18th Eastern Link - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

EASTERN LINK 

1908 2013 

JUNE 

The Catenians 

Strengthening family life 

through friendship and faith 

EDITION 

NEWS & EVENTS OF… 

CATENIAN CIRCLES AND GROUPS OF 

PROVINCE 21 & VICTORIA AREA COUNCIL 

BROTHER PHIL RECEIVES THE AOM – SEE PAGE 24

EASTERN LINK The Catenian Association Strengthening family life through friendship and faith PROVINCE 21 

IN THIS EDITION… 

JUNE Page 2 2013

EASTERN LINK 

21 

The Catenian Association Strengthening family life through friendship and faith 

PROVINCE 

EASTERN LINK 

Volume 2 Issue no 18 

JUNE 2013 

News from 

Circles and Groups 

Of Province 21 

& Victoria Area 

Council 

Please send all copy to 

Editor: Peter Cash 

3 Greenhaven Street 

Clifton Beach Qld 4879 

Telephone: 4055 3529 

Email: petercash@btinternet.com 

Contents: 

Pages 4-5….….………Provincial Director 

Brother Kevin Doherty 

Pages 6-8…………..Provincial President 

Brother John Tweedie 

Page 9………..Past Provincial President 

President Brother Paul Despoges 

Page 10…………..Grand Vice- President 

Brother Bob Butler 

Pages 11-14…………………...News from 

Provincial Council 

Pages 15-18……………………...Mission; 

One Heart Many Voices 

Pages 19-46………...News from Circles 

Pages 47-48……..Catenian Conference 

Pictures 

Pages 49-50..…...Victoria Area Council 

Pages 51-54………….….Miscellaneous 

Page 55-56..………………….Obituaries 

Pages 57-60…………….Miscellaneous 

*LATE NEWS…LATE NEWS…LATE 

NEWS…LATE NEWS…LATE NEWS* 

Congratulations to Province 20 

Director Brother Gerry Barton, first 

Australian Catenian Brother is sit on 

Grand Council Executive, in the 

position of Chairman of AusCom. 

Dear Brothers. 

A warm and fraternal welcome to all my fellow 

Catenian Brothers. 

Congratulations to the many Brothers who helped at 

the Mission: one heart many voices Conference. Once 

again, our Catenian Brothers and their expertise is 

sourced again from other Catholic organisations. We 

cannot go any further without mentioning the 

marvellous devotion of our Province 21 President 

Brother John Tweedie and his family. Actions speak 

louder than words and this was magnificently 

demonstrated by John and his family at the 

Conference. 

I would like to welcome Grand Vice-President Robert 

Butler as a contributor to Eastern Link. Brother Bob 

will be vising us next year when he takes over the 

reigns as Grand President. He will be marrying his visit 

with our 4 th Australian National Conference being held 

in Sydney. 

Very sadly, our Association has lost one of its longest 

serving City of Sydney Circle Brother’s; Greg Smyth 

RIP. He was such a devoted Catenian and committed 

Catholic. He was always making sure that I carried 

something about Mary’s Rosary Chain. I often spoke 

with him on the phone, but had never met him 

personally, my deepest sympathies to Colleen and his 

family. Such a loss to our Association. May he rest in 

peace. Amen. 

I would like to thank our very hardworking Province 21 

Secretary, Brother George Kazs. He is a tremendous 

asset to Province 21, thank-you George for all you help 

in providing our Catenian Brothers with so much 

information. 

Looking forward to receiving items for future 

publications. 

Sincerely & Fraternally, 

Peter 

Please be advised that the contributions in the newsletter are not 

necessarily those of the Catenian Association. The Editor reserves 

the right to amend any contribution. 



FROM…. 

PROVINCE 21 DIRECTOR 

BROTHER KEVIN DOHERTY 

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION 

Report from Brother Kevin 

on the Catenian UK annual Conference 

Held in London on May 17 th 2013 

Introduction 

There were matters, which occurred before the Conference, which had a bearing on the outcome 

The retiring Grand Secretary, Jim Quinn, noting the disquiet amongst the membership regarding the decision 

to allow “irregular” Catholics to become members, commenced enquiries. 

He first communicated with Fr. Andrew Moss, the Canon Lawyer, who had given advice to the Chichester 

Circle. Fr Andrew made it quite clear that, in his opinion, a person in an irregular marriage cannot be a 

“Practising” Catholic and he wrote to the Grand President, John Mottram stating that since its rule change, 

the Association was operating outside the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. 

Brother Grand Secretary then wrote to Bishop John Arnold asking for advice and help. The Bishop offered to 

raise the matter with the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales at their next meeting. Subsequently 

Brother Grand Secretary, Jim, received a letter from Mgr. Marcus Stock, the general secretary of the 

Conference. 

