong> The Association sponsored by Brothers Phil Davies<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ku-Ring-Gai Circle, Kevin Doherty <strong>of</strong> Pittwater Circle and John O'Grady <strong>of</strong><br />
Carlingford Circle set out in the Schedule and join those Brothers as a<br />
sponsor <strong>of</strong> the proposal.<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council advise the Grand Secretary that, as a sponsor <strong>of</strong><br />
the proposal, it wishes the proposal to be dealt with by the Extraordinary<br />
procedure provided for by Rule 28(b) <strong>of</strong> the Rules <strong>of</strong> The Association.<br />
6<br />
/Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 6 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
Schedule<br />
RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS<br />
Clarification <strong>of</strong> the essential qualifications for membership and confirmation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
right <strong>of</strong> individual Circles to determine compliance in accordance with the<br />
Canonical principle <strong>of</strong> Subsidiarity (Rerum Novarum)<br />
Resolutions for Amendment <strong>of</strong> Rule 2<br />
1. That paragraphs (b) and (c) <strong>of</strong> Rule 2 shall be deleted and the<br />
following paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall be substituted:<br />
(b)<br />
(c)<br />
(d)<br />
The essential qualifications for a member on enrolment are that he shall be a<br />
practicing Catholic layman (as determined by the relevant Circle's Council) or<br />
an ordained permanent deacon, who is at least 21 years <strong>of</strong> age, and whose<br />
capacity to discharge the obligations <strong>of</strong> membership is assured by his known<br />
character and financial standing.<br />
An applicant for membership <strong>of</strong> the Association whose application<br />
has been considered and approved by the relevant Circle's Council,<br />
and who declares that he is a practicing Catholic shall, for the purpose<br />
<strong>of</strong> this Rule, be accepted as being a practicing Catholic.<br />
Subject to the foregoing, a member after enrolment shall remain a practicing<br />
Catholic, as determined by the relevant Circle's Council.<br />
2. That the footnote to Rule 2 shall be deleted.<br />
The amended Rule 2 would read as follows.<br />
2. Qualifications for Membership<br />
(a)<br />
(b)<br />
Membership <strong>of</strong> the Association shall depend on current enrolment in a<br />
Circle or Group or in the transfer register as defined herein, and the<br />
term 'member' as used in these Rules shall be so interpreted. With<br />
the exception <strong>of</strong> Rule 5(g), reference to the term 'Circle' in these Rules<br />
or in the Regulations <strong>of</strong> the Association shall, where the context so<br />
allows, be interpreted to include the term 'Group'.<br />
The essential qualifications for a member on enrolment are that he shall<br />
be a practicing Catholic layman (as determined by the relevant<br />
Circle's Council) or an ordained permanent deacon, who is at least 21<br />
years <strong>of</strong> age, and whose capacity to discharge the obligations <strong>of</strong> membership<br />
is assured by his known character and financial standing. /Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 7 7 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
(c)<br />
(d)<br />
An applicant for membership <strong>of</strong> the Association whose application has<br />
been considered and approved by the relevant Circle's Council, and<br />
who declares that he is a practicing Catholic shall, for the purpose <strong>of</strong><br />
this Rule, be accepted as being a practicing Catholic.<br />
Subject to the foregoing, a member after enrolment shall remain a<br />
practicing Catholic, as determined by the relevant Circle's Council.<br />
A member shall be entitled to attend the meetings <strong>of</strong> any Circle and to take part in all<br />
business transacted in any Circle in which he is enrolled.<br />
Decision 2:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council provide appropriate assistance to the<br />
sponsoring Brothers in preparing papers supporting the proposal for<br />
consideration by the <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> Annual Conference.<br />
[Action: <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Resolved:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> Council records its appreciation for the contribution made by<br />
Brother Evan Godfrey during his terms as Provincial Chamberlain. That an<br />
appropriate certificate and a social function be arranged as an expression <strong>of</strong><br />
appreciation to Brother Evan and his wife, Pat.<br />
Agreed:<br />
That Brother Evan be consulted with a view to arranging a dinner at which<br />
Brothers Councillor could collectively express appreciation to Brother Evan and<br />
Pat for their contribution to and support for the work <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council.<br />
[Action: Both decisions - Brother Phil Davies]<br />
/Cont.<br />
8<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 8 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
Resolved:<br />
That <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council endorses the recommendation <strong>of</strong> the Australia Committee<br />
that the Grand Treasurer be advised that an appropriate rate for conversion <strong>of</strong><br />
Capitation Fees would be AUD1.60 to GBP1for each <strong>of</strong> the next three financial years.<br />
[Action: Brother Director; <strong>Province</strong> Secretary]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That Circles be advised that the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Vice President and <strong>Province</strong><br />
Chamberlain are vacant and be requested to consider whether there might be suitable<br />
candidates amongst the Brothers <strong>of</strong> the Circle<br />
[Action: All Brother Councillor]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That the date fixed for the <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Golf Day be changed to Friday 18 <strong>March</strong><br />
<strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>.<br />
[Action – Brother Malcolm Clow]<br />
Agreed:<br />
That Circles be reminded <strong>of</strong> the role and importance <strong>of</strong> the Circle Benevolence Board<br />
and that the Director, <strong>Province</strong> 21 is, ex <strong>of</strong>ficio, a member <strong>of</strong> the Benevolence Board<br />
<strong>of</strong> each Circle in the <strong>Province</strong> and is to be kept fully informed <strong>of</strong> its meeting dates and<br />
proceedings.<br />
[Action: All Brother Councillor]<br />
PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE ADDRESS:-<br />
http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html<br />
PLEASE VISIT THE OUR SITE FOR PROVINCE INFORMATION!<br />
9<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 9 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MORE FROM<br />
PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21<br />
Events for <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>/12<br />
Provincial Events:<br />
<strong>Province</strong> Workshop <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> - St Joseph’s Centre – Saturday, 7 May <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
O’Connell Cup - Ku Ring Gai Circle - Monday, 11 July <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
Truthful Jones Trophy - Parramatta Circle – Thursday, 25 August <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
Grand President’s Dinner - The Lakes GC – Saturday, 1 October <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 Mass <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> - Venue TBA - Sunday, 2 October <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
Significant Meetings:<br />
Canberra Circle<br />
Meeting 150 - CSC Club – Thursday 16 June <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle<br />
40 th Anniversary Meeting - The Lakes GC – Wednesday, 6 July <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
The <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
Strengthening family life<br />
through friendship and faith<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 10 10 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
FROM PROVINCIAL<br />
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER PAT MORAN<br />
ATTENTION!!!<br />
ALL CIRCLE/GROUP PRESIDENTS, VICE-PRESIDENTS, SECRETARIES<br />
TREASURERS, MEMBERSHIP OFFICERS & CHAMBERLAINS<br />
You are invited by <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council to a<br />
PROVINCE<br />
WORKSHOP<br />
This will be held on<br />
SATURDAY, 7 th MAY <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
At: St Joseph’s Centre, 64 MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills<br />
All details from:-<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 Membership Officer Brother Pat Moran<br />
Email: edmorpz@netspace.net.au<br />
PROGRAMME OUTLINE ON NEXT TWO PAGES…..<br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
THE CATENIAN<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
11<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 11 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
PROVINCE WORKSHOP CONTINUED……<br />
PROGRAMME OUTLINE<br />
10:30 Morning Tea<br />
10:50 Welcome + Prayer Ron Daly<br />
Intro<br />
Pat Moran<br />
11:00 Session 1 - Plenary A<br />
<strong>Catenians</strong> and the Future<br />
Ric Camilleri (Ku-ring-gai)<br />
Ric is President <strong>of</strong> Ku-Ring-Gai Circle this year, Vice President for the last two years and<br />
Membership Officer for the three years prior. He is very prominent in the advertising world<br />
<strong>of</strong> Radio, TV and Newspaper. He speaks well and has some very clear ideas on<br />
<strong>Catenians</strong> especially the focus <strong>of</strong> Leadership <strong>of</strong> a Circle Council and how the Council<br />
leads the Circle now and into the future.<br />
<br />
Questions / follow-up.<br />
Visits to Circles (strengths and weaknesses) + other Ron Daly<br />
Grand Council, AusCom & Restructuring the Association + other Paul Despoges<br />
Membership Update<br />
Our <strong>Province</strong>:<br />
Target <strong>20</strong>10<br />
Pat Moran<br />
Brisbane, GCT, Newcastle, ADF, Adelaide plus other<br />
latest stats – Association, <strong>Province</strong><br />
Protocols - Process <strong>of</strong> Reporting: New Members, Deaths, Resignations, Forfeits<br />
The role <strong>of</strong> Head Office and Portal access<br />
Questions / follow-up<br />
12:30 Lunch<br />
Sandwiches, Wraps, Fruit Tea, C<strong>of</strong>fee, Cordial.<br />
1:15 Session 2 Plenary<br />
Introduction<br />
Purpose <strong>of</strong> the small group meetings<br />
Duties/responsibilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice bearers<br />
12<br />
/Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 12 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
PROVINCE WORKSHOP CONTINUED……<br />
Presidents Role:<br />
PROGRAMME OUTLINE<br />
Intro:<br />
Laurence Lawlor<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> the focus <strong>of</strong> this will be Laurence’s paper already circulated by then<br />
Small Groups – specific roles<br />
Circle issues that affect the Provincial President, Vice President, Secretary, Provincial Treasurer,<br />
PMO, Provincial Chamberlain<br />
Questions/Observations arising from the groups<br />
Move to specific areas for group discussion<br />
1. Presidents and Vice-Presidents<br />
2. Secretaries<br />
3. Treasurers<br />
4. Chamberlains<br />
5. Membership Officers<br />
• Clarify roles<br />
• What concerns you in regard to the role?<br />
• Questions to and from the Mentor <strong>of</strong> the group<br />
• What do we do well now?<br />
• How can we do things better?<br />
• Aspects <strong>of</strong> best practice<br />
One member <strong>of</strong> the group will act as scribe to give a brief report (in point form) back to the<br />
Summary session 3 after this.<br />
15:<strong>20</strong> Short Break<br />
15:30 Session 3 - Plenary B<br />
16:<strong>20</strong> Conclusion<br />
Report Back – each group<br />
Points made, Requests, Actions/Resolutions<br />
A PowerPoint summary will be distributed after the Workshop<br />
16:30 Finish main section <strong>of</strong> Workshop<br />
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
17:00 Sunday Mass at 5pm with Community<br />
18:00 Dinner (depending on Mass and numbers) $30 - Finish about 8pm<br />
Teleconferencing is available!<br />
13<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 13 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
AusCom<br />
REPORT FROM<br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
DIRECTOR PAUL DESPOGES<br />
ON RECENT<br />
AusCom CONFERENCE<br />
VIA SKYPE<br />
Online was <strong>Province</strong> <strong>20</strong> Director Gerry Barton, <strong>Province</strong> 21 Director Brother Paul Despoges;<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 President Brother Terry Pilcher, Area Victor President Brother Paul McCulloch &<br />
Area Victoria Secretary (Committee Secretary) Brother Michael Howard (could only hear).<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> meeting:<br />
• Kevin Doherty to be approached to come onto the committee as the 2 nd delegate from<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 (since we have no Vice President).<br />
• $300 levy all accepted the amount .Agreed impossible to create a budget at present.<br />
• Bank Account for AustCom – due to problems with opening <strong>of</strong> an account, it was agreed the<br />
funds would be held in the <strong>Province</strong> funds <strong>of</strong> the residing Chairman’s for the coming year –<br />
P21. Need to discuss with Peter Gialouris.<br />
• Practising Catholic – advised meeting <strong>of</strong> motion being forward to General Council with P21’s<br />
