Western Link - Vol 2 No 5 October 2009 - Province 20 Catenians of ...

Name:WESTERNLINKNewsletter of the Catenian Association Province 20 Western AustraliaEditor Brendan McGurk Tel (08) 9534 3094 Email: brenmcg@tpg.com.au Printed by Abbott & Co PrintersAdvertising and Distribution JIM SCHELFHOUT (Tel: 9274 4934) 9353 1166Vol. 2 No. 5 – October 2009(A HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES)Once again we have the honour and privilege of welcoming aGrand President to our Western Shores.On this occasion we welcome Grand President Bro. Joe andPhilomena McNally, along with a party of visiting Cateniansfrom the United Kingdom. It is an occasion all Province 20Catenians look forward to, as it presents the opportunity toengage in some great conversations and the opportunity to makenew friends, a very special side benefit of being a Catenian. Italso allows us to learn how our Brothers in the birth place of ourAssociation manage to keep the Association growing at a timewhen a great many factors militate against it.It is the first occasion, when we have had an Irish born G P makethe long trip across the world to join with us.We have a strong affiliation with Emerald Isle as many of uswere taught by Irish Christian Brothers Nuns and Priests and theyleft us in no doubt that it was ‘God’s Own Country’ though wehave some argument with that!!It is hoped our visitors will enjoy our hospitality whilst in ourcare and that the weather will be kind, and not the usual heat andflies that we usually manage to turn on.Provincial President David Boyle and Director Gerry Barton are‘hard at it’ to see that the arrangements fit the occasion. AlsoProvincial Vice President Terry Pilcher is doing the hard mileswith the detailed planning; Joint circle meetings, sight seeing,a Mass and BBQ Day courtesy of our wonderful Terry andJan O’Neill family at their lovely Henley Park property, willbe a highlight. Also an overnight stay in Mandurah with circlefamilies should be a welcome break .It is understood that Bro Joe was a star Gaelic Footballer…wemight get him a run with the Fremantle Dockers Aussie Rulesteam, or even the West Coast Eagles; they both need help.We are sure to have the opportunity to present our points of viewon our local needs which on occasions differ from those of theU.K.May the stay in the STATE ON THE MOVE (albeit a little slowerthese days) be a happy and memorable one and it will not be ourfault if that is not brought to fruition.Once again, a Hundred Thousandwelcomes to one and all…OUR OTHER U.K. VISITORS!We warmly and individually welcome the following Brothers andwives from many different circles, in the company of our GrandPresident…..we are so glad you have come to the our ‘Stateon the Move’.PRES. MIKE AND JANE GUERIN MACCLESFIELD 127, PRES.PETER and ANDREA CALLAGHAN, WITH BRO. MICHAELO’SULLIVAN OF BROOKLANDS 196, BRO MICHAEL AND MARYCONNOLLY, DIDSBURY 189, PRES. ALBERT ECKERSLEY, WIGAN16, PRES. PETER and PATRICIA CARLON, DAVYHULME 233, BROSTAN and SHIRLEY CARNEY, DROITWICH and DIST. 151.A busy time awaits you, but you can be sure it is our verygreat pleasure to make your stay as pleasant and enjoyable aspossible.You will just love your visit to Bro Terry and Jan O’Neill’s lovelyproperty and the BBQ……GOOD ON YER MATES!!CHAPLAIN BRO. TONY CUNNINGHAM Bracknell Forrest318 WITH SOME OF HIS CHARGES IN THE N. TERRITORY.( See Rosary Appeal article P. 5 )‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’Edmund Burke

GETTING TO KNOW YOUCAPTAIN PAT….PATRICK ARMSTRONG DARLING RANGE CIRCLEPatrick Mark Armstrong was born in the seaport of Hull, England on 31stAugust 1931. An elementary education (State School) was interruptedfor about 9 months as the U.K. Prepared for World War 2... No air-raidshelters for schools, Pat loved every minute of it. Because of nightlybombings he was evacuated to the countryside (Lincolnshire) for 10months.A bit of an adventure really for a 10 year old boy. He always wanted tofollow a sea career... At age 13 years he sat for and won a scholarshipto the Boulevard Nautical College, completing a full three yearcourse. Syllabus covered was : Navigation and Nautical Astronomy,Trigonometry (Plane and Spherical), Signaling, Chartwork, Meteorology,Practical Seamanship, Plus the usual Science, Maths etc...In 1947 on gaining a “Passing Out” (leaving) Certificate, he successfullyapplied for apprenticeship with Watts-Watts Shipping Company and.joined ship SS. Beaconsfield at age 16 with rank of junior apprentice. Ayear later, indentures were cancelled by mutual consent as parents andfamily migrated to Australia. Pat had no say in the matter... Mum was notgoing to leave him behind...January 1949 saw him back at sea, this time as a Junior OrdinarySeaman. The end of 1949 saw him as an ‘A.B’ working for severalShipping companies. Attempts to sign on ships bound for Australiawere frustrated... In those days seamen were inclined to “Jump ship”in Australian ports... Having a home address in Australia was a bit ofa giveaway. November 1951 he was back in Australia, per deliveryof a ship to Singapore and subsequently signed on a Norwegian shipto Brisbane. Norwegian crews could be signed off in many ports ofthe world. Pat signed off in Brisbane, boarding rail services to Albany,to eventually rejoin his family. Years at sea opened his eyes. If a manwanted to marry, he was best in a shore occupation. He worked for a yearin the Public Works Dept. They were building Port facilities at Albany.Employed in the Survey Dept, in addition to land surveys, this alsoinvolved marine soundings and launch work. The launch work was likea paid holiday. Sad to say, the State Govt. ran out of funds...In 1956 he met Mary the love of his life, a child migrant from Ireland.Mary was a Nurse at the Albany District Hospital. They were goingsteady, but were parted for six months when she went to work inMelbourne. She was there for the 1956 Olympics, returning to Albany tobe Bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding. Pat and Mary married in 1958.Together they had six children, and now have fourteen grand-childrenand one great grand-child. The family will soon be increased by anothertwo grand-children.Pat was the second Mate with Cheynes Beach Whaling Co. Albany.In 1959 came ashore and commenced at Thomas Borthwick and SonsAlbany Meat Works. Steady promotions saw him as Shipping Managerthen on to Works Manager, the position he held for 9 years beforetransferring to Perth to work for Westfarmers Meatworks at Linley Valley.The year 1978 saw him back at sea. This time in the Oil Explorationindustry. After serving one year as First Mate he became Ship’s Captain.He remained in this industry until 1996, retiring at age 65...Milestones: 1991 saw him become a Convert. A regular churchgoer formany, many, years, family and friends assumed that he was Catholicall along. He joined the Catenian Association about 1998 and wasPresident Darling Range 2006 / 2007 He and Mary attended the CatenianCentenerary 2008 in Manchester. U.K. Whilst in Albany he was akeen yachtsman and successfully raced Sharpies, Soling and built andraced his own Attunga Class 2008. Catamaran. Mary and Pat renewedtheir wedding vows at their 40 th Anniversary and celebrated their 50 thAnniversary recently…. Still going strong…Arranged by Bro John Van BeekANOTHER BRIGHT IDEAThis is a notice that appears in the Mandurah Parish Bulletin nowand again, courtesy of Bro. Kevin Hefron. Perhaps other circlesmight give this a try…C OF MANDURAH Circle TAKE A BOW ESPECIALLYBRO. KEVIN HEFRON AND TEAM, FOR SUPPORTINGOUR YOUTHNOTICE TO CIRCLE PRESIDENTSMay I prevail on you Bros. President, to appoint an official circle scribe ( some already have one) to ensure that your circle getsits fair share of space in Western Link…Please have your Secretary E mail me and advise the name of our choice…I will be mostgrateful….Brendan McGurk Editor2 October 2009 Western Link