sanction. Regards letter to editor in Catena. Provincial Director to respond.<br />
• Question <strong>of</strong> how should we handle motions from Australia Conference. Requires a more<br />
formal approach to General Council to ensure membership is given assurance <strong>of</strong> action.<br />
Brother Gerry & <strong>Province</strong> Director to present them to the Membership review committee, plus<br />
others e.g. Country membership.<br />
• Conference survey, thank-you to Chris Pitts for his time and efforts. Over 50% response was<br />
excellent. Brother Gerry to forward onto Grand Secretary, for his information and maybe<br />
ideas on how Grand Council could handle such requirements.<br />
• Brother Jim Kelly Past Grand President and member <strong>of</strong> Restructure Committee, meet with<br />
past and present Provincial Officers whilst in Perth in January, very productive dinner session<br />
at Brother Gerry Barton’s and good comment given – basic belief was we join for what the<br />
ethos states.<br />
• Concern expressed not enough verbal communication currently been given to membership<br />
on just what the Restructure Commission are doing, will membership accept their findings?<br />
Brother Gerry advised currently a communiqué being structured by the Commission and<br />
Communication/Marketing Committee to go to all members. All agreed Commission must<br />
ensure that control <strong>of</strong> the Association remains with the membership.<br />
/Cont.<br />
14<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 14 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
AusCom Tele-Conference Continued...<br />
• Capitation Fees, Brother Gerry requested to approach Grand Treasurer for a more<br />
favourable exchange rate .All agreed to three year fixed rate if lowered.<br />
• P<strong>20</strong> update, still hoping to achieve 400 mark by April.<br />
• Life membership being extended to Brother Terry O’Neill<br />
• Queensland Floods P<strong>20</strong> all asked to pray for our fellow Brothers in the coming months.<br />
Busselton Group unable to obtain numbers for Circle status in <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>. Brother Terry is<br />
visiting area in <strong>March</strong> and will discuss status further.<br />
• Victoria Area Council<br />
Membership static at 125.<br />
Concern with under strength Circles.<br />
New Group Casey” to be inaugurated on Capitation Fees, Brother Gerry requested to<br />
approach Grand Treasurer for a more favourable Mar 9 th , already have 13 on the books<br />
already Geelong, picture is not so good. Paul to have further talks with Father Dillon.<br />
ADF no longer on their agenda.<br />
• <strong>Province</strong> 21<br />
Recapped on PC motion<br />
Confirmed Grand President’s agenda agreed to leave <strong>Province</strong> <strong>20</strong> <strong>of</strong>f, more time for<br />
Victoria Area if required.<br />
Qld Floods confirmed no Brother directly affected, detailed Tom’s son situation.<br />
Recommended all read special edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Link</strong>, special thanks to Peter Cash.<br />
Advised P21 golf day is on Mar 11 th.<br />
• Brother Gerry advised UK see Australia as future growth region<br />
• Adelaide, agreed it be approached as a joint venture with AustCom in charge. Essential we<br />
get on the ground help for Michael Cogman. Paul McCulloch to advise details <strong>of</strong> Father<br />
McIntosh who is a supporter <strong>of</strong> the Association and is moving across to Adelaide.<br />
Provincial Director to coordinate future work with Michael.<br />
• Provincial Director gave overview <strong>of</strong> Membership Committee Skype meeting <strong>of</strong> Saturday<br />
15 th January. Re Membership Kit advised would provide more comment following next<br />
General Council meeting. Informed meeting have been requested by Bernard Noakes to<br />
liaise with Victoria Area Council on his behalf due to distance and cost for him to action<br />
• <strong>Province</strong> Director requested <strong>Province</strong> <strong>20</strong>, Victoria Area Council & <strong>Province</strong> 21 to provide<br />
bullet point summary <strong>of</strong> how currently a potential new member is enrolled from time <strong>of</strong><br />
requesting membership through to having the person on the books.<br />
Fraternally<br />
Paul Despoges<br />
15<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 15 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Do you know<br />
Any Catholic men<br />
In the Adelaide area…<br />
…and you think they could be<br />
Potential Catenian Brothers?<br />
Please contact<br />
Brother Michael P Cogman, Joondalup Circle No 339<br />
Telephone (08) 8278 1443<br />
Brother Michael is trying to start a new<br />
Group in Adelaide and needs to find<br />
Potential Brothers<br />
CATENIAN WEBSITES:<br />
The Catenian Association:-<br />
www.thecatenians.com<br />
<strong>Province</strong> <strong>20</strong>:-<br />
www.catenianprovince<strong>20</strong>.com/<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21:-<br />
www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html<br />
The <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
Strengthening family life<br />
through friendship and faith<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 16 16<br />
MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Past Provincial President Brother Kevin Doherty writes…<br />
.<br />
Catenian Benevolent Fund<br />
I read with interest the article on the Catenian Benevolent Fund by Brother Rob Butler entitled “I<br />
Could Not Have Been More Wrong” in the December edition <strong>of</strong> Catena. I would urge all <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
to read this article<br />
The Circle Benevolent Fund is something that can be let slip because it is rarely front <strong>of</strong> mind.<br />
I remember hearing about a brother in <strong>Province</strong> 21 who was a director <strong>of</strong> a Financial Services<br />
Company and had lost his home and would no longer attend the Circle Meetings because he was<br />
too embarrassed. A member <strong>of</strong> the Circle Benevolent Committee would have approached him on a<br />
confidential basis and <strong>of</strong>fer the services <strong>of</strong> the fund.<br />
A few years ago a director <strong>of</strong> the fund, I believe it was Paul Astill, accompanied Jim Kelly when he<br />
was the Grand President. Paul bemoaned the fact that the Australian Circles were not using the<br />
services <strong>of</strong> this fund. He asked us to use it where we see a need.<br />
Each Circle should have a Benevolent Committee. It should consist <strong>of</strong> three Circle <strong>of</strong>ficers and the<br />
Provincial Director, who is an ex <strong>of</strong>ficio member. It is usually the Immediate Past Circle President,<br />
the Current Circle President and the Circle Benevolent Officer but does not have to be these three<br />
Circle <strong>of</strong>ficers. The committee should meet at least twice in a Catenian year, with or without the<br />
Provincial Director. They should discuss what they know about each <strong>of</strong> the Circle Brothers and any<br />
widows <strong>of</strong> Past Circle Brothers with a view to providing benevolence however if the benevolence<br />
that is provided is financial it should always remain very confidential, only the committee and the<br />
person receiving the benevolence in Australia should ever know. Benevolence is not always<br />
financial. It can be: -<br />
• Spending an hour or two with a sick brother<br />
• Mowing the lawn for a widow or a sick brother<br />
• Carrying out handyman type repairs for a widow or sick brother<br />
• Providing babysitting facilities for the younger brothers so that they can take their wives out.<br />
• Providing information on a matter <strong>of</strong> importance to the widow or brother: -<br />
o<br />
o<br />
o<br />
Assisting with tax matters<br />
Helping with children’s’ education<br />
Legal advice<br />
• Assisting the member to apply to the Benevolent Fund, if financial assistance is going to<br />
help.<br />
There are probably many more ways to help but if there is no Benevolent Committee formed or if it<br />
is inactive, then no-one examines the circumstances <strong>of</strong> each member and widow and that is when<br />
we fail to aid and comfort a brother in need!<br />
PAST PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT PROVINCE 21<br />
BROTHER KEVIN DOHERTY<br />
(Pittwater Circle)<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 17 17<br />
MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Was held on<br />
Monday 14th <strong>March</strong> <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
At<br />
CHECKERS FUNCTION CENTRE<br />
331 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills<br />
TOPIC:<br />
WE'D ALL'VE BEEN ROONED, 'CEPT FOR HANRAHAN!<br />
(With apologies to John O'Brien!)<br />
CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>:-<br />
Brother Peter Finn<br />
(Mosman Circle)<br />
The Little John Mug was organised by Ku Ring Gai Circle and presented a<br />
tremendously successful evening, with over 70 Brothers present, including one<br />
from the UK – Brother Nigel Corby (<strong>Province</strong> 18).<br />
LITTLE JOHN MUG!!!<br />
Please see the following pages for Brother Peter’s winning speech…..<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 18 18 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Many people see Hanrahan as a Doomsayer, a pain in the neck - definitely someone to<br />
be ignored.<br />
In fact, quite the opposite is the truth.<br />
Hanrahan is a prophet, whose predictions should be taken seriously, and acted upon<br />
with alacrity.<br />
This has been borne out, by the experiences, recently recounted to me, <strong>of</strong> a lifelong<br />
friend <strong>of</strong> mine.<br />
The information came to me by way <strong>of</strong> a letter, which I shall read to you. (with apologies<br />
to John O'Brien)<br />
He says:-<br />
I'm writing you this letter<br />
to bring you up to date<br />
I've made a big decision<br />
which will surprise you Mate<br />
We've moved around a lot this year<br />
to keep from goin' under<br />
and just one man has kept us safe<br />
from drought; rain, fire and thunder<br />
and who's that man, I hear you say<br />
and wot's 'e done to save yer?<br />
His name is Hanrahan, a Bloke<br />
who's familiar with Australia<br />
He knows what makes this country tick<br />
He knows what can befall<br />
he's kept us all one jump ahead<br />
<strong>of</strong> events which shocked us all<br />
We owe so very much to him<br />
tho' he's just another man<br />
we'd all 'ave been rooned, I tell you Mate,<br />
'cept for good ol Hanrahan<br />
I'll tell you wot 'as 'appened<br />
and 'ow he's kept us safe<br />
in times <strong>of</strong> tribulation<br />
that have sorely tried our faith<br />
We'd been living in the outback<br />
on the drought dry, dusty, plains<br />
lookin' daily at the sky<br />
and prayin' for the rains<br />
19<br />
/Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 19 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
And all around the chorus ran<br />
it's keepin dry, no doubt<br />
"We'll all be rooned", said Hanrahan<br />
"It's time we all got out"<br />
"He's right you know", said my dear wife<br />
"sell up and make the break<br />
let's head for far north Queensland<br />
lets go, for Heaven's sake!"<br />
So we made a move to Townsville<br />
and thought we'd settle down<br />
to enjoy the Monsoon season<br />
and romantic meals in town<br />
We loved the rain in FNQ<br />
but it simply did not stop<br />
"we'll all be drowned" , said Hanrahan<br />
sweepin' water with a mop<br />
He said that we should move again,<br />
"before the rivers swell",<br />
so we headed south to Brisbane<br />
an' Hanrahan came as well<br />
The water followed us to Brissy<br />
like a giant moving Sea<br />
"Lets' keep on goin'", said Hanrahan<br />
"this don't look good to me"<br />
and he was right again, you know<br />
Brisbane really copped it.<br />
A king tide met the moving flood.<br />
then from Wivenhoe they topped it<br />
We moved on down to New South Wales,<br />
then we headed for Wodonga.<br />
The Murray never breaks its Banks<br />
we'll be safe to linger longer<br />
But the rain kept right on fallin'<br />
each time we sallied forth<br />
"the waters comin' south", I said,<br />
"so let's just go back north"<br />
"and what about the Cyclones?"<br />
asked our good ol' trusty Seer<br />
"We'll get blown away, if Yarsi comes<br />
we're better <strong>of</strong>f down here"<br />
<strong>20</strong><br />
/Cont.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER <strong>20</strong> MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
"And the same thing goes for Darwin<br />
don't get that into yer 'ead<br />
remember Cyclone Carlos<br />
will throw you <strong>of</strong>f yer bed."<br />
"Let's move to Perth", said my dear wife.<br />
That sounded like a plan<br />
"if the bushfires come, we'll all be rooned"<br />
said good ol' Hanrahan<br />
And, sure enough, the bushfires came,<br />
and caused enormous strife.<br />
He'd gone and done it once again<br />
e'd saved me an' my wife<br />
So we've had it with this country<br />
with its drought and flooding rain<br />
we'd all 'ave been rooned, 'cept for Hanrahan,<br />
rooned time and time again<br />
We've decided where we're goin'<br />
we've finalised our search<br />
next time you get a letter from me<br />
it'll be greetings from Christchurch!<br />
As you have seen, Hanrahan's predictions, and guidance, saved my friend, from the disastrous<br />
consequences <strong>of</strong> the natural events, which have afflicted Australia in the first two months <strong>of</strong> this<br />
year. Indeed, as my friend forcefully declared "We'd all 'ave been rooned, 'cept for Hanrahan."<br />
The fact that my friend decided, regardless <strong>of</strong> the benefit <strong>of</strong> having Hanrahan around, that he would<br />
leave him behind and head overseas, where it would be safer, does not alter the fact that<br />
Hanrahan's predictions should be widely accepted.<br />
I believe that you should all be made aware <strong>of</strong> Hanrahan's latest political observation - that you<br />
should know the facts -<br />
"We'll all be rooned", says Hanrahan,<br />
"if they bring in a Carbon Tax".<br />
Editors Note: I do hope like myself you thoroughly enjoyed reading Mosman Circle’s<br />
Brother Peter Finn’s winning Topic. All Brothers’ attending the Little John Mug night was<br />
entertained by the incoming Presidents <strong>of</strong> various Circles. Circle Presidents elect were<br />
invited to speak for three minutes outlining the circumstances in which a colourful local<br />
identity recently said:<br />
WE'D ALL'VE BEEN ROONED, 'CEPT FOR HANRAHAN!<br />
(With apologies to John O'Brien!)<br />
The Quality <strong>of</strong> all President Elect’s topics was outstanding!!!<br />
21<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 21 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MANLY CIRCLE 322<br />
BICENTENARY <strong>20</strong>0TH MEETING<br />
May <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> will mark the <strong>20</strong>0 th meeting <strong>of</strong> Manly Circle and we are<br />
planning to make this an event not to be missed in the historic<br />
surroundings <strong>of</strong> Manly Golf Club, one <strong>of</strong> Australia’s oldest.<br />
We sincerely hope that Catenian Brothers throughout <strong>Province</strong> 21 will<br />
visit us in unprecedented numbers to celebrate this historic occasion. A<br />
number <strong>of</strong> Manly Circle’s foundation members will be in attendance to<br />
recount some <strong>of</strong> the highlights over the past decades.<br />
You are cordially invited to join us on Wednesday 18 May <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> at Manly<br />
Golf Club, 38-40 Balgowlah Road, Manly. Cost is $50 per person.<br />
RSVPs to Br. Michael Van Ommen by Monday 9 May on email<br />
vommen@bigpond.net.au or phone 9452 5282.<br />
22<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 22 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
PRELIMINARY NOTICE FROM CANBERRA CIRCLE 331…<br />
CANBERRA CIRCLE 331<br />
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU<br />
TO THEIR<br />
150 TH MEETING<br />
6.45pm For 7.15pm (meeting at 7.15pm)<br />
Thursday, 16 June, <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
At the<br />
Canberra Southern Cross Club<br />
92-96 Corinna Street Woden<br />
Canberra Circle 331 can promise a very special night and one that we hope will<br />
mark a significant milestone in our short history as well as that <strong>of</strong> the Association<br />
in Australia. The meeting will be followed by a ladies dinner with special guest Mr.<br />
John Mackay AM FAIM, speaking on the development <strong>of</strong> the Canberra International<br />
Arboretum and Gardens <strong>of</strong> which he is the chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Governors.<br />
The cost will be approximately $50.00pp all inclusive (subject to the established<br />
visitation guidelines <strong>of</strong> course).<br />
The Circle would be happy to host visitors. The evening will include appropriate<br />
opportunity for our friendship and fellowship bonds to develop with visiting<br />
brothers.<br />
Don’t be put <strong>of</strong>f by the prospect <strong>of</strong> cool weather and a Canberra winter. Our<br />
home fires and hospitality will burn brightly.<br />
Please contact Russell Sweeney on 02 6291 4604<br />
Email: rsweeney@netspeed.com.au<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 23 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle 263<br />
President’s Mass<br />
Sunday <strong>20</strong> th <strong>March</strong> <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
Southern Highlands Wines<br />
http://www.shw.com.au/<br />
Cnr Oldbury Road & Illawarra Hwy,<br />
Sutton Forest NSW<br />
Mass celebrated by Father Bob Hayes<br />
At 11:15 a.m. in the winery.<br />
Luncheon to follow until 4 p.m.<br />
Cost is $50.00 per head for 2 courses<br />
buy your own drinks.<br />
R.S.V.P to Br John Crawford<br />
Email jcrawford@vjr.com.au or<br />
Telephone: 9240 4975<br />
Cheque and names <strong>of</strong> those attending Mr John Crawford PO Box N214 Grosvenor Place 12<strong>20</strong><br />
Name……………………………………….accompanied by……………………<br />
Circle…………………………………………..Enclosed $...................................<br />
Contact number…………………………….<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 24 24<br />
MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Pittwater Circle...<br />
The brothers <strong>of</strong> Warringah Circle joined the<br />
brothers <strong>of</strong> Pittwater Circle in welcoming two<br />
new brothers to the Pittwater Circle at the<br />
commencement <strong>of</strong> their annual January<br />
Joint Meeting. Jim Wade and Kevin Cullen<br />
are members <strong>of</strong> the local Parish <strong>of</strong> St Rose<br />
and were introduced and sponsored by the<br />
President <strong>of</strong> Pittwater Circle Brother Rex<br />
Harding. The Provincial Membership Officer,<br />
Brother Pat Moran was present to welcome<br />
the new members and remind the brothers<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Grand President's challenge to<br />
increase the membership <strong>of</strong> the Association.<br />
From Left; Brother Kevin Cullen, Pittwater Circle<br />
President Rex Harding & Brother Jim Wade<br />
Brother Kevin Cullen is a retired builder and<br />
retired technical College teacher <strong>of</strong> various<br />
building qualifications. Brother Jim Wade is<br />
a retired Technical College Teacher.<br />
News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Newsletter…<br />
Ku-Ring<br />
Ring-Gai & Hornsby Circles<br />
Joint Dinner and Music Trivia Night<br />
WELCOME MARTIN!!!<br />
The smiling faces <strong>of</strong> the winning table<br />
at the Musical Trivia Night. One <strong>of</strong> the<br />
winners was Brother Martin Stebbings,<br />
pictured second from right, who was<br />
enrolled as a joint member <strong>of</strong> Ku-Ring-<br />
Gai Circle at the meeting held on 10th<br />
January. Martin recently arrived from<br />
the UK where he is a member <strong>of</strong><br />
Reigate Circle in Surrey. All Brothers<br />
extended a warm welcome to Martin.<br />
The <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
Strengthening family life<br />
through friendship and faith<br />
25<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 25 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle...<br />
HELP STOP THE POVERTY CYCLE!!!<br />
HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THE<br />
POVERTY CYCLE, FOR GOOD…<br />
The guest speaker at the Ku-Ring-Gai Circle<br />
dinner held on the 14th February <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> was Neild<br />
McIntosh who, since <strong>20</strong>06, has been the nonexecutive<br />
Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong><br />
World Education Australia and its affiliated<br />
micr<strong>of</strong>inance charity, "Good Return". Neild, with<br />
an actuarial and superannuation industry<br />
background, completed a Masters in International<br />
Social Development in <strong>20</strong>03 and became involved<br />
with "Good Return" in <strong>20</strong>05. He gave an<br />
interesting talk and PowerPoint presentation<br />
about the unique work <strong>of</strong> "Good Return" to help<br />
alleviate poverty in third world countries in the<br />
Asia Pacific region, particularly Laos, Cambodia,<br />
Solomon Islands, Nepal, East Timor and Tibet. In<br />
explaining the challenges for charities like "Good<br />
Return", Neild reminded everyone that two-thirds<br />
<strong>of</strong> the world's poor live in the Asia Pacific region<br />
and that the World Bank in <strong>20</strong>05 estimated that<br />
over 3 billion people survive on less than US$2.50<br />
a day.<br />
"Good Return" enables Australians to lend, online,<br />
small amounts <strong>of</strong> money which support people to<br />
run small businesses, such as market stalls,<br />
shops and farming, to help lift them out <strong>of</strong> poverty.<br />
It is the only Australian online Micr<strong>of</strong>inance Social<br />
Enterprise which allows supporters to track the<br />
use and impact <strong>of</strong> their loans, be repaid their<br />
loans, re-lend, or make a donation to fund training<br />
programmes. With an objective <strong>of</strong> increasing<br />
Above; from left is Neild McIntosh receiving a<br />
small gift from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle's Brother Jim<br />
Phelan.<br />
among Australians an awareness <strong>of</strong> poverty an<br />
Micr<strong>of</strong>inance, Neild encourages interested<br />
supporters to check out the website<br />
www.goodreturn.org which has lots <strong>of</strong> information<br />
and details for making a loan or donation.<br />
Brother Peter Kiely<br />
Please make a note in your Diaries...<br />
City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle<br />
Celebrates 40 years as a Circle!!!<br />
Wednesday, 6 th July <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
26<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 26 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Canberra Circle 331 Newsletter...<br />
Father John giving his talk on “A Pilgrimage <strong>of</strong> Trust”<br />
Canberra Circle 331 recently<br />
had guest Speaker Father<br />
John Armstrong from Corpus<br />
Christi Parish. Father John<br />
spoke about his pilgrimage<br />
trips in France and Vietnam,<br />
he named his speech “A<br />
Pilgrimage <strong>of</strong> Trust – living<br />
the story <strong>of</strong> God”, Father<br />
John was truly inspirational<br />
and his presentation can be<br />
seen on Canberra Circle<br />
website<br />
at<br />
(http://www.canberracatenian<br />
s.com/) alongside the Circle<br />
Newsletter. Father John as<br />
well as being Parish Priest at<br />
Corpus Christi Parish South<br />
Tuggeranong is also Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> Clergy Life and Ministry in<br />
the Archdiocese and Dean <strong>of</strong><br />
the Central Deanery.<br />
Brother Norman Russell proposes the vote <strong>of</strong> thanks to Father John<br />
CANBERRA CIRCLE 331<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 27 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Canberra Circle 331 Newsletter...<br />
Left; Brother Julian Flynn with his brother, Father Hilary Flynn from Diocese <strong>of</strong> Cairns<br />
Father Hilary was in Canberra visiting his family<br />
(L-R): Bros Bob Wilson, Tom King and Robin Wells<br />
At Canberra Circle 331 February meeting, new<br />
Brother Tom King was welcomed into the Circle.<br />
Tom was born in Geelong in Victoria. After he left<br />
school, he served in the Australian Regular Army<br />
for six years, including a posting to Canberra. After<br />
leaving the Army in late 1979, Tom joined the<br />
Commonwealth Public Service and worked in the<br />
Australian Tax Office in Melbourne for just over<br />
two years and then moved back to Canberra.<br />
In1992, Tom joined the then Department <strong>of</strong> Social<br />
Security, where he worked with some really fist<br />
class people. That Department is now the<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Families, Housing, Community<br />
Services and Indigenous Affairs! Tom has<br />
accumulated a few university degrees and is<br />
currently doing a PhD at ANU in Australian politics.<br />
Outside <strong>of</strong> work and studying, Tom likes walking,<br />
reading and meeting people. Tom lives in Conder<br />
with wife Maureen and their dog Teddy, who is a<br />
Sheltie with character.<br />
28<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 28 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle...<br />
A TRUE SCOT!!!<br />
We had a visiting brother from the Aberdeen<br />
Circle Brother Gordon Webster who had flown<br />
into Sydney that morning and left his wife Joyce<br />
in the hotel while he attended our meeting. When<br />
asked to draw the ticket for the wine raffle – he<br />
drew his own ticket - a true Scot! Gordon had left<br />
Aberdeen with the temperature at 1C and arrived<br />
in Sydney with 35C.<br />
Our brothers are most welcome to the Aberdeen<br />
Circle on the 2 nd Thursday <strong>of</strong> each month at<br />
7:30pm. He presented an Aberdeen Circle tie to<br />
Br President and brought fraternal greeting from<br />
the brothers <strong>of</strong> his Circle.<br />
Left; City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle President Douglas<br />
Wilson & Brother Gordon Webster<br />
A MOVING SPEEECH!!!<br />
Brother John Barclay had invited Honor<br />
Machaya, a student from Zimbabwe to speak to<br />
the brothers at dinner. He has been in Australia<br />
for 2 years studying at University and has<br />
worked with the Nuns in Zimbabwe on the<br />
education <strong>of</strong> the people on the transmission,<br />
prevention and treatment HIV and AIDS. Honor<br />
was a tall, impressive, well-spoken and has<br />
assisted in Australia with the raising <strong>of</strong> money<br />
and drugs for the Nuns in his country. It was a<br />
moving speech telling us <strong>of</strong> the enormity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
problem in Africa and hoping that his being here<br />
might arouse our awareness <strong>of</strong> the plight <strong>of</strong> so<br />
many in that land.<br />
Guest Speaker; Honor Machaya<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 29 29 MARCH <strong>20</strong>10
News from Gold Coast Tweed Group...<br />
An excellent show <strong>of</strong> Brothers at the meeting<br />
Brother Gerry delivering his speech<br />
Brother Hugh Azzopardi on Jankers!!!<br />