EDITORIALIt is a great worry to me as a long standing member of theCatenian Association and I am sure it is, to many conscientiousCatenians that we seem to have lost our way, especially amongmany rank and file members. Many seem to have got into thehabit of going along to circle meetings to enjoy a bit of a chatand a good meal then do not give it any thought until the nextoccasion. They never offer to get involved in advancing theAssociation by volunteering to take up a Council office, attendingsocial functions (apart from an occasional ladies’ night) visitingbrothers in difficulty or need, or just to give their company toanother brother who may be old, ill or lonelyIt is a spiritually based Body and it calls for sacrifice and effort ifit is to be relevant in the communityWe promised to do these things when we were inducted, but weseem to have departed from such important matters of principle.As a result we are growing old and not replacing our memberswith men who can carry on the proud tradition that has beenestablished over 30 years in Province 20 and over 100 yearsoverall.It is apparent that many members have taken office in the pastand feel they ‘have done their bit’. Under normal circumstancesthis would be OK, but now that we have at least 3 circles in direneed of support and action, if they are to survive as part of theAssociation then steps have to be taken NOW to save such aparlous situation. We have many past Provincial Presidents andCouncilors who are eminently qualified to hold circle officeagain.We have a number of numerically strong circles, but theabovementioned negatives still prevail.It is said that ‘When the going gets tough- the tough get going’and it is now that we need some of those brothers who have agenuine love of the Catenian Association and have the will todo something that will rectify the position. Such brothers wouldneed to become joint members of the weaker circles and includedis our mother circle; the City of Perth in that mix, to take officeand set out to increase numbers and bring them up to a reasonablestrength.If this is not taken up, then it is only a matter of time when ourorganization will become irrelevant and what a great shame,albeit a crime, that would be.Is it too much to ask? I do not think so! It can be done if we havemen who will step up and be counted…we have had them in thepast, and there is no reason why we cannot have them for thefuture.Prov. President David Boyle’s theme this year isMEMBERSHIP...Let us make it happen.WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT ?THE PASSING OF A GOOD FRIEND OF AVON VALLEY CIRCLESheila Kirby is the sister of our deceased Brother Pat Kirby(29/8/97) and as Pat was a single man, she was his “lady” inattending Circle events.On Pat’s death, Sheila who recently turned 86, has been a constantfriend of the Circle, we regarded her as a widow and hence one ofour ladies we care for.I delivered the eulogy at the Requiem, making mention of thefollowing facts:-.Sheila was born Moora 1923, her family coming to Northamin 1926. She was schooled at St Anthony’s and St Josephs inNortham then at 18 yrs entered Holy orders, teaching with StJoseph Nuns at Fremantle, North Fremantle, Beaconsfield,Albany and Mt Barker. After 20 yrs teaching Sheila decided on achange of vocation and went nursing for 5 yrs. Then with othersiblings (she was 1 of 8) all leaving home either for employmentof marriage, Sheila decided in 1965 she was the one to comehome and mind the ageing parents. She obtained a secretarialposition with the S.E.C. (now Western Power) and soon becamethe P.A. to the Regional manager, a position she filled withdistinction and decorum for 16 yrs.Her father died in 1975 aged 84, while her mother lasted until1991 (aged 101). Brother Pat had come home after retiring fromthe Crown Solicitors Dept (Comwlth) in 1987 and assisted withMother’s care, as well as being a founding member of AvonValley Circle (20/2/1988).Pat became ill in 1996 and was hospitalised in 1987 and passedaway in S J of G Hospt. Subiaco ( two weeks after his circleBrother, Laurie McKenzie).It was only in the last 18 months that ill health, arthritis and ailingheart, prevented Sheila attending Circle and Province functions.She was an ardent fan of the English visiting party events andannual Prov. Mass/Lunch at O’Neills, Henley Brook.She was a guardian angel, a truly compassionate person, aninspiration to us and ever enthusiastic supporter of Catenianbrotherhood.She prayed secretly for the recovery of health of children andothers, including me, which was only revealed after the recoverywas affected. Children and pets have been named after her bypeople so affected.Sadly Sheila suffered a mini stroke/heart attack on Boxing Day2008 and was admitted to RPH for 2 weeks then transferred to anursing home in Northam on 8 January where she passed away,after another stroke, on Saturday 30 May.Farewell ‘Sister’ you will always be remembered….RIPBRIAN WEBB, SECTY AVON VALLEY(Bro Pat Kirby donated the cost of the Parish hall inNortham, used by the local Catenian brothers for meetingsand functions. Editor)CARPET COURT12 Elliott Street, MidvaleFor all floor coverings, contact Rocco andintroduce yourself as a CatenianTel: 9274 2323Member Swan ValleyOctober 2009 Western Link 3

VALE BRO. THOMAS JOHN HADFIED1916 - 2009As presented at his Funeral Mass, by his sonSimon:-Dad had a favourite expression he used when he wastalking about friends who he thought were tough.He used to say they were tougher than goats’ knees.Well, he left them all in the shade, didn’t he? Most ofthose tough guys didn’t come close to the 93 years heachieved, and that was despite a bad heart attack whenhe was 64.Dad was born in Leonora on April 30, 1916. His motherdecided his name should be Jeremiah but his father washaving none of it and went and registered him as ThomasJohn. Undeterred his mother called him Jeremiah anywayand that’s why his family name was always Jerry.He was the oldest of five sons and one daughter who diedsoon after birth. His younger brothers have all died before him.His father Herbert was one of 20 children, by two wives, who grew up ona dairy farm at Wallan in Victoria. As a young man he came to Leonora tohelp his uncle run the Leonora dairy which had been started in 1904.Dad grew up working on the dairy, which was actually a 200,000 acrestation next to the town, helping with the stock work on horseback anddeveloped a life long hatred of cows. He always said the only good cowwas a dead cow.However, his father was also the president of the Leonora Racing Club,and Dad developed not only a love for horses but also for having a bet.For those who might wonder why anyone would run a dairy in Leonorayou have to remember that it was once a town of 25,000 and had WA’s firsttram service…from Leonora to Gwalia. The dairy ran five delivery cartsand the cows were milked by hand twice a day. It was quite a successfulbusiness. Refrigeration was new and expensive and it was cheaper to bringin hay on the train than to try and keep milk refrigerated.Dad attended the Leonora convent where the nuns tried to teach him theviolin despite him being totally tone deaf and he then won a scholarshipto the Eastern Goldfields High School. His main focus seemed to be sportrather than study and he excelled at it. He was a fine athlete, cricketer andfootballer and also played tennis and badminton.He always boasted that he had an average of more than 100 runs in hisfinal year at the high school, something we children always took with apinch of salt, because as my children will agree, fathers are inclined toexaggerate.A few years ago an old school friend gave him some school annuals fromhis time at the high school and he was able to produce concrete evidenceof his 100 plus average.After finishing high school he returned to Leonora and started learningbookkeeping at the local general store. He then drove the mail deliverytruck to all the stations in the district before taking a job at the Sons ofGwalia mine, firstly in the battery and then the gold room, where the goldwas poured.Then a young school teacher Jean Hopwood arrived in town. She was afarmer’s daughter from Bencubbin, she was also a Catholic and they weremarried in 1941.Soon after that Dad joined the Royal Australian Air Force and went toGeraldton to train as a pilot. It was there he met Jim Macartney, who wasto have a profound influence on his life after the war. Jim had been editorof the Daily News before the War. They served in several units togetheras pilots before Jim went on active service on Catalinas and Dad went toLiberator bombers.Dad flew 64 operations against the enemy including a tour of duty with24 Squadron, a famous Liberator bomber squadron which was the secondAustralian squadron to be sent to the Pacific theatre.The squadron, which was based on the island of Morotai, saw a lot ofaction and suffered a huge loss of life. Of 132 air crew in the squadron 79were killed. In the article I found this week he wrote about that time, andI quote again:“We suffered very heavy losses, but luckily I survived.“We never needed any urging to go to daily Mass. When you go out threeor four times a week, never knowing if you are comingback, you soon know who your best friend is. They saythere were very few atheists in the air force.”By this time Dad had been promoted to the rank of FlightLieutenant.Not long before the end of the war he was sent to theUS to begin ferrying new aircraft to Australia and whilehe was there the war ended. He spent some weeks inCalifornia and was feted by the locals, as were all theAustralians.He had many pictures of himself out to dinner withactors and actresses in Hollywood and played in severalcelebrity cricket matches.He left the Air Force on the day I was born in August1946.During the time spent with Jim Macartney during the war they held longtalks about the possibilities of dropping newspapers from low-flyingaircraft so that readers in most parts of the State could have the latest newswithin a few hours of the papers being printed.Jim Macartney envisaged the establishment of an air transport companywhich would engage in commercial flying as well as delivering papers.The directors of the day were not impressed with that idea, but JimMacartney, now back in charge of the Daily News, decided to go aheadwith the scheme anyway, under the direction of Dad.Papers were dropped in specially marked paddocks near country towns,then picked up by the news agents.The scheme worked well for a few months but costs became too high andeventually deliveries reverted to fast road transport.So Jim appointed Dad as a sports writer with the Daily News, coveringmainly cricket and football. He went on to enjoy a 34 year career as ajournalist, becoming Sports Editor of the Daily News, Editor of SportsReview and finally Features Manager of WA Newspapers.As a man who loved sport it was a dream come true and he loved his jobalways.At WA Newspapers he was always a popular figure who had the knack ofgetting on with everyone.One little known fact was that Dad had been taught to talk in sign by a deafchildhood friend. The West had employed some deaf guys to work in thecomposing room and he could communicate with them very well.While getting on with his newspaper career Tom and Jean raised a family.Brother John was born in 1942 followed by me, then Jane and finallyMary. They bought a home in Claremont in 1958 struggled to pay the billslike everyone else and gave us a wonderful upbringing.Dad started early in the morning with the Daily News and finished earlyand was often home when we got home from school. One of my happiestmemories is our daily trips to the beach in the summer after school withDad.He had a rare skill which always fascinated we children of being able towalk on his hands.Like most in that era Dad was a do it yourself home renovator but withoutthe luxury of modern electrical tools. He achieved much with a hammer,a screwdriver, a saw and a brace and bit. He decided at one stage to puta concrete verandah on the back of our home in Bernard Street. Trucksbegan turning up with huge loads of sand and blue metal and it turned outhe had got his cubic measurements mixed up and ordered three times amuch as was required. Undeterred he decided to use the lot anyway andmade a verandah that put the Roman roads to shame. We all pitied the poordevil who eventually, had to remove that massive structure…..He and mother had what I would call a feisty relationship. They spent 42happy years together before Mum died in 1983 and he loved her dearly.Mum and Dad had one stroke of luck after we had grown up and left home.Opposite our home in Bernard Street there lived an elderly couple Mr andMrs Bromilow. They taught bridge.As they got older Dad used to take them shopping in his car. Finally webreathed a sigh of relief when she moved to the Hollywood RetirementVillage after Mr Bromilow's death.Contd. Page 15…4 October 2009 Western Link

ROSARYBEADSAPPEALSome months ago Rev Deacon Bro.Tony Cunningham of BracknellForrest No 318 – Prov 8 ( U.K.)asked the Association for rosarybeads, to be distributed in theNorthern Territory Diocese, formainly aboriginal children and adults. He has had an overwhelmingresponse from both the Australian provinces and from the U.K.under the direction of the Catenian rosary Group Officienado, BroMichael Blackburn. Bro. Tony has asked me to express his greatappreciation to each and every brother who has supported hisrequest. He has now sufficient for the present. The recipients ofthe Rosary Beads are thrilled with their new gift. He has previouslystated that the spirituality of these folk is a lesson to all of us.I am sure we would all join in thanking Bro Tony for giving us theopportunity to support his great work of charity to our aboriginalbrothers and sisters in what can only be described as ‘A land ofdrought and flooding rains’. We congratulate him for his dedicationin following in the footsteps of our Lord.Rosaries still being received will be sent to Bro Michael Blackburnfor on forwarding to Zimbabwe, where there is a great need forOur Lady’s help. Parcels of children’s rosary beads and others, arealready on their way.If you haven’t contributed yet, there is still time.ROSARY BEADS FOR N.T. APPEALTHE END RESULT.The Appeal made by U.K. Catenian Brother Deacon TonyCunningham working in the N.T. was a resounding success,thanks to a big response from the U.K. and from Province 21Eastern Australia. Also from the following brothers in Province20 circles:-C of Mandurah. Max Gardiner, B. McGurkBouvard. John PannellComo. Sylvester Lane, Bill Staude, Pat PikeDianella. Peter Kora, Bob BurnsC of Perth. Reg Hill, Kevin Rosam, Gerry Barnard.Between them the abovementioned resulted in over 200 prsbeing sent to the N.T. and Zimbabwe and put to good use.The appeal was advertised in Western Link Vol2. NO 4Bro Tony advises that he has a sufficient supply for thepresent. There are still some beads to be sent and it has beensuggested that these be sent to Zimbabwe for distribution.They will be posted to Bro Michael Blackburn to be handedto visiting Zimbabwein Catenians, to save the heavy postagecosts.A parcel has already been dispatched from Prov.20 Brothers.If anybody other than the abovementioned, would like to makea contribution, please send beads or Cash to B.McGurk, 32Panamuna Drive Falcon 6210WE URGENTLY NEED MOREADVERTISERS IN WESTERN LINKWill Circle Secretaries make an appeal to circle brothers toimprove their business by a $50 Advert in Western Link.BROTHERS ARE REQUESTED and URGED TO SUPPORTOUR ADVERTISERS…. Ring Bro Jim Schelfhout…9274 4934…PLEASE ACT NOW!!Jeff and Grace Lazaroo with 2 lovely daughtersC. OF MANDURAH CIRCLE STRIKES IT RICH…AS THEY WELCOME A NEW MEMBERThe Lazaroos first arrived in Australia on 28 January 2008. Priorto that, Jeffrey was working as a sales consultant while Gracewas a school principal in Singapore. After a couple of years ofdeliberating, they finally decided to make that major move toAustralia. Jeffrey and Grace wanted their daughters, Therese andMicaela, to grow up in a less stressful environment. Accordingto Jeff, “Singapore is such a “rat-race country, nowdays”. Lifeis stressful and that’s not the lifestyle that we want to have forour kids.” The couple also wanted a good place where they canretire in old age.They have resided in Mandurah since their arrival and are veryhappy to live here. There have been no regrets and the familyis looking forward to the day when they attain their Australiancitizenship. Currently, Grace is teaching at Assumption CatholicPrimary School where the kids are also enrolled there. Jeffreyhas decided to have an early retirement and enjoys going fishingor helping out in the school where necessary. In Singapore Jeffworked as a Sales Manager for a local company that dealt in fibreoptics engineering parts .WELCOME ABOARD ..WE WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ATHOME.Meet Bro Brian EnsellBro Brian is a new member of Fremantle circle. He is aSales Manager and is married to Wendy.Welcome aboard Brian. May your membership be long andrewarding. The circle has great need of your services.October 2009 Western Link 5

6 October 2009 Western Link

City of Perth CircleBusselton WeekendOn Friday 22 May 2009, 20 Brothers and wives left Perthin high winds, consistent rain and cold temperatures, fora weekend away together at the Mandalay Caravan Park,Busselton. A roll call was held at 6pm in the cabin of Jim andMary Kenny to ensure that all who said they were comingwere there and also to ensure that we had not acquired anygate crashers. Over beer, wine and nibbles it was agreedthat all were present and correct. The next most importantdecision was “what is for tea?” and it was quickly agreedthat fish and chips was the go. Bro Colin Johnson whippedout the laptop, listed the orders and disappeared to the fishshop. On his return everyone retired to the camp kitchen toeat the f and c from table tops rather than balancing themon knees with the risk of eating from the floor.Saturday morning arrived a little warmer than Friday andwith no rain. A convey left the park, led by Bro Pat Kirwanto visit a number of places of interest in the region. Thefirst stop was the Shearing Shed where a set of ugg bootswas seen to be purchased amongst other woollen products.The party then moved on to the ‘Olive Pit’ for a tastingof locally grown olive oil and olives. The next stop wasmorning tea at the Goanna Gallery and the morning wouldnot have been complete without a stop at Simmo’s IceCream factory for a taste of exotic ice cream flavours.The afternoon was a rest and recovery period before Massat St Josephs in Busselton, followed by dinner at theEsplanade Hotel.Sunday saw President Bro lead the convoy on a tour ofDunsborough, Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay and the CapeNaturaliste Light House. This was an interesting tourin that several “No Through” roads were found andinteresting areas of the towns, not seen by travellers before,were discovered. With the help of navigator Bro Pat, theobjectives of the morning were achieved.Lunch had been arranged at the Saracen Estate winery, anewish winery in the Margaret River area, and it proved tobe very good as was attested by Bro Geoff Cook, with thepig’s knuckle he ordered for lunch. After lunch the variouscars in the party made their own way home through thenumerous vineyards of the Margaret River area.Sunday evening saw everyone gather in the camp kitchenfor a BBQ and a display of cooking skills by a number ofBrothers……..Bob Stidwell.TWO INTERESTING YEARSInteresting Year 19811. Prince Charles got married2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.4. The pope diedInteresting Year 20051. Prince Charles got married2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament4. The pope diedLesson to be learned:The next time Charles gets married, someone warn His HolinessLUNCH AT THE SARACENSI would be worried if I were Joan, with the predatory look givenher lunch, by husband Bro. John Pethick….Hope the ‘chip’ wasto your taste Trish ( wife of Bro P.P. Pres. John Lambe). Lady onthe end probably said ‘about time too!’BUSSELTON WEEK END BY C OF PERTH CIRCLE FOLKBRO. GEOFF COOKE TACKLES THECULPRIT OF THE SWINE FLU…C of Perth Bro.Geoff about to tackle a Pork Knuckle..and a pintof the best…reports are that he did it the justice to which it wasentitled.Two blond girls were working for the city council public worksdepartment.One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind her andThey worked up one side of the street, then down the other, thenmoved on to the next street, working furiously all day withoutAn onlooker was amazed at their hard work, but couldn't understandwhat they were doing. So he asked the hole digger, 'I'mimpressed by the effort you two are putting into your work, butI don't get it …why do you dig a hole, only to have your partnerThe hole digger wiped her brow and sighed, 'Well, I suppose itprobably looks odd because we're normally a three-person team.But today the girl who plants the trees called in sick.'PS The 3rd girl was a brunette.October 2009 Western Link 7

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BROTHERCATENIANSBRO MIKE WOOD IS A MEMBEROF THE C OF MANDURAHCIRCLE. Quoting from the RAAFANewsletter ‘AIRMAIL’ Courtesy BroMike Seeber.Bro. Mike Wood is currently thecircle Membership Officer, althoughonly a relatively new member. HeAnd his wife Penny live in the RAAFAVillage, Meadow Springs, Mandurah..He is a valued memberJUST FOR A LAFF!A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver’slicense. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test.The optician showed him a card with the lettersC Z W I X N O S T A C Z.’‘Can you read this?’ the optician asked.‘Read it?’ the Polish guy replied,…. ‘I know the guy.’ooo0oooMother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them,‘I must tell you all something. ‘We have a case of gonorrhea inthe Convent’.‘Thank God,’ said an elderly nun at the back. ‘I’m so tiredof Chardonay.’It is largely with the help of our advertisersthat we can continue to produce this journal…it is only reasonable that they can expect ourmembers to patronize them when we have aneed for their product or service…you can beassured of a good deal and a good job…GIVE THEM OUR SUPPORTSwiss PrecisionWatch RepairsJ.K. AND E.E. SCHELFHOUT55 ARTHUR STREET, CAVERSHAMPHONE/FAX: (08) 9250 6545Specialising in Repairs ofQuality Watches and ClocksBRO STEPHEN de SZOEKEElder Statesman of Fremantle circle.He rarely misses a meeting and was the Circle President inhis 90s. He has a phenomenal memory and can recall manywartime memories…visit Fremantle circle and sit with him.We are proud of you Bro. StephenPHONED A BROTHER IN DIFFICULTYOR NEED LATELY?IT IS ONLY A LOCAL CALL!GO ON - DO IT NOW.au revoir travel319 Walcott St, Mt Lawley, Western Australia 6050PETER KORAFor the best service and pricePhone: 08 9242 3339 Fax: 08 9242 5773Home: 08 9276 7469 Email:Mobile: 0407 440 597info@au-revoir-travel.com8 October 2009 Western Link