Some highlights <strong>of</strong> Gold Coast Tweed<br />
Catenian Group Meeting <strong>of</strong> 15th February<br />
<strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>, with special guest Brother Gerry<br />
Lydon from Crawley Circle, West Sussex,<br />
UK. Brother Gerry is a Provincial<br />
Councillor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> 18, which takes in:<br />
Arundel; Bexhill; Brighton; Regency;<br />
Chichester; Crawley; East Grinstead;<br />
Eastbourne; Hastings; Haywards Heath;<br />
and Seaford.<br />
We all enjoyed the Barbecue evening and<br />
Gerry's very informative talk and good<br />
humour and Gerry was very impressed<br />
with the evening.<br />
Brother’s Tom Lyons & Peter Cossins<br />
PROVINCE 21<br />
THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 30 30 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Canberra 331 Circle Newsletter…<br />
FEBRUARY GUEST SPEAKER<br />
PROVIDES SOME<br />
THOUGHTFUL<br />
INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF<br />
ST MARY OF THE CROSS<br />
MACKILLOP…<br />
Our February Meeting was a special<br />
treat; A Ladies Night and Sister<br />
Noelene Quinnane as guest speaker.<br />
Sister Noelene Quinnane<br />
The food & wine were especially<br />
excellent and Sr Noelene provided<br />
some thoughtful insights into the life<br />
<strong>of</strong> Saint Mary <strong>of</strong> the Cross, topped<br />
<strong>of</strong>f by her photos taken at the<br />
ceremony in Rome.<br />
Sister Noelene explained the<br />
differences within the Josephite<br />
Order and the desire for unity. She<br />
described the life and times <strong>of</strong> St<br />
Mary <strong>of</strong> the Cross and outlined the<br />
guiding principles that forged a<br />
saint, urging each <strong>of</strong> us to reflect on<br />
those principles in our own lives.<br />
FAITH & LIGHT<br />
After Sister Noeleen had finished,<br />
Pam Barker made mention <strong>of</strong> the<br />
work being done by Faith and Light,<br />
an organisation supporting people<br />
with intellectual disabilities.<br />
CANBERRA CIRCLE 331<br />
Bro Frank Boyle catches up with his friend, Sr Noelene<br />
For more pictures <strong>of</strong> the above and other news from Canberra 331 Please visit<br />
http://www.canberracatenians.com/newsletter/newsletter.htm<br />
31<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 31 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
News from Canberra 331 Circle Newsletter…<br />
Brother Peter and Judi Wilkins<br />
Brother Arthur and Linda Ringer<br />
Hand Tendered…Hand Pruned…Hand Harvested…Hand Sorted…<br />
In February, Brother George Kazs organised a degustation dinner at the Peppercress<br />
Restaurant in the Southern Cross Club, Tuggeranong.<br />
The wines were tailored to a five course menu prepared by award-winning chefs at<br />
Peppercress Restaurant. Molly's Cradle Vineyard claims to produce some <strong>of</strong> the Hunters'<br />
finest wines, derived simply from their philosophy <strong>of</strong> producing the finest possible quality<br />
fruit. The vineyard is 'hand tendered', 'hand pruned', `hand harvested' and 'hand sorted' to<br />
assure the finest possible quality fruit is passed on to the wine maker. In addition, the latest<br />
soil, water, canopy and light management techniques are used, to ensure that the classic<br />
Australian grape growing region is exploited to its full potential.<br />
* For more pictures and other news from Canberra 331 Please visit<br />
http://www.canberracatenians.com/newsletter/newsletter.htm<br />
L-R: Elaine Kazs; Peggy Russell; Olga Rowsel Tricia McLachlan & Brother Paddy Reardon<br />
32<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 32 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
CITY OF SYDNEY<br />
CIRCLE<br />
BLAST FROM<br />
THE PAST…<br />
Brothers Ron Daly and Peter O’Reilly<br />
Celebrate a milestone this <strong>March</strong>…<br />
In 1961 two young pharmacists formed a partnership to buy a pharmacy at Sans Souci and they now<br />
have chalked up 50 years!<br />
Above is a blast from the past photograph <strong>of</strong> Peter and Ron with their excellent assistant Lee Edwards<br />
in 1961. Note the white coats and the dark hair!<br />
Brother Plunkett Sweeney, Australia’s Inaugural President <strong>of</strong> its Foundation Circle City <strong>of</strong> Sydney<br />
recently celebrated his 90 birthday. Here is his thank-you note, which sums up with a minimum <strong>of</strong><br />
words <strong>of</strong> what and who the Association is;<br />
“Many thanks to you and the Provincial Council for your letter <strong>of</strong> congratulations to me on the<br />
occasion <strong>of</strong> my ninetieth birthday. Let me assure you that establishment <strong>of</strong> the Catenian Association<br />
was only made possible by the wonderful enthusiasm and integrity <strong>of</strong> the brothers who were made up<br />
our first Circle. After three years in Australia I believed there was an urgent need for a social Catholic<br />
organisation for pr<strong>of</strong>essional and business men in Australia. This essentially would enable such a<br />
group to meet monthly in a spiritual environment - a sort <strong>of</strong> spiritual oasis in a materialistic world. The<br />
Catenian Association fulfilled these ideals.”<br />
33<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 33 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
UK BROTHER TERRY<br />
VISITS BRISBANE GROUP…<br />
Brisbane Group recently welcomed Brother Gerry Lydon (centre <strong>of</strong> picture with grey tie) from<br />
Crawley Circle, West Sussex, UK. Brother Gerry is a Provincial Councillor <strong>of</strong> <strong>Province</strong> 18, he was<br />
welcomed by Brisbane Group Chairman Brother Denis, Brother’s and wives<br />
In Bookshops now....<br />
THE LATEST BOOK WRITTEN BY BROTHER NOEL BRAUN<br />
No Way to Behave<br />
At a Funeral<br />
To Purchase Copies Please contact Noel:-<br />
Tel: 0294522737 – Email: noeljbraun@bigpond.com<br />
No Way<br />
To<br />
Behave<br />
At a<br />
Funeral<br />
34<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 34 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
The<br />
Catenian<br />
Rosary Group<br />
Brother Albert & Brother Michael <strong>of</strong> The Catenian Rosary Group, have due to many<br />
requests from members decided to say a Decade <strong>of</strong> the Rosary every Friday and have<br />
informed all members <strong>of</strong> the Catenian Rosary Group via Catena Magazine <strong>of</strong> this<br />
initiative.<br />
We will continue to pray through-out the year for the recovery <strong>of</strong> sick <strong>of</strong> all <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
Brothers and their Families.<br />
Please visit The Catenian Rosary Group website at:-<br />
www.catenianrosary.com/index.htm<br />
Membership is open to Brothers, Wives, Family Members and Widows. Widows<br />
find it especially helpful as it gives them a connection with their late husband’s<br />
Circle.<br />
Obligation <strong>of</strong> membership: to pray One Decade <strong>of</strong> the Holy Rosary every day.<br />
(One Our Father, Ten Hail Mary's and One Glory Be). No penalty if it is missed.<br />
The petition <strong>of</strong> be for 'Our Lady's Intentions' except in May when it will be for<br />
'The Catenian Association and those Taking Office'. Also on every Friday in the<br />
year the petition will be for all in the Association: brothers, wives, family<br />
members and widows who are in need <strong>of</strong> our Lady's comfort and healing help.<br />
Brother MICHAEL BLACKBURN (Halifax 170 (3N)<br />
164 Green Park Road, HALIFAX HX3 OSP UK<br />
Telephone (+44) 01422352559<br />
Brother Albert Eckersley, (Wigan 16 (1)<br />
26 Coppice Drive, Worsley Mesnes, WIGAN WN3 5QS UK<br />
Telephone (+44) 01942 247462<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 35 35 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
A Special Invitation To<br />
CATENIAN MEMBERS<br />
THE ROSARY GROUP, FAMILY & FRIENDS<br />
TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIAL<br />
‘MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN’ DEVOTION<br />
THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION<br />
A Special Devotion . . .<br />
MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN<br />
Mary’s Rosary Chain is a Rosary Devotion to<br />
Our Blessed Mother, where people are invited<br />
and encouraged to pray one decade <strong>of</strong> (10 Hail<br />
Mary’s) each day in communion with other<br />
participants in this great powerful chain <strong>of</strong><br />
prayer. The great benefit <strong>of</strong> praying (one<br />
decade) <strong>of</strong> the Rosary each day in union with<br />
tens <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> other participants around<br />
the world is the abundant fold Grace <strong>of</strong><br />
Combined Prayers together with the Daily<br />
Prayers <strong>of</strong> the Pauline Order for the needs and<br />
intentions <strong>of</strong> the participants.<br />
All participants are invited to enrol their<br />
Names on a list and have their Names<br />
permanently placed under the Blessed<br />
Sacrament in a Monastery <strong>of</strong> St Paul the First<br />
Hermit, “Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mercy”,<br />
Penrose Park, NSW or “Our Lady Help <strong>of</strong><br />
Christians”, Marian Valley, Canungra, QLD,<br />
where the Order will pray daily for their<br />
intentions, also, Holy Mass is celebrated for all<br />
the participants every Saturday.<br />
The Order <strong>of</strong> St Paul the First Hermit have warmly welcomed this Devotion and have given their<br />
full support and blessing for the inspiring Rosary Cards to be distributed and promoted wherever<br />
possible to encourage the people <strong>of</strong> God and especially children and youth to pray through the<br />
intercession <strong>of</strong> the Mother <strong>of</strong> God for the many urgent needs <strong>of</strong> the Holy Church and the world in<br />
general.<br />
Further information can be obtained from:-<br />
Brother Greg Smyth (City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle) Telephone 02952<strong>20</strong>034 smythgc@bigpond.com<br />
Donations are always welcome, Cheques should be made payable to "MARYS ROSARY CHAIN<br />
INC." and post to Brother Greg Smyth, Marys Rosary Chain, 44 Belgrave Esplanade Sylvania<br />
NSW 2224 Australia.<br />
*Could all participants’ names be passed on to Brother Greg Smyth, 44 Belgrave Espl. Sylvania,<br />
NSW 2224 for inclusion in the Pauline Father’s Daily Prayers.<br />
36<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 36 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN NEEDS YOUR HELP…<br />
Mary’s Rosary Chain is a registered non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organisation promoting devotions to Our Lord Jesus and Our<br />
Blessed Mother through the Holy Rosary and various prayer cards and rosary beads.<br />
In this organisation our mission is to spread these free devotional prayer cards and rosary beads into<br />
families, parishes, schools, shrines, hospitals etc. and into many parts <strong>of</strong> the world including mission<br />
countries such as India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, etc.<br />
On almost every weekend for over five years we attend a different Parish church and freely promote these<br />
prayer cards and beads at all the weekend Masses in the Parish with wonderful and overwhelming success.<br />
The Dioceses we go to for Parish work are the Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> Sydney, Dioceses <strong>of</strong> Parramatta, Broken<br />
Bay, Wollongong, Canberra and Goulburn, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Wilcannia-Forbes and hopefully many<br />
more in the future.<br />
For the month <strong>of</strong> October which is dedicated to the Holy Rosary we have given 27,500 rosary cards and<br />
rosary beads to the Catholic Education Office for 36 schools throughout Sydney.<br />
To date we have printed:<br />
• 900,000 cards on: Mary’s Rosary Chain – (one decade a day, rosary card).<br />
• 100,000 cards on: the Holy Rosary – (full rosary card with mysteries and Litany).<br />
• 1 Million cards on: the consecration to the Sacred Heart <strong>of</strong> Jesus and Immaculate Heart <strong>of</strong> Mary –<br />
(key card size for convenience).<br />
• 100,000 cards on: the Chaplet <strong>of</strong> Divine Mercy – (Jesus I trust in you).<br />
• 100,000 cards on: the Holy Souls in Purgatory – (prayers and chaplet).<br />
• 100,000 cards on: the Precious Blood <strong>of</strong> Jesus – (prayers and Litany).<br />
The cost <strong>of</strong> printing the prayer cards and buying the materials to make the rosary beads and also the posting<br />
<strong>of</strong> the cards and beads to many places and countries is very costly as you can imagine.<br />
In the previous 24 weeks the costs and expenses involved in this work was over $75,000, (not counting<br />
overseas posting) so to continue this important work, we do fundraising through selling raffle tickets and rely<br />
on your generosity and the providence <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
To give you an idea <strong>of</strong> the amount <strong>of</strong> materials needed in this continuous work, (one rosary maker) from the<br />
group has made almost - 72 thousand one decade rosary beads in only (1 year and 9 months).<br />
Very recently we have printed an additional 450,000 prayer cards from (one <strong>of</strong> the cards mentioned above)<br />
as they are quickly distributed to many places and countries abroad.<br />
In the past three years we have printed over 2.7 million prayer cards and distributed around ½ a million<br />
rosary beads to those in need.<br />
We are looking for generous benefactors who are willing and able to help support this important and very<br />
much needed work, so we can continue spreading the grace <strong>of</strong> prayer to those in need.<br />