DON’T RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME!!A saint asked his disciples, ‘Why do we shout in anger?Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?‘Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, ‘Becausewe lose our calm, we shout for that.But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?’asked the saint. ‘Isn’t it possible to speak to him or her witha soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when youare angry?Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied thesaint. Finally he explained, ‘When two people are angryat each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover thatdistance they must shout to be able to hear each other. Theangrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to heareach other through that great distance.Then the saint asked, ‘What happens when two peoplefall in love? They don’t shout at each other but talk softly,why? ‘Because their hearts are very close’. ‘The distancebetween them is very small’.. The saint continued, ‘Whenthey love each other even more, what happens? They donot speak, only whisper and they get even closer to eachother in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, theyonly look at each other and that’s all. That is how close twopeople are when they love each other.MORAL:When you argue, do not let your hearts get distant, do notsay words that distance each other more, else there willcome a day when the distance is so great that you will notfind the path to return.PRESENTATION TO AGM HARROGATEBy Bro Director Gerry BartonCity Population CateniansSydney 4,334,000 325Melbourne 3,806,000 114Brisbane 1,857,000 8Perth 1,554,000 378Adelaide 1,158,000Canberra 339,000 62Hobart 207,000Cairns 136,000 24Darwin 117,000Total 911JOONDALUP JOTTINGSBy Bro John MonkhouseBrothers who have been on Joondalup Circle’s sick listhave included Bros. Nick Spadaccini, Dennis Reid and RolfBank. All have had a spell in hospital but are all now on theroad to recovery. Bro Rolf not to be outdone went back fora minor correction at the end of July, some said it was toimprove his golf swing but only time will tell.Two Brothers that have been taken away from Joondalupfor long periods but were able to join fellow Brothers for theJuly meeting was Bros. Rod Stokes who is working in theNorth -west and Malcolm Vivian who been on assignmentwith Alcoa in Brazil doing 12 weeks on 4 weeks off.Malcolm returns to Brazil in early August. Other Brothers onthe move are Jim Doherty enjoying the delights of Broome,John Frost doing a 21 day cruise through S-E Asia, PeterRoss recently returned from an extended trip to Kununurra,Gene Vance had a few weeks in Queensland recently.No wonder our dinner attendance figures have taken abattering.CARAVANNING A small group made the Anzac longweekend trip to Bunbury. Led by our most experiencedtour leader Jim Doherty a great weekend was had by thoseattending, so much so that all stayed on for an extra day.A social night is to be held in late August to plan our Springcalendar of trips. Please watch this space.MILESTONE Thursday the 9th July was the reason for aLadies night and more importantly to have The ProvincialPresident David Boyle and his wife Maree and Presidentof our Founding Circle Liwara, Bro. Kevin McKersey andhis wife Elizabeth in attendance for the celebration of our50th meeting. Circle President Pat Winton was recognizedin his roll as being our fifth President but more importantlybeing our first ‘ home grown ‘ President for Joondalup.Congratulations Pat, keep up the good work.CATENIAN MEMORY JOLTS.When was the last time you attended a Socialoccasion?When was the last time you visited another circle?When was the last time you paid a visit to a brotherCatenian who is sick or perhaps aged, or lonely...oreven phoned?(Bro Phil Zeid Welfare Officer of the C of Perthcircle has done so frequently)GO ON GIVE IT A GOPRAYER APPEALBrothers are specially asked to offer frequent prayers for thereturn to good health of Carmel Clare, wife of Bro Bill (C ofMandurah) and mother of Bro John (D.Range) She has beenbattling against the odds for a long period and is convinced thatPrayers are keeping her going towards a positive result. Ask theHoly Spirit to grant her Streams of grace to bolster her Positiveattitude, which is simply amazing.PLEASE DO IT NOWWHILE YOU ARE AT IT…Please pray for Bro Vince Debono of the Swan Valley/ Bouvardcircles and his family that God may comfort them in the sad lossof the lovely Lana…She also fought the good fight for a longperiod and it is a huge wrench to all the Debono family to lose awife and mother of such quality.and at a relatively early age.May God comfort them and have them celebrate her life for theloving impressions she has left in theirs and our hearts.PLEASE DO IT NOWOctober 2009 Western Link 9

OUT AND ABOUTLIKE JOHHNY WALKER..’STILL GOING STRONG’Both Bro. Frank and Nina have had a lot of health problems,but still seem to make many of the C of Perth circle socialevents. They are still positively ‘fighting on’ and if theirbright and cheery dispositions are any indication, they willattend many more.They are a very popular couple in the C of Perth circle.GOOD ON YER, YOU TWO!!VISITING BROTHERSBros Kevin Hefron ( Driver) Max Gardiner, Mike Seeberand Brendan McGurk of the C of Mandurah circlebraved the stormy weather to visit Fremantle circle inMay. MC Bro Dick Finucane assisted by that ‘Rock’ ofFremantle Bro Leo Croll, made it a fun night, Goundreywine includedPictured are Bros. Peter Golding, Kevin Hefron andEvergreen Joe CoffeyCATENIANS IN ACTIONBro Kevin Hefron of the C.of Mandurah circle put the Associationin the public area recently, by organizing ‘THE AUSTRALIAN BIGGESTMORNING TEA’ after Our Lady’s Assumption Parish Mass, on behalf ofthe Cancer Council’s Appeal. The cost of operations was borne by thecircle and $572 was raised for this worthy Body.Members representing the Association were Paul Bezic, Alan Grey,Jeff Lazaroo, Bro Deacon Frank Nieman, John O’Neil, and WinstonRennick. Those responsible for preparing and serving were Bros. TedHerrington, Neville Carroll, David Best, Don Boswood, Mick Brown,Chas. Fitzgerald, Wayne……( OPPOSITE)..BOUVARD CIRCLE MASS INITIATIVEPerhaps this idea may be taken up by other circles.Wright and Kevin himself. Special mention ismade of the help given by active parishioner Lizvan Doren.Kevin is a most energetic Catenian and is anexample to many of us for the effort he puts in,on behalf of the Association.WELL DONE BRO KEVIN and THE BROTHERSOF THE CITY OF MANDURAH CIRCLE.10 October 2009 Western Link

THE COMO CIRCLECOLLECTIONSUPPORTING THE PROV PRES’.MEMBERSHIP DRIVE.At Como Circle we are augmenting a vigorousrecruiting campaign with an expanded andenlivened social calendar.This year for the first time in quite a while, we havearranged to have a quality speaker at our dinnerson a bi- monthly basis. This is to value add to ourusually jovial gatherings.In the last Catenian year we began social lunchesat our meeting place at the Air Force Associationin Bull Creek. These informal gatherings allowbrothers to speak out of turn, and without standingup !The lunches are becoming a standard event,and we are hoping they continue into the comingfuture.Last year we inaugurated a wine and cheeseafternoon at the home of Past President Syl Laneoverlooking the Swan River. A good time was hadby the nearly thirty brothers and their wives, andinto the bargain we received a little instruction onhow to recognize a good drop. We are hoping thatthis event perhaps rotating among the homes ofdifferent Brothers becomes an annual event.Additionally, Brother Bill Staude (THE Cyclist) haskindly re- launched his barbeque afternoon athis farm up York way after an absence of someyears.Add to these items the entertainment, generally ofa musical variety, that Como organize on a fairlyregular basis for the ladies awaiting the Brothersat Ladies nights, and you can see that we aretrying not just to gain new members, but to holdon to them.On the membership front, we are trying toincrease our profile within the parishes. BrotherSyl Lane and I spoke at Pater Noster Parishin Myaree on Sunday the 2nd, the first timein living history that I think we have done this.Our reception was positive and I am hoping toenhance our recognition within this Parish. We aretargeting other Parishes within our region with theassistance of our membership Committee. Again,we are keen to lift our profile in the area.I recently spoke at the President’s Mass atSt. Joseph Pignatelli, and Brother Syl Lane isfollowing up several interested men.At our August meeting we welcomed two newBrothers in Mark Lee and Andy Bryceland, andhope to see others join our happy band in theforeseeable future.We are keen to maintain our links with the past.Brother Peter Cox has undertaken to alert thewives of deceased Brothers of upcoming eventsso that our traditions are maintained.So, we are looking forward to a bright andhappy future at Como Circle, with the driveand enthusiasm of new Brothers joining thestability and friendship of our more establishedmembers.”Paul Trainor, President, Como 303.Hearty congrats on this resurrection of Comocircle. It is a lesson for us all. EditorINTREPID COMO CATENIANCYCLIST...PAR EXCELLENCE...DOES IT AGAIN.Bro Bill Staude who is Prov 20s most consistent long distance cyclist hasrecently completed the Darwin – Broome Marathon and was well up with theleaders at the end.He did the ride for the Charity mentioned, and this picture is his Thank You toBro Sylvester Lane of Como Circle for his sponsorship.Bro Bill is well into his 70s but like Johnny Walker…’is still going strong’HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN BILL.HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING THE CATENIANROSARY GROUP...1 DECADE A DAY….OVER 1000MEMBERS AND GROWING.RING BRENDAN MCGURK 9534 3094Gain a heap of grace from OL...guaranteedOctober 2009 Western Link 11

GRAND PRESIDENT JOE Mc NALLY’S CONFERENCE ADDRESSHarrogate Conference 2009 (slightly abridged)After thanking past G. C members and welcoming the new, he wenton as follows:-In his inaugural address the Grand President is asked to look beyondcontemporary horizons and offer some vision of the future. The foundermembers of the Association, or its members in the aftermath of the WorldWars, would have found it difficult to predict that today we are a thrivingBrotherhood with a membership which transcends the globe as well asboth class and race. Our Association has much to be proud of.The international expansion of the Association has undoubtedly beenaided by substantial changes in travel and communications but thereis no escaping the fact that the enlarged geographical footprint of theAssociation has stretched its administration.It appears that the favourable economic conditions which haverevolutionised international travel and communications will not prevailin the foreseeable future. In the light, therefore, of current financialdifficulties and the ‘green’ imperative, we should not perhaps plan for thefuture based on the status quo but instead look for change. It is the same forthe structure of the Association: as we grow and develop we must ensurethat our governance and administrative structures can embrace changerather than be overwhelmed by it.I stress that I am concerned with the administration and governance of theAssociation, not its ethos. In that regard the foundation of the Associationupon Circles of Brothers cannot be improved upon; it is a foundationwhich we must be anxious to maintain. We must be resolute in improvingour administrative structure whilst simultaneously being determined not tolose the essence of our Brotherhood and that which sustains it.This is undoubtedly a challenge but in responding to it we must notbecome overawed by the apparent complexity of the problems we face. Itis true that many of the technological facets of our life have changed overthe years. However, it appears to me that many of the ‘core’ difficultieswe face remain in essence the same as those faced over 100 years ago bythe Chums. Then the founding of our Association was part of a Catholicresponse within society. It remains so now.In the introduction to his centenary history of the Association, BrotherJames Hagerty describes the foundation of the Association as growingout of: “the lingering anti-Catholic bigotry within contemporary BritishSociety which discriminated against them and prevented them fromjoining organizations open to men of similar economic interests andsocial status”... The Association was therefore born into an environmentwhere, despite the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, the majority of those whowere members of the Roman Catholic Church were still less than equalwithin society - nor were they trusted within it. With the exception of afew noble Catholic families who were within the ‘establishment’, evenin 1908 Roman Catholics generally remained at a disadvantage whenseeking to serve in positions of civil authority or high office, and some ofthese restrictions remain to this day. The hostility of English society to theChurch was apt to exclude Catholics from full participation.The Association, as a partial response to this, was based on simple preceptswhich have stood the test of time. Although its core values were not settledin a day, it became clear that the Association had two important principlesbehind it:First, the foundation of the Association upon Circles of men in bond as‘Brothers’ subject to their civil and moral obligations which should notbe subverted by their membership of the Association or their pledge toit; andSecondly, that the Association was an independent Association of Catholiclaymen. They were professional and were free to have their own interests(including other Catholic activities) but these were outside of the nonpoliticalAssociation.It followed that by adherence to these principles those who joined theAssociation would not be prevented from serving in civic office ormoving within the establishment. No Catenian could be stigmatised by thesuggestion that their promise as a Catenian Brother would compromisethem in the discharge of any office. The Brotherhood of the Associationwas none the less vital for that. In my view, it is not without significancethat this approach promotes strength through unity, rather than division;after all a Circle of equals is created to promote Brotherhood, notdivision.These ideals found firm expression in our ethos and Rules. They explainwhy we have not sought or maintained any institutionalised political orcharitable objectives as an Association. Seen in its proper context, thisis not weakness but strength. Why? For the individual, it ensures thatno Brother joining the Association is beholden to any other because noBrother can pledge his position. Where a Brother seeks to support a worthycause, he does so personally - his Brothers may support him if they wishbut are not obliged to do so simply because of our Brotherhood.There is a wider significance to this. The simplicity of the Association’smodel ensures that it is not in competition ideologically or territorially withany other organisations. We can complement all and detract from none.Undertaking political argument is the function of political activism. Thiswas deliberately kept out of the Association and left to organisationscommitted to that type of enterprise. Our Association remains diverse andrelevant without the need to re-invent itself. We should jealously guardthis position. We know that for some this is not enough. We are all awarethat there are Brothers who say we should become a Catholic Action Groupand as an Association we should become collectively politically involved.This argument generally proceeds on the premise that the prospect ofan increasingly secular society means that we can no longer afford theluxury of being a non-political Association. It implies that changingcircumstances in turn require the Association to change. I am not confidentthat this is so.It may be useful to first of all reflect that at the time of our formationin 1908, secularism was a major concern to the Church and indeed hadbeen for some considerable time. Within ‘Catholic Europe’ as opposed to‘Protestant England’, the French had, about 120 years earlier establisheda secular state. This meant that through the years which followed theChurch was purged of direct control or influence upon secular institutions.Whether the Church and the state could or should ‘co-exist’ was very muchin issue. The perceived disloyalty of practising Catholics by reason oftheir loyalty to their Church was ground for entrenching a position whichexcluded them and their Church from the fabric of society. Our Church(not without difficulty) eventually declared it would accept the politicalstatus quo and would thereafter work within the civil structures to achieveits aims. Co-existence would be dependent on individual Catholics activeparticipation within the structures of the State as a Catholic citizen. In1892 the Pope called on Catholics to take up positions in public life inorder to achieve this. Catholic values and morality would thus be broughtforward by the participation of the practising laity as citizens (or subjects)not merely by ecclesiastical pronouncement. In other words, the Popeemphasised that the duty of a Catholic was to live in day-to-day life as ifhe or she was the only Bible that some people would ever read.It is instructive to reflect on how that papal exhortation was translated andimplemented some sixteen years later by Bishop Casartelli in the formationof the Chums Benevolent Association. Unusually for the time, he guided agroup of Catholic men and deliberately encouraged them to meet as laymenwithout the interference of the clergy. They were, therefore, attached to theChurch through affiliation but independent of clerical control. In short,the Association thus formed was institutionally and strategically placed tooperate in an increasingly secular state. It had episcopal affirmation for itsnoble and honourable aims.As we have seen in the United Kingdom at least, our forbears steppedforth into no less challenging a world than we inhabit today. The moralchallenge of being proudly Catholic was perhaps more difficult ina world set openly against the Church, rather than in a world whichprofesses indifference to it. O’Donnell need not have been concernedthat the Association would be disadvantaged by its formal separation fromclerical control. The Catholicity of the Association was established by therequirement for Membership of being a proud and practising member ofthe Roman Catholic Church. This was and is a fundamental requirementbefore membership and one upon which I, for one, would broker nocompromise. The men who joined the Chums and then the Catenians didnot do so to become Catholic, they were Catholic already. The Associationwas a brotherhood of professional men who were Catholic, not a bodyof Professional Catholics. It was from this start that the Association wasformed and flourished. Now, as then, the …Association’s vitality and itsstrength are to be found in its Circles – contd..nowhere else. They were not found wanting. Thus it is that the lesson ofour history would seem to tell us that we have suffered no disadvantage as12 October 2009 Western Link