We thank you sincerely in advance for any contribution you may be willing to <strong>of</strong>fer to this work <strong>of</strong> spreading<br />
these prayer cards and rosary beads so urgently needed in our time.<br />
All donations are very welcome and any donations <strong>of</strong> - $2.00 or over are tax deductable.<br />
May God abundantly reward your generosity and may your good works and deeds intercede for you in the<br />
final hour before the throne <strong>of</strong> God in heaven.<br />
Donations are always welcome, Cheques should be made payable to "MARYS ROSARY CHAIN INC."<br />
and post to Br. Greg Smyth, Marys Rosary Chain, 44 Belgrave Esplanade Sylvania NSW 2224<br />
37<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 37 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
City <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle Brother<br />
Guy Cassar:-<br />
Editorial Note: Brother Guy was Guest Speaker at his own Circle. His speech<br />
was fascinating; please enjoy his amazing story <strong>of</strong> his early life in Egypt.<br />
Guy’s Speech starts here….<br />
My Dear Catenian Brothers and Friends,<br />
I have been asked, and I must say flattered, to<br />
talk to you about my earlier years in Egypt and<br />
what Christmas was like in Alexandria.<br />
Let me start by greeting you “Ma-sa-ul-khayr” –<br />
Good evening.<br />
You are well aware that our Lord was born in<br />
Bethlehem (Palestine), only 507kms from where<br />
I was born in the Alexandria Maternity Hospital<br />
on 17 December 1933, a bouncy 5.3kg baby.<br />
No, I did not feel my mother’s pains when I was<br />
born; but I saw her smiling face every time she<br />
looked at me, except when I was naughty?<br />
Which I have to confess, was maybe too <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
for her comfort.<br />
Whilst I have no intention <strong>of</strong> giving you a History<br />
Lesson on Egypt tonight, I do believe that you<br />
lived there.<br />
Therefore a few words on Egypt’s history, or mainly how the British established themselves in<br />
Egypt would be appropriate.<br />
Egypt, now known as the United Arabic Republic, is part <strong>of</strong> the African Continent; it is boarded<br />
by the Mediterranean Sea on the North; and the Red Sea on the East and its two arms the<br />
Gulf <strong>of</strong> Suez and the Gulf <strong>of</strong> Aqaba. Upper Egypt is South, and Lower Egypt North.<br />
Napoleon (Napoleon Bonaparte)-occupied Egypt (1798-1801)-under the pretext <strong>of</strong> restoring<br />
Turkish rule-though his real object was to strike at Great Britain by cutting <strong>of</strong>f British trade lines<br />
and ultimately by detaching India-but the Turks joined the British in forcing the French out.<br />
In the First World War, Great Britain declared Egypt a British protectorate. After the war Egypt<br />
sought independence and a treaty was concluded in 1922 and came into effect in 1923. Great<br />
Britain retained power to station troops in Egypt. The British protectorate was maintained /Cont<br />
38<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 38 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
until the promulgation <strong>of</strong> a new treaty in 1936, which made the two countries allies and<br />
promised the eventual withdrawal <strong>of</strong> British troops.<br />
In the Second World War, Great Britain safeguarding its Empire, undertook the defence <strong>of</strong><br />
Egypt in accordance with the Treaty <strong>of</strong> 1936.<br />
Appeal to United Nations<br />
After the war, demands were made for a revision <strong>of</strong> the Treaty <strong>of</strong> 1936, but they failed as<br />
Egypt insisted on the incorporation <strong>of</strong> Anglo-Sudan into Egypt. They appealed to the United<br />
Nations in 1947 but that too failed.<br />
The WAFD Party (say Labour Party) and the Royal Family had continuous struggles. In 1953<br />
the monarchy was abolished and a Republic setup by General Mohamed Naguib. Col.<br />
Nasser in 1954 was elected President for a six year period. Tension increased in July 1956<br />
when the USA and Great Britain withdrew their pledges <strong>of</strong> financial aid for the building <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Aswan High Dam. Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal and expelled the British from Egypt.<br />
The Population consisted mainly <strong>of</strong> Egyptians; Greeks; Italians; British and others, in that<br />
order.<br />
Religion was again predominantly Muslim; Jews; Christians including Coptic Christians and<br />
others. Muslims accounted for 92% <strong>of</strong> the population.<br />
‘Gift <strong>of</strong> the Nile’<br />
A TRAVEL ADVERTISEMENT FOR EGYPT would probably read as follows:<br />
“Egypt is the second oldest civilisation in the world. The land <strong>of</strong> the pharaohs, the sphinx, the<br />
pyramids, the mummies and the Nile. Egypt has remained a mystery for the world. It is a<br />
land that has been a granary <strong>of</strong> Europe and the legend <strong>of</strong> Cleopatra. For long, Egypt and its<br />
rich culture and ancient tradition have been an enigma that tourists, travellers and historians<br />
have wanted to experience and unravel. European, Arabic and its own traditional culture has<br />
influenced the “Gift <strong>of</strong> the Nile”, which makes Egypt what it is today.”<br />
Did my Grandfather read this advertisement “No”.<br />
My paternal Grandfather came to Egypt from Malta with the British Army, and obviously<br />
settled there. Whether he went back to Malta and returned to Egypt, I don’t know, but he did<br />
have a brother and sister living in Alexandria. All his five children were born in Egypt.<br />
Most, if not all <strong>of</strong> you, would have seen the film “Lawrence <strong>of</strong> Arabia”, well every time I watch<br />
that film, I look for the actor that is portraying my Grandfather.<br />
My Grandfather must have gained some exceptional skills whilst in the army, because he was<br />
an excellent toolmaker and possessed engineering skills, which one would assume would<br />
only be available to an Engineering graduate. Examples <strong>of</strong> his work included the setting up <strong>of</strong><br />
/Cont.<br />
39<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 39 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
ice making factory; the construction <strong>of</strong> the brick chimney and the attaching <strong>of</strong> the lightning rod<br />
copper ribbon inside the chimney; and the construction <strong>of</strong> a railway. He was a keen fisherman<br />
and bird catcher. He used to make his own nets.<br />
He lived to the ripe old age <strong>of</strong> 91, came to Australia, but regrettably survived only a couple <strong>of</strong><br />
months.<br />
My maternal Grandfather also came to Egypt from Malta with his parents. I am told that they<br />
came at the invitation <strong>of</strong> the Khedive (the ruler prior to the establishment <strong>of</strong> the King) to set up<br />
the Administration process. Hence my Great-Grandfather wore a Fez, but a European style<br />
suit whilst working with the Egyptian Government Administration.<br />
Grandfather worked for Thomas Cook<br />
My Grandfather worked for Thomas Cook. We all know that Thomas Cook was a Travel<br />
Agency and a Travellers Cheque Issuer. How wrong. Thomas Cook was originally a boat<br />
builder, and my Grandfather built the sailing boats that ploughed the Nile. He lived in Cairo,<br />
married an Austrian woman, and had six children. He died at the early age <strong>of</strong> 52. Thomas<br />
Cook maintained an Engineering Division until about 1953 when it was closed down. They<br />
supplied large engines for ships. I can confirm this because my eldest sister was Secretary to<br />
the General Manager.<br />
Cairo is the capital <strong>of</strong> Egypt; but Alexandria was the Cosmopolitan City.<br />
From my recollection, Alexandria had beautiful Mediterranean beaches; better weather; less<br />
congestion, large stores; churches; cinemas; restaurants and all that goes with a modern city.<br />
Whilst I have not been back to Alexandria, since I left 56 years ago, I have had the opportunity<br />
to look at pictures taken recently <strong>of</strong> the areas that I knew best. Alexandria has today<br />
developed into dilapidated suburbs, the large stores boarded up and a filthy environment.<br />
That is not to say that some progress has not been made, the widening <strong>of</strong> the Corniche,<br />
which is the road running parallel to the beaches, all the way to Montazah, which was out <strong>of</strong><br />
bounds, being the Kings Summer Palace. Also the new Alexandria Library is something to be<br />
admired.<br />
World War II<br />
I will pause here, as I want you to bear in mind that part <strong>of</strong> my growing up in Alexandria was<br />
during World War II, a war that lasted six years, and a country that saw daily bombardments.<br />
Cairo did not undergo the same experience.<br />
We lived in a suburb <strong>of</strong> Alexandria, known as Sporting. By definition, it was a suburb that<br />
embraced a large sporting club which incorporated a horse racing track. We could actually<br />
see part <strong>of</strong> the horse races from our veranda. We lived in the same<br />
apartment for about seventeen years, until we left the country. It was large enough to<br />
accommodate eight people. We moved there when my Grandfather and Aunty came to live<br />
with us following my Grandmother’s death.<br />
/Cont.<br />
40<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 40 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
We did not own a car and nor did we need one. We were only twenty minutes from the City <strong>of</strong><br />
Alexandria and transport was readily available by either tram or bus. This basically applied to<br />
anywhere we wished to go. Otherwise taxis or horse driven carts were also available. As kids<br />
we always preferred the latter to a taxi. If and when we travelled to Cairo to visit the family we<br />
did so by train.<br />
Our apartment was pretty central to all amenities. I have already mentioned transport, but<br />
also churches, schools and beaches.<br />
Our church, the Church <strong>of</strong> the Sacred Heart was a couple <strong>of</strong> minutes walk from our house;<br />
hence we were well known by the Franciscan priests that ran the parish.<br />
Mass for Pupils every Sunday<br />
Relative to an Australian suburban church, we had a Cathedral. Having recently visited the<br />
Newcastle Cathedral, the Sacred Heart church was much bigger. An Italian school run by<br />
nuns was next door and it too had its own chapel. In the grounds <strong>of</strong> the church was also a<br />
very big hall, which could accommodate plays and other entertainment. During the War, as<br />
the majority <strong>of</strong> priests were Italian, they had been interned. Only two priests ran the parish,<br />
the organist, whose nationality I can’t remember, and an English priest. I was an altar boy<br />
from a very early age; served at Via Cruxis; Mass; weddings; baptisms and funerals.<br />
Weddings, baptisms and funerals were very beneficial to my pocket money. I also served<br />
mass for the nuns every Saturday morning at the Sacred Heart School chapel. I used to meet<br />
the English priest outside the Church and walk with him to the school. After mass the nuns<br />
would then serve the Priest and I breakfast in the parlour. Mass was celebrated for the<br />
Sacred Heart School pupils every Sunday at the Sacred Heart Church, and I continued<br />
serving that Mass until we left the country.<br />
The English priest, who was actually American, used to give me the gifts that his family used<br />
to send to him for Christmas or probably his birthday. I recall getting a complete shaving set in<br />
a zippered leather pouch; and a leather letter writing compendium. My reward for being a<br />
good Altar Boy or maybe a consistent one.<br />
Big Processions<br />
Feast Days, such as the recent feast <strong>of</strong> Christ the King; were celebrated by big processions.<br />
We left the Church, went around the neighbouring streets, into the various Catholic Schools to<br />
stop for adoration, and back to the Church, with the priest carrying the Monstrance under the<br />
‘Baldachino’. This went on for a couple <strong>of</strong> years after the end <strong>of</strong> the War, but then had to stop<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the change in the attitude <strong>of</strong> the bureaucrats. Hence, processions only took place<br />
within the church grounds.<br />
I started school at an early age. The Sacred Heart School, an English school run by nuns,<br />
which I am sure were Americans, had just been established when we moved to the Sporting<br />
Suburb. It was within walking distance <strong>of</strong> our lodging. My sister was enrolled there and my<br />
mother enrolled me too. I must have been about four and a half. We were the original<br />
subscribers. The nuns knew us well. If the nuns needed anything they would ask my parents.<br />
I was so young and small; I was considered the school mascot. I could do no wrong. Whilst<br />
/Cont.<br />
41<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 41 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
the school building was very big; a sequestrated building that belonged to an Italian rich<br />
family, the gravel playground was handkerchief size. Thus if young Guy grazed his knee, he<br />
was immediately taken to the parlour and given medical attention, plus a drink and a biscuit, or<br />
a piece <strong>of</strong> water melon, or whatever else was readily available in the kitchen. Needless to<br />
say, I was not popular with my fellow students, since they got nothing. I paid my debt by<br />
serving mass for the nuns every Saturday morning. I left after completing second class.<br />
Before leaving the country we paid them a visit at their Cairo convent, the Alexandria school<br />
had been closed. We were received as always, with a lot <strong>of</strong> love and an afternoon tea. Tears<br />
were shed as we said our Goodbyes.<br />
Attended British Boys’ School<br />
After leaving the nuns, I was enrolled in the same school that my elder brother attended, The<br />
British Boys’ School, an English teaching school that had been set up by Lord Lloyd George, a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the British Labour Parliament, especially for the children <strong>of</strong> the British Community<br />
living in Alexandria. It was a lovely school, typically English. The red brick and tile ro<strong>of</strong> oblong<br />
building, <strong>of</strong> three stories, that was the school and headmaster <strong>of</strong>fice. Separately, we had a<br />
huge hall, with stage, cinema screening and badminton playing facilities. Attached at one end<br />
were the teachers working rooms and library, and at the other end the players change rooms<br />
and lockers, with showers and toilets. The undeniable football field; which became the cricket<br />
field in summer, plus tennis courts and playgrounds. Prime Minister Gillard would have done<br />
well to visit that establishment prior to committing herself to the Education Building Revolution.<br />
Some teachers were local, whilst others were imported. You could either opt for a commercial<br />
education, which I did, or go for a University Degree. If you intended to pursue the latter, then<br />
you would have to go overseas. The situation in Egypt had become so perilous that such a<br />
decision was too risky. As it turned out, within 2/3 years <strong>of</strong> leaving school we left the country.<br />
Work was not easy to find; I was fortunate in that I actually changed three jobs in six months.<br />
My first job was through an advertisement. It was supposedly to be an Import/Export<br />
Company. It was being set up by an Australian, who had made his fortune during the World<br />
War ll, running cinemas for the armed forces. Whilst he still had his cinema division, selling<br />
movie projectors and servicing them, he had recruited an English man to set up his<br />
Import/Export division, and at the same time opened a huge retail showroom selling<br />
whitegoods, and other products. I could see little, if any, future; so I joined the British Council.<br />
Exhibition Evenings<br />
The British Council provided adult education classes for people who had not completed their<br />
studies and wished to do so; plus it was an arm <strong>of</strong> British propaganda. We had lovely<br />
exhibitions evenings, with drinks and finger food, to which the higher class were invited. Part<br />
<strong>of</strong> my job was <strong>of</strong>fice work and to attend these exhibitions and mix with the guests. It turned<br />
out not to be my cup <strong>of</strong> tea. My third and last job was with an international shipping agency,<br />
whose Head Office was in Vevey, Switzerland. The experience that I acquired with them was<br />
invaluable to me when I came to Australia.<br />
Alexandria provided an immense array <strong>of</strong> entertainment venues. You had Opera and<br />
Operetta; cinema; clubs; sport clubs; nightclubs; restaurants/dancing, c<strong>of</strong>fee shops, patisserie;<br />
bazaars (souks), you name it was available.<br />
/Cont.<br />
42<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 42 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
was a member <strong>of</strong> the Alexandria Cricket Club, but I played tennis there. If I must say it, it was<br />
a typical English Club. Be it as it may, the members put together a cricket team <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Egyptian workers <strong>of</strong> the Club and sent them to England to play cricket against selected English<br />
teams. That was a way <strong>of</strong> showing their gratitude for the good work they did with the greens<br />
and the Club as a whole. Mind you those workers played very good cricket and tennis.<br />
Socially we went to the pictures, and the Maltese Club. The Club had good premises in the<br />
City. Facilities available were billiards, table tennis, reading rooms and a great bar, which<br />
looked something similar to this one.<br />
Boiled Milk?<br />
There was also a Maltese Music Club. It provided tuition to prospective music players, as it ran<br />
the Maltese Band. It was a very old Club, my father was a member and he played the<br />
saxophone in the band. Well my father wasn’t that old then.<br />
The beautiful beaches <strong>of</strong> Alexandria also provided a means <strong>of</strong> relaxation. As children, my<br />
mother used to take us to the beach every day <strong>of</strong> our school holidays. We had three months<br />
holiday during the summer season, July, August and September. We continued to go to the<br />
beach as adults, particularly as we used to have every alternate afternoon <strong>of</strong>f from work during<br />
the summer months.<br />
Before I move to my next issue, I would like you to know that unpasteurised milk was delivered<br />
home every afternoon, and we had to boil it and we skimmed the rich cream, which we enjoyed<br />
for breakfast the next morning. Similarly, we did not have a refrigerator, they became available<br />
towards the end <strong>of</strong> our days in Egypt; ice was delivered every day during the summer months.<br />
You must appreciate that my mother would shop for meat and vegetables about three to four<br />
times a week. We also enjoyed the services <strong>of</strong> a servant, she did all the washing and cleaning,<br />
including our shoes. Whilst we had several servants over the years, one particular one came<br />
back after she had raised her own family. My mother treated her as a member <strong>of</strong> our family,<br />
and whilst she did not earn much, my mother used to look after the needs <strong>of</strong> her children.<br />
Christmas in Alexandria, would I presume be not too different to Christmas in other parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world.<br />
Christmas Buns!<br />
I would have to say that for me Christmas started when my mother started baking the<br />
Christmas buns, which she did regularly every year. She used to place them in big trays,<br />
about a meter by a meter, which we borrowed from the bakery. When they were ready, I would<br />
have to take them to the bakery to be cooked in their ovens. We didn’t have an oven; all<br />
cooking was done on gas stoves.<br />
Christmas also was a family affair. My father’s brother together with his wife and son would<br />
join us for lunch. My parents also invited a friend <strong>of</strong> theirs and his two children to join us.<br />
Lunch started with an aperitif on the large veranda, it was Ouzo and finger food. Lunch<br />
consisted <strong>of</strong> the usual Christmas fare, which I found is not too different in Australia. We had<br />
lots <strong>of</strong> cakes.<br />
/Cont.<br />
43<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 43 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER GUY’S SPEECH<br />
Continued...<br />
gifts, well I can recall a gift up to the beginning <strong>of</strong> the war, but after that we received<br />
mainly clothing. By the end <strong>of</strong> the war, we had sort <strong>of</strong> grown up and toys were not<br />
appropriate, although my sisters would probably score a doll each. Dad somehow<br />
always managed to obtain a quantity <strong>of</strong> nuts and other Christmas delicacies that were<br />
hard to obtain during the war. In the evening we played tombola (housie). Christmas<br />
Midnight Mass was a must and could not be missed under pain <strong>of</strong> mortal sin, not from<br />
the Pope but from my mother. Mum traditionally baked Pizzas on Christmas Eve.<br />
Bird’s Eye View!!!<br />
Pizzas were a rarity, thus we looked forward to them. As for Christmas Cards, well<br />
they didn’t exist. Season Greetings were written on the back <strong>of</strong> the traditional<br />
Business Card and posted to relatives and friends. Looking back, it was a ridiculous<br />
tradition as they would meet most <strong>of</strong> those relatives and/or friends at Midnight Mass,<br />
and the Good Wishes would again be incanted.<br />
I hope that I have managed to give you a ‘bird’s eye view’ <strong>of</strong> what my life and<br />
Christmas was in Alexandria, and I thank you for suffering my indulgence.<br />
Two decisions have affected my life with great satisfaction; one was taken by my<br />
father and the other by me. My father’s decision was to bring us to Australia and my<br />
decision to move to the bush.<br />
Brother Guy Cassar<br />
Brother Guy using his skills in handing out drinks!!!<br />
44<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 44 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
HORNSBY CIRCLE<br />
BLAST FROM<br />
THE PAST 2…<br />
HORNSBY CIRCLE MEETING JULY <strong>20</strong>06<br />
With special Guest Speaker then Minister <strong>of</strong> Defence Brendan Nelson<br />
From Left; Brother’s Phil Davies & Pat Moran, Brendan Nelson, Brother’s Chris Vale & Brendan O’Connell<br />
WHAT IS THE<br />
CATENIAN ASSOCIATION?<br />
• The Catenian Association is an international body <strong>of</strong> Catholic men who meet once<br />
a month to join collectively in the practice <strong>of</strong> their Faith, to enjoy each other's<br />
company and to support their local Parishes and Diocese<br />
• United by their Catholicism, members <strong>of</strong> the Association have a number <strong>of</strong><br />
objectives ...<br />
• To be proudly Catholic and to spread their Faith by personal and collective<br />
example;<br />
• To foster deep and long lasting friendships among members and their families;<br />
• To provide benevolence <strong>of</strong> a spiritual, moral and financial nature to members and<br />
their families who find themselves in difficulty or need;<br />
• To provide support to the Clergy and to assist young Catholics in the choice or<br />
pursuit <strong>of</strong> a career.<br />
45<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 45 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Lectio Divina and The Reflection<br />
The Bishops Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, the Bible Society NSW and The Broken Bay<br />
Institute are pleased to present the booklet lectio divina Praying the scriptures in Lent and Holy<br />
Week <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>, Year A. Over the past three years, hundreds <strong>of</strong> parish advantage <strong>of</strong> this instructive and<br />
insightful booklet, which is available to you at no cost. An order form is available on the website.<br />
As a further initiative <strong>of</strong> the Australian Church we would also like to invite you to participate in the free<br />
Online program: The Reflection.<br />
Each week during Lent the<br />
Bishops <strong>of</strong> Australia will be<br />
sharing their thoughts and<br />
reflections, in a lectio style, on<br />
the Sunday Gospels leading<br />
towards Easter.<br />
By simply logging on to the<br />
website each week<br />
(www.thereflection.vividas.com),<br />
you will be able to participate in<br />
a lectio divina for Lent, working<br />
with it at your own pace and in<br />
your own time over the week.<br />
The Reflection will run over 7<br />
weeks during lent, commencing<br />
the week beginning Monday 7 th<br />
<strong>March</strong>. There will be 6 weekly<br />
segments exploring the<br />
Gospels, with a special event<br />
planned for Holy Week. The<br />
Reflection is a wonderful<br />
opportunity for people to gather,<br />
either in homes, or in parish or<br />
family groups, to share the<br />
journey towards Easter. The<br />
program will also beautifully<br />
compliment the lectio Booklet.”<br />
Bishop David Walker,<br />
Bishops Commission for<br />
Mission and Faith<br />
Formation, 7 February <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong><br />
Lectio Divina<br />
And<br />
The Reflection<br />
46<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 46 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
CYCLONE YASI<br />
RIPS TULLY APART…<br />
The streets <strong>of</strong> Tully were severely damaged along with other properties. People are<br />
devastated; many <strong>of</strong> their homes and properties are beyond repair<br />
47<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 47 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Letter from Parish Priest <strong>of</strong> Tully<br />
Father Duivenvoorden to City <strong>of</strong> Parramatta Circle<br />
Thanking the circle for their generous donation…<br />
48<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 48 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
THE DESTRUCTION Continued.…<br />
The Mission Beach area close to Tully did not escape the carnage<br />
49<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 49 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Another Letter from Parish Priest <strong>of</strong> Tully<br />
Father Duivenvoorden to City <strong>of</strong> Cairns Circle<br />
Thanking them for their generous donation…<br />
50<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 50 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
KEEP THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE SACRED!!!<br />
One City <strong>of</strong> Cairns Brother was recently in Brisbane.<br />
While attending mass at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane, the following literature was handed<br />
out.<br />
The letter was written by Archbishop Bathersby encouraging parishioners to send a copy to<br />
their local member setting out their views on marriage following a request by the Greens to<br />
gauge views <strong>of</strong> constituents on marriage and equal treatment for same sex couples.<br />
It was excellent to see the Archbishop taking a stance in protecting our faith and values.<br />