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS AT PROV 20 AGM MARCH 2009First of all I would like to sincerely thankour immediate past president Brother PatMcManus for the support and guidancehe gave me during my term as ProvincialVice President. I am still working and Patgraciously helped with a lot of detailedwork behind the scenes, particularly inorganising events connected with the visitof Grand President David Taylor and hisparty. Brother Pat has promised ongoingsupport which I welcome and will call onthroughout the year.Brother Pat has always been available forall Provincial Councillors, meetings havebeen well run and he certainly has beenout there visiting the circles.The proposed 10 pound capitation hikewas a catalyst for Province 20 to wake upand take a more active role in its destiny.This province submitted a paper to GrandCouncil highlighting a range of issues thathad caused heartaches to our brothers overthe years. We also asked a range of relevantquestions and made a series of proposalsin the paper. I will say the Grand Treasurergraciously and promptly replied with his personal views before theGrand Council meeting. Some issues lapsed with the defeat of thecapitation fee increase, and we will be pursuing other issues.Province 20 has an active Strategy Committee chaired by BrotherPat McManus and we have already held 2 meetings this year. Ourbrothers on the east coast do not have a committee, so we arekeeping them informed of our deliberations. We want Australia tomove ahead together in a cohesive manner and we understand GrandCouncil is waiting for this to happen. The Strategy Committeewill make proposals on the world body presently known as GrandCouncil, regions and/or national bodies, provinces or areas, circles,and a range of other matters. We are presently working on a ‘topdown’ approach on what matters would be dealt with or rulingsgiven by the world body and by the regional and/or national body.The structure of these bodies is also relevant so that they canfunction properly and allow the circles throughout the world tofunction properly while retaining the core of Catenianism.I would also like to thank our Director Brother Gerry Barton for hisenthusiasm, comments and guidance over the past year as I came upto a degree of speed on provincial council.P. Grand President David Taylor and others have made it clearthat the main job or goal of Provincial Council is recruitment andretaining present membership. Therefore this will be a major themefor this year at province and circle level. Provincial Councillors areautomatically on the membership committees of their respectivecircles and they will be taking an active interest in recruitment andretention. At each Provincial Council meeting they will be reportingon the steps being taken by their respective circles to actively recruitnew members.14 October 2009 Western LinkBro. PP David BoyleHIS THEME FOR 2009-2010 ISMEMBERSHIPBrother John Monkhouse is ourMembership and Expansion Officer.Brother John will continue his veryvaluable work in expanding ourbrotherhood into new circles in the southwest such as in the Bunbury diocese, andalso into South Australia. He will alsoadvise the circles as they carry out theirrecruitment campaigns. In recruiting,we cannot say Brother John is theMembership, and Expansion Officer andI wonder what’s happening on that front.However, Brother John and ProvincialCouncillors will certainly be interestedin what circles are doing and will beable to give them any help or advice tomake recruiting more effective.In saying this we aim to email circlecouncils with tips and guidelines onrecruiting. I was one of the new membersresulting from an active recruitingcampaign by Liwara. Before that Iwondered where the region of Cateniawas in Italy where these Catenians camefrom.As we look at our own circles it is obvious that our life bloodis new members, including new members of a younger age.Quite a number of active Catholic men and also some priestshave never heard of the Catenians. We need to let people knowwho we are before they can make a decision to join us. We loveour brotherhood and we need to share this opportunity to joinwith others. We need to at least give all eligible Catholics theright to say no. They cannot do this unless they are asked. A nogiven now can change to a yes in the future as people’s personalcircumstances or mindsets change. An answer of no is not apersonal slight on any of us as individuals. We have given themthe opportunity to look at our brotherhood and join if they wish.Brothers and Circle Councils, I ask you for your active supportin spreading the knowledge about our brotherhood through theparishes, and increasing the number of brothers in our circles.Visiting other circles, seeing how they do things, meeting newfriends and sharing a meal with them is part of our brotherhood.I ask circle presidents to visit all or most circles as part of theiractive participation in this position. In doing so, I respectfullyremind circles of the convention of paying for the meal of avisiting president for his first visit for the year to your circle.Please jump in early, be watchful and do not let the visitingpresident pull out his money. I also ask visiting presidents to takealong 1 or 2 of his circle members if at all possible.Brothers I look forward to this year as your Provincial President.I look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting newfriends at your circles.David Boyle

REQUIESCAT IN PACEIt is with much sorrow and regret that we report the passing of LANA DEBONO,wife of Bro Vince of Swan Valley and Bouvard circles.Lana has been very ill for a long time and many Catenian and other prayershave been offered for her recovery. She was a bright and vibrant person andwill be sadly missed at Catenian functions.Our prayers go out to Vince and his family. Provincial President David Boyleand all Prov 20 Catenians offer their deepest sympathy to our popular BroVince. She is at last beyond her earthly suffering and in the arms of her belovedLord Jesus Christ. She was only 56 years of age. A huge crowd attended herfuneral Mass, many of which were Catenian Brothers and wives.Rest in Peace Dear Lana.A BOUVARD BRIEFINGNIGHT OUT AT GLOUCESTER PARK.Although marred by our current and continuing inclement weatherthose Members who braved the conditions had an enjoyabledinner and night out at the trots at Gloucester Park on Friday26 June’09.Not everyone came away winners however the moreastute punters and avid form guide followers were rewarded fortheir perseverance and knowledge, while others relied on the oldtried and failed “hat pin” selection process. The results speak forthemselves.CELEBRATING OUR 50th CIRCLE MEETINGA very special welcome was extended to all visiting Brotherswho joined Members of Bouvard Circle in celebrating their 50thAnniversary and Circle Meeting on Tuesday 21 July’09 at ‘CaféCoast.’ Special thanks were given to the “Founding Fathers”of the Circle who put so much effort into getting the Circleestablished. It was particularly appropriate so many Membersfrom City of Mandurah Circle were present on the evening. Ifit was not for the effort and support by those “Parent” Membersfrom that Circle in promoting and assisting in the establishmentof Bouvard Circle it would not be the success it is today.It would be remiss not to make special mention of the herculeanguidance and direction given by the inaugural “Founding Father”and President, Brother Fred Miltrup over those vital initial yearsand which continues to today.Congratulations Brother Fred and all those new Members whohave since joined Bouvard Circle.John StarcevichCHRISTMAS IN JULY...BOUVARD OUTINGAbout 30 Brothers and ladies and some visitors enjoyed alovely luncheon at Café Coast ( Bouvard’s meeting venue) Itwas in the Christmas Theme and most enjoyable.PIctured : L. to R. Circle Pres. David Farrell, Rev Fr. LeonRussell the very popular P. Priest of Dawesville Parish, withPhilomena Farrell. Bro Fred Miltrup Founder President justgot his head in the picture. A good time was had by all.Vale Tom Hadfield ….From Page 4But no such luck. Dad and sometimes we children still had to pick her upand take her shopping. Finally she died and we were all very sad, but wedidn’t miss the chore.A few months later Mum and Dad got a letter from a solicitor and MrsBromilow had left them some shares. They were mainly nickel shares and itwas the middle of the nickel boom in the late sixties. It enabled them to goon a few trips to Europe and enjoy their final years together.Throughout his life Dad maintained his involvement with the CatholicChurch. He was a member of the Catholic Organizations the Knights of theSouthern Cross, for 56 years, and the Catenian Association, and became atacolyte in this church.Dad had a big heart attack in 1979 and retired the next year at the age of 64.He continued to work part-time as a sub-editor firstly at the Western Mailand then at Community Newspapers.I worked with him and for the first time I realized he was really good atwhat he did.By then he had moved to a unit in Richardson Avenue in Claremont and afterhe finally pulled the pin on work in his early seventies he continued to livethere by himself until his late eighties.My sister Jane took over from Mum as the woman in his life after shedied and looked after him magnificently in his final years. They had a veryspecial relationship and we were all grateful to Jane for giving Dad so muchtime and care.The last four years he spent in Koh I Noor Nursing Home where I have tosay he was looked after very well and we’re very grateful to the fine staffthere.I saw in the death notice from the Catenians that they described Dad as acharming man and I guess I would have to agree with that. He was charmingand never lost his sense of humour right up to the very end of his life.Mind you Dad wasn’t perfect…. He voted Labor all his life!!But he was a tolerant man and a man of principle and we are going to misshis wise counsel.I’m sure we are all much richer for the experience of having known andloved Tom Hadfield.(Bro Tom was also a much loved member of the City of Perth circleand regularly attended meetings until ill health caught up with him. .BroPhil Zeid was a regular visitor whilst he was in his Nursing home. Manyof his other Catenian Brothers also visited him.He was on the inaugural Committee involved in setting up the publicationof Western Link and helped produce the first issue in company with Bro.Derrick Flynn (deceased) and self. He will be long remembered as one ofour celebrity members and will be missed by his many Catenian friends.May he Rest in Peace…a lesser Editor)IN CASE OF SUDDEN ILLNESSWhat is the differencebetween Bird Flu andSwine Flu?For bird flu you needtweetment and forswine flu you needoinkment.October 2009 Western Link 15

VALE DONALD D. CARR1926 – 2009.Bro Don was a quiet and retiring man who left instructionsthat he did not want a Eulogy at his requiem mass, howeverhis son Louis disobeyed this instruction and gave a sincere andheartrending valedictory. I am also going to do the same. Donwas born in Perth and attended Christian Bros’ High School,Highgate. I can well remember him and can recall that he wasa fine looking young man with a lot of friends and did wellscholastically. He joined the famous Aherns Men’s wear businessin 1941; his first pay was the equivalent of $1 and remarked,when asked by the Paymaster, that he did not think he wouldspend it on a Pacific cruise!! He later moved into the Insurancefield and excelled in it.He married Margaret Hegney, a member of a well known Perthlegal family and devoted his life to her and his 6 children. Hisson said “Outside of God, his relationship with Margaret wasthe single most significant and positive influence on his life”They were married for 56 years. Their Catholic Faith was a mostimportant part of their lives together. He ensured his children hada very best of education and made sacrifices in that regard. Hewas an avid sports fan and attended many football games, cricketmatches, tennis games, swimming carnivals and debating events,mainly related to his boys. Don served in the RAAF towards theend of W.W.2.He was a passionate follower of the W. C. Eagles and theEast Perth F’ball Club. He was a very proud man when his sonMark ran onto the field in East Perth colours. Like many of us,he could always see what the umpires missed and let them knowaccordingly. He loved to attend the games of his teams and wentfrom Dr. Jekyl to Mr Hyde on most Saturdays. His normallyquite manner was discarded for a loud and raucous manner ofbarracking and advising the players. He was an active Catenianand a Past President of Como circle. He was highly regardedamongst his peers.He was a ‘one liner joke maker’ and could always get a laugh,despite the fact that he told the same story numerous times…itwas the way he told them that won praise. Monsignor Keating,a close friend and councilor celebrated his Requiem, which waswell attended by many Catenians and friends of the family. Hewill be greatly missed by Como Brothers and our sympathy issincerely extended to Margaret and her family. May he Rest inPeace.BRENDAN MCGURK (with thanks to Moira Stokes, HarryGrove and the Carr family)GETTING TO KNOW YOUDeacon Bro Frank NiemanC of Mandurah BrotherBro Frank was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1927 andwas one of 9 children, 5 boys and 4 Girls. World War 2 brokeout when he was 13 years of age and he and his family hadan extremely difficult time, often hungry and in fear of theoccupiers. Later he was inducted into the Dutch Army andserved in Indonesia till he was 20. He spent many years inIndonesia. he returned home and in 1950 he migrated toNew Zealand. He was unable to bring his aged parents outto N.Z. so he migrated to Australia in 1954 because theGovernment accepted his parents. He also brought alongother family members at this time.By now he was a fully qualified butcher having followed thefamily tradition handed down from his grand parents.He set up business in Collie after he married and had 2children…sadly he lost his son at age 15 and soon afterhis wife died at aged 49 years…this was a very sad timefor Frank. He moved to Bunbury and became a businessmanager in that town. It was about this time that he metand married his Scottish lass. Jean, who is a very popularmember of the C of Mandurah circle family.Fr. Leon Russell currently P.P of Dawesville Parish,approached Frank to take up study for the diaconate…Frank was honoured and commenced study in 1980. Hewas ordained in 1984 by the late Bishop Quinn. He hasbeen a Deacon for 25 years and was recently awardeda special Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XV1,presented by Bishop Gerard Houlahan, Bishop of theBunbury diocese. Bro Frank worked in and around Bunburycarrying out his priestly duties until he retired and moved toSingleton, Mandurah. He has not had much chance to enjoyhis retirement as he is in great demand in the Mandurahparish…he hasn’t yet learned to say NO.He and Deacon Paul Gee were the first 2 Deacons ordainedin the Bunbury Diocese.He is very highly held in the C of Mandurah circle and alongwith Jean, is in regular attendance at meetings and socialfunctions..We are blessed with his membership and are grateful thatwe can call him BROTHER.BRENDAN MCGURK.DEACON FRANK AND MARY NIEMANWITH THE PAPAL BLESSINGIn the background is the Icon of Blessed Damian of Molokai(soon to be raised to sainthood) Patron of the Dawesville Parish.16 October 2009 Western Link

DIANELLA CIRCLE DALLYINGSDianella Circle evening with the‘Catholic Guy’Dianella Brothers at their February meeting had theprivilege of a special guest speaker Bruce Downes..(Pictured) from the “Catholic Guy” who gave avery informative presentation on the objectives andachievements of this impact catholic ministry andthe future programs his team at the ‘Catholic Guy’have in place. Bruce has made a life commitmentto this ministry and the impact it is having not onlyin Australia but in other countries around the worldthrough television programs that are predominatelyrecorded in Perth. A great night was experienced by allDianella Brothers and visitors.Norm ThompsonDIANELLA BROTHERS WELCOME BACKMURRAY BOSWOODOur Dianella brother Murray who suffersfrom MS has been house bound overrecent months due to the non availabilityof a specialist vehicle that could safelytransport a wheelchair. Dianella brothersare now happy to report that Murray hasrecently taken delivery of a brand newspecially equipped vehicle a VW Caddy,and is now back on the road again andable to attend Circle meetings and the oddday out at the races which is one of hisfavourite social outings.Brian is also a PastProvincial PresidentINAUGURAL DIANELLAPRESIDENT BACK IN THE CHAIRDianella brother Brian Preston who was the inauguralCircle President back in 1984 is back as President for the2009/10 year. Dianella brothers are delighted to have Brianback in the chair as he has many years of experience bothwithin the Circle and Province 20 and able to provide muchinput and direction to the Circle. Brian has developed a greatteam under him with an excellent choice in Vern Scanlan ashis Vice President Well done Brian.Norm ThompsonA SPECIAL HONOURFOR A SPECIALCATENIANCity of Perth circle Council and Brothershave struck a special circle medal as agesture of gratitude for the many yearsBro Phil Zeid has put into the position ofWelfare Officer. He is without doubt thedoyen of all Welfare Officers..WE SALUTE YOU BRO. PHIL AND OFFEROUR SINCERE CONGRATULATIONSMEMBERSHIPWhat are YOU doing to further theProv. President’s Membership Drive?….there must be somebody in yourcontact group or Parish who would liketo join our Association.GO ON GIVE IT A GO.!!ESCAPE ROUTECONDOR FURNITURE26 Victoria Street, MidlandFor anything in the home, contact Rocco andintroduce yourself as a CatenianTel: 9274 3133Member Swan ValleyDESIGN & CONSTRUCTIONINNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR– Process Plants – Material Handling Systems– Bulk Storage Facilities – Infrastructure DevelopmentKERMAN CONTRACTING LIMITEDTel 9364 8466www.kerman.com.auOctober 2009 Western Link 17

CANNING CIRCLE HAPPENINGS:+ Bro. Jeff DE SILVA and wife Jenny flew from Perth inlate June 2009 for a relaxing holiday break in Queensland!Because both QLD and WA have some interesting parallels,Bro. Jeff. was to inform fellow Canning Circle Bros of theseat our next Monthly Dinner Meeting.+ Bro. Evyn WEBSTER, in his capacity as a caring SocialWorker, has taken a year off to pursue further studies. Hislovely wife Sally reckons this twelve months will go everso quickly and no changes are expected within their familyhousehold arrangements! Bro. Evyn will still be required towash-up after each and every evening meal and attendto the garden on weekends!! Well done Bro.Evyn!! ( Whatabout the Vacuuming!!... Ed )+ Bro. Harold SHRIGLEY, in his working capacity as aPrincipal Chartered Accountant, and, Canning Circle’sHON. AUDITOR has now been appointedPROVINCE 20’s AUDITOR, too! Congrats Bro. Harold.Bro. Doug WILLIAMS has just been RE-ELECTED asthe State Vice-President for the WA ROYAL AUSTRALIANSIGNALS ASSOCIATION (INC).(...Congrats from all of Province 20 to you Doug…..Editor)Bro. Tony DE ROSSI and wife Margaret had their marrieddaughter, LISA, home from America for five (5) weeks inJune/July 2009. Lisa spent most of her holiday break withher parents in Albany at their Show Gum Farm and flewback to the USA in July, 2009. She is a top Womens’ WaterPolo Coach employed by the HAYWOOD UNIVERSITY inSan Francisco.+ Bro. Joe DELLE DONNE, a fine fellow Catenian Brotherand MAYOR of the CITY OF CANNING, was on stage atBURSWOOD in June 2009, to present the City of CanningAward of Business Excellence to Tony Sadler’s FurnishingsBouvard Circle President offers his view of this specialday on the Catenian CalenderAs Bro. Prov. President David says, the day really was a veryinformative and thought provoking one.The title for the day was ‘Knowing and Unknowing” and it was avery well structured presentation which took everyone throughmany of the day to day concerns and concepts that we all face inour daily living and in our journey of family, prayer and faith.When talking about the ‘doubts’ which most people experience atsome time or another, Mgr. Long (Kevin) assured us that there isno need to feel guilty about having doubts.The main activists with which to combat those doubts are ‘Faith,Hope and Charity’He then drew out the discussion around getting into a ‘habit ofprayer’ where if you look closely ‘your prayers can seem “dry” ‘.Again he reassured us that this is not wrong, but meaningful,because ‘reality’ is the acceptance of what we call ‘doubt. So prayas God gives you Grace to pray and don’t be worried about theformat.The ‘type of prayer is not important, the fact that you do pray, isimportant’. Throughout the day there were many short phrases18 October 2009 Western LinkTHE DAY OF REFLECTIONof Cannington. A host of other Awards were also presentedon this same evening as part of the 16th year of LOCALCHAMBERS BUSINESS, COMMERCE and INDUSTRYAWARDS.CANNING CIRCLE’S NEW MEMBERSHIP SUB-COMMITTEE: Under the wise governance of our CirclePresident, Bro. Keith Morgan, our new Membership Sub-Committee swung into action in May 2009.Joining Bro. Keith and our Membership Officer- Bro.Brian ILIFFE, were BROS. Brett ROBERTSON, JackBILLING, Eugene BROWNE, Ralph DITTON, Jeff DESILVA and Doug WILLIAMS.Initial Membership Drives have been conducted in theRIVERTON and MANNING Parishes, with further parishesto follow. In the meantime, from the interest expressed by anumber of good Catholic men, Canning Circle hosted its 1stINFORMATION EVENING @ the Air Force Association onThursday evening 23 July, 2009! Invitees experienced two(2) hours of Catenian fellowship,drinks and a light supper!!.This will be followed up by the abovementionedDoug WilliamsSTOP PRESS FROM CANNING (Thanks for sharing this withapprox. 380 other Catenians Doug and Tony... !! )Brother Tony DREW has informed the Canning Circle thathis eldest married daughter CECILIA and her husband,Mike KEVAN, have become the proud parents of a 2nd son,JAMES RICHARD, born on Thursday 02 July, 2009! Ofcourse Bro.Tony and wife Bobbie are just ‘over the moon’with news of their second Grandchild’s arrrival! and CanningCircle Brothers are hoping that at their next Monthly DinnerMeeeting Bro. Tony will be putting something ‘down on thebar’ for us all to congratulate the Drew family!which for me, tied much of what the ‘Mons’ was saying together,such as: Judge success by commitment to love, not by your emotions. Accept who you are. Don’t be a victim of the last good sermon or homily youheard. Be satisfied with where you are at any point in time. Everything you need is here today Be grateful for the way you are led, not envious of the way heleads others.The after lunch discussion was largely based around points beingmade by those attending and developed from questions theyraised, but it really was a very stimulating, enjoyable and verythought provoking day and I thoroughly recommend all Brothersto consider attending the ‘Day of Reflection” next year, particularlyif we are able to avail of the services of Mgr. Long.It does one good every so often, to get away somewhere and to bepart of a day like that, and I’m sure if you ask any of the attendingBrothers they would all say the same. I know I thoroughly enjoyedthe day and the companionship that went with it, so please markthis as a day to remember for your calendar for next year.David W. Farrell