51<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 51 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Peter writes. . .<br />
Dear Brothers,<br />
Fraternal Greetings to you all from Cairns.<br />
I sincerely hope that none <strong>of</strong> you had relatives in Christchurch NZ, please pray for all the victims who<br />
have lost their lives, and their families, also for the people who have been made homeless in this<br />
horrific tragedy.<br />
Equally, the area around Tully, Mission Beach and Cardwell also took a terrific battering and many<br />
houses, businesses’ have been completely destroyed. Please remember these unfortunate people in<br />
your prayers.<br />
And now we have the horrendous Japanese Earthquake & Tsunami, the massive loss <strong>of</strong> life is now<br />
becoming apparent. It is now being logged as the worst disaster in Japanese history; please remember<br />
the victims and their families in your prayers.<br />
Brother Guy Cassar <strong>of</strong> Sydney Circle has written a marvellous story <strong>of</strong> his childhood days in Egypt.<br />
Like a lot <strong>of</strong> Catenian Brothers, Guy has led a fascinating life and his involvement is still very strong in<br />
the <strong>Catenians</strong>.<br />
Brother Greg Smyth is now feeling a lot better, he has told me that he will be attending City <strong>of</strong> Sydney’s<br />
Circle meeting this month and is looking forward to being involved in the Circle’s 40 th year anniversary<br />
to be celebrated on 6 th July. Good to see you back into the swing <strong>of</strong> things Greg!!!<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 will be hosting the Grand President and his fellow UK Catenian Brother’s with their wives<br />
this September. First stop will be Cairns before heading down south. I am sure like me; you are all<br />
looking forward to our Grand President Elect Tony visiting your area.<br />
Catena Editor Gil Whale is doing a marvellous job and including lots <strong>of</strong> items from our <strong>Province</strong> in<br />
Catena, please send me as much material as you can.<br />
Thank-you to all the Secretaries, President’s & Provincial Councillors who send me material for <strong>Eastern</strong><br />
<strong>Link</strong>, without their input it would not be possible to create our <strong>Province</strong> 21 Newsletter.<br />
I would also like to thank our <strong>Province</strong> 21<br />
Director Paul Despoges for the support he gives<br />
to our <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Link</strong>.<br />
The same also to our <strong>Province</strong> 21 Council who<br />
have entrusted me with the production <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Link</strong>. I <strong>of</strong>ten get comments about it and<br />
the items it contains regarding what is happening<br />
in Circle’s In <strong>Province</strong> 21, Brothers from other<br />
<strong>Province</strong>s are keen to know what is happening<br />
in our part <strong>of</strong> Australia.<br />
Gold Coast Tweed Group is coming along very<br />
nicely and you can see that they have good<br />
attendance at the meetings. Well done all the<br />
Brothers involved.<br />
Yours Fraternally<br />
Peter<br />
Prayers for the deceased…<br />
Brother Tony Girard RIP <strong>of</strong> Pittwater Circle,<br />
please remember his family in your prayers.<br />
Brother Peter Griffiths RIP President <strong>of</strong><br />
Manly Circle. Our thoughts are with his<br />
family at this sad time.<br />
Please remember in your prayers PGP David<br />
& Kathleen Taylor whose daughter Susan<br />
RIP recently passed away.<br />
Luke Quinn RIP, (Brother Pat Quinn,<br />
Pittwater Circle), who recently passed away.<br />
Please remember him in your prayers.<br />
Please remember all our departed Brother’s<br />
and their loved ones in your prayers.<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 52 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
CITY OF CAIRNS CIRCLE<br />
FAMILY FUND UPDATE:-<br />
The Fund Administrators Brother Paul &<br />
Brother Michael are pleased to announce up<br />
to 28 th February 14 applications have been<br />
dealt with and approved.<br />
Schools will be receiving the monies shortly<br />
from the City <strong>of</strong> Cairns Family Fund.<br />
All Brothers are encouraged to visit other Circles. If the<br />
All opportunity Brothers arises are encouraged please contact to visit the other appropriate Circles. Catering If<br />
the Officer opportunity listed below. arises please contact the<br />
appropriate Catering Officer listed below.<br />
CITY OF CAIRNS 3 rd Thu<br />
CITY Peter OF Cash CAIRNS 07 4055 3 rd 3529 Thu<br />
Peter<br />
CANBERRA<br />
Cash (07)<br />
3rd<br />
4055<br />
Thu.<br />
3529<br />
CANBERRA Russell Sweeney 3rd Thu. 6291 4604<br />
Russell<br />
CANBERRA/MOLONGLO<br />
Sweeney 6291 4604<br />
1st Wed.<br />
CANBERRA/MOLONGLO Philip O'Meara 6288 47931st Wed.<br />
Philip<br />
CARLINGFORD<br />
O'Meara 6288<br />
3rd Tue.<br />
4793<br />
CARLINGFORD Stan Burgin 98713rd 2449 Tue.<br />
Stan<br />
CASTLE<br />
Burgin<br />
HILL<br />
9871<br />
4th<br />
2449<br />
Tue<br />
CASTLE Paul Despoges HILL 4th 8850 Tue 0956<br />
Paul<br />
GOLD<br />
Despoges<br />
COAST TWEED<br />
8850 0956<br />
GROUP<br />
GOLD COAST TWEED GROUP 3 rd Tues<br />
Errol<br />
HORNSBY<br />
Daranjo<br />
1st<br />
(07)<br />
Thu<br />
5576 0019<br />
HORNSBY Peter Andersen 1st Thu 0412 669 462<br />
Peter<br />
KU-RING-GAI<br />
Andersen<br />
2nd<br />
0412<br />
Mon<br />
669 462<br />
KU-RING-GAI Phil Davies 9440 2nd 4299 Mon<br />
Phil<br />
MANLY<br />
Davies<br />
3rd<br />
9440<br />
Wed<br />
4299<br />
MANLY Michael van 3rd Wed Ommen 9452 5282.<br />
Michael MOSMAN van 2nd Ommen Thu 9452 5282.<br />
MOSMAN Brendan O’Connell 2nd Thu 9449 37<strong>20</strong><br />
Brendan<br />
PARAMATTA<br />
O’Connell<br />
4 th Thu<br />
9449 37<strong>20</strong><br />
PARAMATTA John Green on 402 th Thu 96307094<br />
John<br />
PITTWATER<br />
Green on<br />
2nd<br />
02<br />
Wed<br />
96307094<br />
PITTWATER Ken Halliday 9999 2nd Wed 4675<br />
Ken<br />
CITY<br />
Halliday<br />
OF SYDNEY<br />
9999 4675<br />
1st Wed<br />
CITY John Crawford OF SYDNEY 92401st 4975 Wed<br />
John<br />
WARRINGAH<br />
Crawford<br />
4th<br />
9240<br />
Wed<br />
4975<br />
WARRINGAH Bill Carney on 9451 4th Wed 2144<br />
Bill<br />
BRISBANE<br />
Carney on<br />
GROUP<br />
9451 2144<br />
3 rd Wed<br />
BRISBANE Dennis Muldoon GROUP 04003 rd 571 Wed 633<br />
Dennis Muldoon 0400 571 633<br />
VICTORIAN CIRCLES<br />
VICTORIAN CIRCLES<br />
CITY CITY OF OF MELBOURNE 4th 4th Mon Mon<br />
Greg Greg Lynch 9585 9585 8280 8280<br />
WAVERYLEY 1st 1st Tue Tue<br />
Frank Brown 9560 0130 0130<br />
MAROONDAH 3rd 3rd Wed Wed<br />
Denis O’Gallagher 9833 9833 3750 3750<br />
PENINSULA 2nd 2nd Fri Fri<br />
Dick Gorman 5988 5988 0297 0297<br />
BOROONDARA 4 th th Wed<br />
Robert Robert Maybury Maybury 9857 9857 9347 9347<br />
NEWS FLASH!!!!<br />
Share the Dream – 3 rd National<br />
Catholic Family Gathering In<br />
conjunction with the Australian<br />
Catholic Bishop Conference, the<br />
Melbourne Archdiocese is hosting<br />
Share the Dream. Featuring<br />
international and local speakers,<br />
practical workshops, music, prayer, a<br />
children’s program and concurrent<br />
youth conference, Share the Dream<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers something for every member <strong>of</strong><br />
the family. The event runs from 15-17<br />
April <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> at Xavier College in Kew.<br />
Visit the website:<br />
www.sharethedream.org.au or<br />
contact the Life, Family and Marriage<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice on (03) 9287 5576<br />
News from<br />
Carlingford Circle…<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Our Membership is now 30, following the<br />
enrolment <strong>of</strong> Brother Bill Carpenter.<br />
Recruitment drives are planned at<br />
Denistone East Parish on <strong>20</strong> <strong>March</strong> and<br />
at Rydalmere Parish on 27 <strong>March</strong>.<br />
Details TBA.<br />
BROTHER BARRY NOONAN<br />
Barry’s wife Margaret reports that Barry<br />
has made steady progress since his<br />
discharge from Hospital. Barry and<br />
Margaret have asked me to thank you all<br />
for your prayers and support. Further<br />
prayers would also be appreciated.<br />
Please send any items <strong>of</strong><br />
Interest to:-<br />
petercash@btinternet.com<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 53 53 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
OBITUARIES<br />
RIES...<br />
BROTHER PETER GRIFFITHS RIP<br />
Late <strong>of</strong> Manly Circle<br />
Peacefully passed to eternal life<br />
Please remember his Family in your prayers<br />
Manly brothers were shocked to hear <strong>of</strong> the sudden death <strong>of</strong> their President, Peter<br />
Griffiths, on Friday morning the 14 January <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>. Peter attended a joint meeting with<br />
Mosman on the Thursday night with many Manly brothers. Peter collapsed after his<br />
usual morning swim at the South Curl Curl rock pool and could not be revived. His loss<br />
was overwhelming to his beloved wife Helen, children Paul, Michelle, Katherine and<br />
Mark and their grandchildren, relations and friends.<br />
A Requiem Mass <strong>of</strong> celebration <strong>of</strong> his life took place at St. Kieran’s Manly Vale on<br />
Thursday <strong>20</strong> th January <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> with eight priests co-celebrating; Fr Peter McHugh OSA<br />
was the Presider. Paul Griffiths spoke eloquently <strong>of</strong> his father in the context <strong>of</strong> his<br />
Family, Faith and Friends and left us in no doubt <strong>of</strong> the love and admiration <strong>of</strong> Peter felt<br />
by us all. Peter’s brother in law, Paul Weiss (a Canberra Catenian) spoke on behalf <strong>of</strong><br />
Therese and her brother Patrick <strong>of</strong> Peter’s early life, and the loving family life they<br />
enjoyed. Fr. Tony Banks OSA spoke, without notes, <strong>of</strong> Peter’s faith and his leadership<br />
role, over a long period, both within the North Harbour community and the wider<br />
community, particularly in the national Paulian Association.<br />
Peter had looked forward to his Presidency <strong>of</strong> the Manly Circle and he was cremated<br />
wearing his Catenian tie and badge. Helen and family were very appreciative <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Catenian guard <strong>of</strong> honour as Peter’s casket left the church. It was the first vision they<br />
saw leaving the Church and they drew support from the statement.<br />
There were over forty <strong>Catenians</strong> attending including Provincial President Ron Daly,<br />
Provincial Membership Officer Pat Moran, a large contingent from Mosman, from<br />
Peninsula Circles and from western Sydney. A wonderful support for a deceased<br />
brother!<br />
Brother John McCarney<br />
At the memorial service at St Kieran's, Peter's son Paul <strong>of</strong>fered this<br />
tribute: “As hard as it is, I couldn't think <strong>of</strong> a more fitting way for<br />
Dad to go....up early, getting the best <strong>of</strong> the day, totally organised<br />
and with minimum <strong>of</strong> fuss to any <strong>of</strong> us. That was the ironic thing...Dad<br />
loved organising everyone else and helping them out....but he was always<br />
reluctant to ask for help and lean on other people for support. He was<br />
very much like his father, Pat, in that and so many other ways."<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 54 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
BROTHER PETER GRIFFITHS RIP<br />
Late <strong>of</strong> Manly Circle<br />
Below is an email that Brother Peter’s RIP son Paul sent to Manly Circle Brother’s. It shows how<br />
pleased the family were to see so many Catenian Brothers at the funeral, not only from Manly Circle<br />
but from other Circles from throughout <strong>Province</strong> 21 area. Brother Peter RIP will be sadly missed not<br />
only by his family but by all the Brothers in <strong>Province</strong> 21.<br />
Requiescat in Pace!<br />
Gents,<br />
Many thanks for assisting with ministry at Dad's funeral. I spoke to mum at home that evening and<br />
we were both surprised by the strength we felt during the mass amidst the natural emotions. We<br />
have no doubt this strength came from the support we received from the gathered community -<br />
spiritually, emotionally and physically.<br />
I remember a couple <strong>of</strong> moments in the mass that touched us....at one point, midway through, a<br />
beautiful, soothing breeze blew across Dad's c<strong>of</strong>fin from the side door to our seats....and as Father<br />
Peter was saying the final prayers the light shone through from the atrium windows and onto the<br />
head <strong>of</strong> Dad's c<strong>of</strong>fin (Mum noticed as well).<br />
In relation to burial, we have decided to bury Dad in the Catholic Memorial Garden at Frenchs<br />
Forest Cemetery. Ironically, last Sunday when Mum took Mark and I to see the plots (Mum has one<br />
beside Dad) she had picked with the girls during the week we wandered around the vicinity to get a<br />
feel for the place. A few short metres away we found the row <strong>of</strong> Augustinian plots where Mossy<br />
O'Connor, Ralph Cameron, DK O'Shea and Bernie Connolly are buried.....Dad has the privilege <strong>of</strong><br />
being in a well-staffed Augustinian parish for good! (Tony Banks and I had a good laugh about this<br />
when we spoke yesterday evening.....we have organised for donations to the Augustinian<br />
Orphanage in the Philippine’s for friends and family who asked about donating in lieu <strong>of</strong> flowers. If<br />
any <strong>of</strong> the Catenian Brothers or families are interested in donating please contact Sister Josie<br />