ANNUAL DAY OFREFLECTIONOUR DAY AT THE REDEMPTORIST MONASTERYMOST SUCCESSFUL... A SUMMARY BY OUR PROV.PRESIDENT.Brothers,Thanks to Brother Terry Pilcher for organising anothersuccessful Day Of Reflection.The theme gave the 43 Brothers the tools, applicationsand attitudes for their daily and weekly prayer lives intheir relationships with Almighty God. We were given thewisdom from saints and some anonymous writers from the14th century onwards, for most prayer situations. We alsolearned it is normal to have doubts.Monsignor Long (now Rector of St Charles Seminary) wasas forthright as ever, and also answered the hard questionsdirectly and also with extra thought provoking insights. Forinstance we now have extra insights on Judas as revealedby Pope Benedict 16th. This also provoked interestingviewpoints from some of the Brothers.Some of us who missed the Day Of Reflection will notnotice any benefit from their other activities on this day, intwo weeks time.Many of those who attended will notice the benefits daily forthe rest of their lives.The fellowship, chats with friends from other circles, a mealand a couple of glasses of wine; comfort of the venue andlovely grounds were a pleasing bonus.Fraternally,,David BoyleANNUAL DAY OF REFLECTIONREDEMPTORIST MONASTERY SUN 6THJULY 2009.L TO R. Mons.Kevin Long, Rector St. Charles Seminary,Retreat Master. Bros. Sylvester Lane ( Como), B. McGurk(C of Mandurah, C of Perth and Bouvard), Leo Croll ( Ourlongest serving Catenian, Ftle), and Prov V. Pres. TerryPilcher ( Swan V) (apologies for picture quality.. a phonephoto!! ) all enjoyed a day of Spirituality and Fellowship.AN AUSSIE CATENIANABROAD...A personal perspective.We all have our unique experiences and impressions when we travel andhere are some of mine after five weeks in Britain, Germany and Turkey.The Abergavenny Circle in Wales made me very welcome at their Circlemeeting but even though in Wales they were all Englishmen! One ofthem, however, did have a Welsh mother so he was native. When theyquestioned me about my origins and I disclosed that I had been born inEngland and had a Welsh grandmother and a German grandfather theydoubted that I was a real Australian!My wife, daughter and I were in Wales for the wedding of an Australiannephew to an English bride and the event went very well conducted bya competent lady priest (Church in Wales – Anglican Communion) veryprogressive. But in Perth we also have progressive developments. At ourNotre Dame Australia University we have ladies on academic staff whoare teaching theology and philosophy to seminarians aspiring to becomepriests.Liturgical music being an interest of mine, I was delighted to hearthe choir in York Minster sing Evensong and also to listen in on apractice session of the Winchester Cathedral choristers working on thePoulenc Mass), The latter was thanks to Alan Quadros, music teacherat Winchester Preparatory School, who is the son of our Darling RangeCircle Brother, Dr. Francis Quadros. New sacred music of great power isbeing composed in Britain by composers such as John Taverner and theWelshman, Carl Jenkins.The British are progressive in visual religious art as well. In my oldParish Church of St. Brides in Pitlochry, Scotland (I was there for threeyears 1981-1984), there is now a beautiful risen Christ crucifix behindthe altar. I also saw a magnificent risen Christ in a great window inBrecon Cathedral in Wales.In Perth there is now a very fine risen Christ crucifix in the new St.Benedict’s Church, Applecross. These icons are very positive expressionsof Christianity compared with the old Italian/Spanish baroque agonyfigures of Christ, and should do more to interest the young generation. Itwill be modern sounds and sights that appeal to the younger generation.Paradoxically, the best meditative religious places I found, quiet andpeaceful, were a small and simple Lutheran church in Cracow (it helpedthat the organist was softly playing Bach), and a small mosque in Istanbulwhere I squatted on the carpeted floor. The famous Blue Mosque wasimpressive in size and decoration but noisy with visitors. The huge, oldChristian Basilica, Hagia Sofia, had a one and a half thousand years ofhistory in every stone and icon. Everywhere in old Constantinople therewere hints of ancient Christian Mysticism and Islamic Sufiism. In KielGermany, Catholic, Lutheran and Evangelic bishops and ministers held alarge ecumenical service and resolved to work together to stem the driftaway from practice of Christianity.In the English Catholic Weekly paper, The Universe, the editorialcomment (14th June) was on a theme of Religion and Politics. Yes,there should be separation of Church and State but Church is in Societyand has much to say which Church people must try to effectivelycommunicate.I am not alone in believing that there are political processes in ourChurch organisations in which we lay people should be more involved.Retired Australian Bishop, Geoffrey Robinson, in his recent book“Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church”, recommends thatlay people, through their organisations (e.g. Catenians!), have a say inthe appointment of bishops and governance of our Church.We are urged to present our Christian moral values to the secular worldand we need to have a say in the expression and dissemination of thesevalues in the ever changing modern world that we live in.Throughout the Western World, Christianity is struggling to have itsFaith and Practice find relevance to people so it is up to as committedChristians to become better and more active messengers.Gerard Tonks, President, Darling Range circle.ANOTHER CONSCIENCE TICKLERDO YOU INCLUDE OUR DECEASED MEMBERS IN YOURDAILY PRAYERS?.IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK!!October 2009 Western Link 19

Car RallyLIWARA CIRCLE IN ACTIONBy Bro Ken McMullen.Brothers and Ladies of Liwara Circle, together with familyand friends recently spent a most enjoyable Sunday motoringthrough the Swan Valley and exploring historic Guildford, beforeclimbing up along the Scarp to Mundaring Weir. Along theway, clever cryptic clues created constant cerebral challengescausing continuing confusion and confounding car-loads ofchattering Catenians. They also resulted in some interesting, ifnot suitably Catholic, observations on those who had set the trailfor us to follow. Afterwards a gathering at the local hostelry, withgreat company and plenty to re-fuel the happy throng, put thestamp on a great day. Special thanks to Brothers Geoff Hainesand Garry Tardrew and their Ladies.Kiwi FlavourAlthough Past Presidents of Liwara Circle have originatedfrom England and Ireland, Central and East Africa, India, SriLanka, Holland, and of course, Australia in April we installedour first New Zealander as Circle President. This obviouslybrought with it some cultural changes. ‘Hui’ (meetings) nowtake place at the ‘Marae’ and although Brother President KevinMcKersey has deferred to use of the title ‘Ariki’ (Chief) therehave been suggestions we open with a ‘haka’ and replace theformal handshake with a ‘hongi’ or the mutual pressing of noses.‘Pakeha’, previously referred to as ‘visitors’ are still welcome,both at our ‘hui’ and afterwards at the ‘hangi’. Finally, theappellation ‘Brother’ used when addressing another member ofour Association, has been dropped in favour of ‘Cussie Bro’.The All-Important Briefing It wasn’t too long before manywished they had paid closer attention..!Forming Up For The Haka? Liwaras’ Officers get ready to meet thechallenge of the Catenian Year: Ariki McKersey on the left.Friendship, Family, Faith and Fun: Some of the more than100 Brothers and their Families, who along with 15 members ofthe Clergy, attended Liwara’s Clergy and Family Night.We are thesmall businessspecialistsBURNSSIEBERCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS1st Floor 256 Fitzgerald Street Perth WA 6000T 08 9227 6110 F 08 9227 6162E admin@burnssieber.com.au W www.burnssieber.com.auContact Jeremy Nicoletto or Phillip SieberSpecialising in:› Taxation› Business Advisory› Management Consulting› Accounting Services› Self Managed Superannuation FundsHEADS OF STATELiwara Bothers David Boyle (Provincial President), KevinMcKersey (Circle President) and Gerry Barton ( Director).Stone The CrowsLiwara Secretary and sometime-Collingwoodsupporter Garry ‘Smee’ Tardrew recentlyswapped his beloved Magpies for the Crows– or in his case, the Crow’s Nest. Pressgangedinto a 12-day trip aboard a friend’sluxury cruiser to Bali Garry took to lifeaboard like a duck to water. Not sure thoughwhy he thought it was a good idea to dresslike the Circle Treasurer.