directly...all donations are appreciated. I didn't have space to mention in the eulogy but Dad did a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> work in the 70s in the Philippine’s for Australian Catholic Relief during the Marcos years - fact<br />
finding and reports relating to worker conditions in factories.....most <strong>of</strong> this was in secret and the<br />
teams risked being shot on sight if they were discovered by the police.....not many people know this<br />
and Dad didn't make a big deal about it)<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> burial service, we understand arrangements will take 6 weeks. We hope to have one <strong>of</strong><br />
the Augustinians lead a burial service. I also suggested to Mum we put the Catenian crest on<br />
the other side to the Cross on Dad's memorial plaque. Let me know if there are any issues<br />
with this idea as we plan to complete our instructions for the plaque over the weekend. My<br />
brother likes the idea, I will need to check with Mum and the girls over the weekend.<br />
Finally, I spoke to Mum this evening and she was really pleased to get the photos from the joint<br />
Mosman-Manly dinner today. There is one photo that is the best mum has seen <strong>of</strong> Dad and we will<br />
use on Dad's memorial card. It is special for us as we decided to bury Dad in the suit & <strong>Catenians</strong><br />
tie he wore that night, as he still had his badge in the lapel.<br />
Trust you and your families are doing well and appreciate your strong support and prayers,<br />
Paul<br />
The association has confirmed we are honoured that the family wish to recognise<br />
his services to the Association and his fellow Brothers. He was a very gentle and<br />
unassuming person. A true loss to the community, least <strong>of</strong> all to his family.<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 Director Paul Despoges<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 55 55 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
OBITUARIES...<br />
ANTHONY CORNELIUS GIRARD RIP<br />
Late <strong>of</strong> Pittwater Circle<br />
Peacefully passed to eternal life<br />
Please remember his Family in your prayers<br />
Anthony Cornelius Girard (known to all as Tony) passed away on 23 January <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> at the age <strong>of</strong><br />
85, <strong>of</strong> a brain tumour. A resident <strong>of</strong> Collaroy Plateau NSW, Tony was born on 8 November 1926<br />
in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. His mother taught him at home until the age <strong>of</strong> 9 when<br />
he then attended Christian Brothers School in Manly. Academically bright, at the young age <strong>of</strong><br />
14 he left school and went to work in accountancy at the Australian Taxation Office, while<br />
working there, with his mother’s support, he put himself through university to complete a law<br />
degree. When qualified he continued working for the public service this time at the Crown<br />
Solicitors. Moving onwards he joined the Coal Board as their legal <strong>of</strong>ficer, later being promoted<br />
to Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Coal Board. In this capacity he visited most <strong>of</strong> the world’s major coalmines<br />
on all continents. Tony retired from this position at the age <strong>of</strong> 55. Retirement and relaxation not<br />
being to Tony’s liking, he resumed his legal studies, was admitted to the bar and started work<br />
with a new career, this time as a Barrister until his eventual retirement at 82 years <strong>of</strong> age.<br />
Tony married Norma Williams, a local girl from neighboring Balgowlah, on 26 <strong>March</strong> 1951. They<br />
had 4 children Trisha, Kevin, Anne and Greg who sadly died <strong>of</strong> cancer in <strong>20</strong>01.<br />
Tony’s hobbies and pastimes were many and varied. Fishing and yachting, for which he built his<br />
own boats, woodworking and carving, silver jewellery making, panel beating, spray painting,<br />
fibre glassing as well as bricklaying and oxywelding, learnt through night and day classes. The<br />
skills Tony had learnt were worked upon with much enthusiasm. A lifelong dream was being<br />
able to fly, so at the age <strong>of</strong> 55 he began taking lessons and obtained a pilot’s license, a great joy<br />
to him. Always looking for a new challenge Tony enjoyed many sports such as; swimming, body<br />
surfing, tennis, squash, horse riding and skiing.<br />
While working in the city <strong>of</strong> Sydney in the mid 1970’s, Tony came in contact with the Mathew<br />
Talbot Hostel, a special work <strong>of</strong> the St Vincent De Paul Society, the largest hostel for homeless<br />
men in Australasia. To this organization he gave freely <strong>of</strong> his time and experience in all legal<br />
matters for many years. Tony’s major disappointment in life was that he did not know his father<br />
and family heritage, as his father had abandoned his family when Tony was 11 months old.<br />
A devout Catholic, Tony was a valued member <strong>of</strong> the Lakes Parish community, being a senior<br />
server over a long period <strong>of</strong> time and a valued Passionist Family Group member. Although a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Catenians</strong> for only a year, Tony enjoyed meeting men <strong>of</strong> like standards, thoughts<br />
and Christian ideals. As well as his regular mass attendance, one <strong>of</strong> Tony’s most rewarding<br />
parish-life experiences was the regular Monday prayer night he attended with Norma, a meeting<br />
he would never miss without exceptional reason. In Tony’s last weeks he spoke <strong>of</strong> how he had<br />
prayed that God would give him the grace to accept his fate, which he did in his final days.<br />
Anthony RIP is survived by wife Norma, daughters Trisha & Anne and son Kevin.<br />
Brother Mike Maynard Pittwater Circle.<br />
Requiescat in Pace!<br />
56<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 56 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI<br />
Pope Benedict calls for prayer for victims <strong>of</strong> disaster in Japan…<br />
VATICAN CITY -- Saying he, too, was horrified by the images <strong>of</strong> the death and destruction caused by the<br />
earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Pope Benedict XVI asked people to join him in praying for the victims.<br />
"May the bereaved and injured be comforted and may the rescue workers be strengthened in their efforts to<br />
assist the courageous Japanese people," the pope said in English <strong>March</strong> 13 after reciting the Angelus prayer<br />
with visitors in St. Peter's Square.<br />
Government <strong>of</strong>ficials estimated that perhaps 10,000 people lost their lives after the earthquake <strong>March</strong> 11<br />
and the tsunami it triggered.<br />
Speaking in Italian after the Angelus, the pope said, "The images <strong>of</strong> the tragic earthquake and the<br />
consequent tsunami in Japan have left us deeply horrified.<br />
"I want to renew my spiritual closeness to that country's dear people, who with dignity and courage are<br />
dealing with the consequences <strong>of</strong> the calamity. I pray for the victims and their families and for all who are<br />
suffering because <strong>of</strong> these terrible events. I encourage all those who, with laudable speed, are working to<br />
bring help. Let us remain united in prayer."<br />
Bishop Marcellino Daiji Tani <strong>of</strong> Saitama, one <strong>of</strong> the dioceses hit hardest by the disaster, told the Catholic<br />
missionary news agency Fides that the catastrophe is a reminder that "life is in the hands <strong>of</strong> God and that life<br />
is a gift from God," and he described the tragedy as a challenge for Christians during Lent "to practice and<br />
witness to the commandment <strong>of</strong> love and brotherly love."<br />
However, he also told Fides, "Of particular concern to us is the situation <strong>of</strong> the nuclear power plant in<br />
Fukushima. But we must take courage, with the help <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit."<br />
Two reactors at the Fukushima plant were hit by explosions and another was losing its cooling system.<br />
Japanese <strong>of</strong>ficials were playing down the health risks posed by the emergency at the plant, but they did<br />
order evacuations for hundreds <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> people.<br />
In a message <strong>March</strong> 13 to members <strong>of</strong> the Orthodox Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew <strong>of</strong><br />
Constantinople said the Japanese tragedy demonstrates the threat posed by nuclear power plants and it<br />
calls for serious reflection.<br />
"With all due respect to the science and technology <strong>of</strong> nuclear energy and for the sake <strong>of</strong> the survival <strong>of</strong> the<br />
human race, we counter-propose the safer green forms <strong>of</strong> energy," the patriarch said.<br />
The Orthodox patriarch, who is a leading proponent <strong>of</strong> a Christian environmental theology, said in his<br />
message, "Our Creator granted us the gifts <strong>of</strong> the sun, wind, water and ocean, all <strong>of</strong> which may safely and<br />
sufficiently provide energy. Therefore we ask: Why do we persist in adopting such dangerous sources <strong>of</strong><br />
energy?"<br />
Meanwhile, the director <strong>of</strong> Caritas Japan told Fides, "This painful event may be an opportunity to spread the<br />
values <strong>of</strong> the Gospel, that is, the fraternity <strong>of</strong> all men and women, the building <strong>of</strong> common good, the<br />
recognition that every person has the dignity <strong>of</strong> a child <strong>of</strong> God and is important in the eyes <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
"If with our work and our witness, we can communicate that then from this evil will come good," the Caritas<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial, Father Daisuke Narui, told Fides.<br />
Story from The Catholic News Service<br />
57<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 57 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
Victoria Area Council<br />
WELCOME TO OUR NEW BROTHERS IN<br />
CASEY GROUP 921<br />
The Group was inaugurated on 9 th <strong>March</strong> <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong> by:-<br />
<strong>Province</strong> 21 Director Paul Despoges<br />
There were six gentlemen installed; with six joint Brothers from<br />
Melbourne Circles joining on the night, a total <strong>of</strong> 12, with six others<br />
committed to join in the coming months.<br />
The Group is in unexplored territory being located in the north east <strong>of</strong><br />
the State <strong>of</strong> Victoria, within the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Sale; closest Circle will be<br />
minimum <strong>of</strong> one hour’s drive.<br />
The founding Chairman is Brother Con Lilley<br />
PRAYER FOR PEACE<br />
IN THE MIDDLE EAST…<br />
God <strong>of</strong> Mercy & Compassion, <strong>of</strong> Grace and reconciliation,<br />
Pour your spirit on all your children<br />
in the Middle East.<br />
Jews, Muslims and Christians,<br />
Let hatred be turned into Love, fear to Trust,<br />
Despair to hope,<br />
Oppression to Freedom and occupation to Liberation,<br />
May Peace & Justice be shared by all.<br />
Lord Hear Us!<br />
58<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 58 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>
LIFE’S A LAUGH. . . . . . .<br />
When I was a young Priest, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man<br />
with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new<br />
cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there.<br />
I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, <strong>of</strong> course, I did not ask for<br />
directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was<br />
eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen.<br />
I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already<br />
in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The<br />
workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening.<br />
I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in<br />
with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached<br />
and preached, from Genesis to The Revelation.<br />
When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one <strong>of</strong><br />
the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in septic systems for<br />
twenty years."<br />
Amish Humor<br />
Sign behind an Amish carriage:<br />
"Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on grass and oats.<br />
CAUTION: Avoid exhaust!"<br />
Bedside Manners<br />
Susie's husband had been slipping in and out <strong>of</strong> a coma for several months. Things looked grim, but she<br />
was by his bedside every single day. One day as he slipped back into consciousness, he motioned for her<br />
to come close to him. She pulled the chair close to the bed and leaned her ear close to be able to hear<br />
him.<br />
"You know" he whispered, his eyes filling with tears, "you have been with me through all the bad times.<br />
When I got fired, you stuck right beside me. When my business went under, there you were. When we<br />
lost the house, you were there. When I got shot, you stuck with me. When my health started failing,<br />
you were still by my side. "And you know what?"<br />
"What, dear?" she asked gently, smiling to herself.<br />
"I think you're bad luck."<br />
PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE ADDRESS:-<br />
http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.html<br />
PLEASE VISIT THE OUR SITE FOR PROVINCE INFORMATION!<br />
59<br />
EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 59 MARCH <strong><strong>20</strong>11</strong>