There were several meetings following the receipt of that letter between senior members of Grand Council 

and Mgr. Stock. A report on those meetings was drawn up but could not be issued to other members of 

Grand Council until Mgr. Stock had approved it. He was then in Rome. Once approved the information was 

distributed to members of Grand Council and then the Executive Committee of Grand Council met by 

teleconference and agreed that Manchester Circle should be informed of the developments and given the 

opportunity to withdraw the Conference Motion. 

Manchester Circle placed conditions on the motions withdrawal, which Grand Council did not accept, and as 

a result, the motion went ahead. (See the report on the conference below) The Grand Council Executive is 

now considering this matter. 

The Conference. 

Grand Presidents Opening Address 

The Conference opened with a keynote address by the Grand President, John Rayer; I am not going to 

repeat it here because it is published in the June edition of Catena, which you can access via their web site. 

If you cannot work out the new password then contact me and I will give it to you. /Continued on next page… 



Report from Brother Kevin 

on the Catenian UK annual Conference continued… 

I found it very interesting and I, like the editor of Catena would recommend that you read it. Brother Grand 

President, John is taking a different approach to his predecessors and will be looking to grow the 

membership of Association during his year in office. 

Manchester proposal 

After the keynote address and other formalities, and before the Manchester motion was put, the attendees 

were informed of the information that Grand Council had received from Fr. Andrew Moss, Bishop John 

Arnold and Mgr. Marcus Stock. 

The motion was then put; there were about three speakers for and three against the motion before a brother 

from Eastbourne proposed that the motion be put. I cannot remember the exact numbers but the motion was 

defeated by an approximate ratio of two to one. 

Rules, Regulations Policies and Procedures 

The newly elected Vice President Brother Bob Butler had included his committee’s Green Paper on 

proposed changes in the conference papers. He stated that he was not proposing the changes at the 

conference but that he would like to get an indication on how the 450 or so members present felt about them. 

Each attendee had been issued with three coloured cards. They were required to show a green card if they 

agreed with the changes, Red if they were opposed to the change and yellow if they were undecided or 

wished to abstain. 

As each proposed change was read out, the brothers attending held aloft their cards and the results were 

counted. They were mostly in favour of the proposed changes. I do hope that the July issue of Catena will 

feature this part of the conference because if those brothers attending are indicative of Catenians in the UK 

then it is now obvious that the majority of Catenian Brothers want change and want the Association to move 

forward. 

Youth Matters 

Brother Provincial Director, David Rowley was the last speaker and he brought the conference up to date 

with what the Association in the UK is doing to support Catholic Youth in the UK Community. If you would 

like to know more about this then read Brother Grand President, John Rayer’s introduction in the members 

section of the Catenian Web Site. We in province 21 are behind our brothers in Western Australia and far 

behind the UK in these matters. We do have Circles that conduct speaking competitions but we need to coordinate 

our efforts and get the news about the Bursary Fund out to the colleges, the parents and the 

schools alumni 

Summary 

The Grand Council Executive Committee are examining the letters concerning “Practising” Catholic. They 

may resurrect the Membership Eligibility Criteria Committee to examine the way forward and no doubt we will 

be informed as soon as a decision is reached. 

The Mass in Westminster Cathedral was awe-inspiring and the two choirs made the mass a truly spiritual 

happening. I do hope that Catena publish the Homily delivered by the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster. He 

had certainly completed his homework on the Catenian Association. He gave us all his Blessing and hope for 

the future. 

Province 21 Director Brother Kevin Doherty 



From. . . 


President Province 21 

The Catenian Association 

Dear Brothers, 

In this my first note to you as Provincial President, I would like to introduce myself to those of you who I 

haven’t yet met. As my aim is to visit all Circles during the year, I trust that by the end of my term I will have 

met most of you personally. 

I am John Tweedie, husband (to Pamela for 35 years in September); father (to Katherine); retiring lawyer (I 

basically finished work heading the superannuation legal team at Commonwealth Bank at the end of 

December 2012 – but it is hard to completely untie that knot); parishioner (formerly of Sacred Heart Parish 

Mosman, but with our main focus having moved to the Blue Mountains, now of Sacred Heart Parish 

Blackheath – the smallest and most westerly of the parishes in the Parramatta Diocese); convert to 

Catholicism (I am finding that quite a number of my Catenian Brothers in active positions in the Association 

have this in common with me) and committed Catenian (since 2000 when I joined Mosman Circle). 

I believe that joining the Association was one of the more important decisions of this part of my life’s journey 

(I am now 60 but joined in my 40s). I have often related how I remember well the moment I set foot in my 

first Catenian gathering at Mosman, as the guest of a fellow parishioner. The very first person I saw was 

Brother Warwick Jones (joint member of Manly and Mosman). Warwick had been a senior lawyer in CBA, 

whom I had greatly respected but who retired some years before. As can happen when people retire, I had 

lost contact with him. But as a result I immediately felt completely at home in this gathering, and as my 

Catenian connections have grown over the years, I have never lost that feeling. Indeed, it has expanded. 

The trusting relationships that we can quickly develop because we are dealing with Catenian Brothers, have 

on more than one occasion been a catalyst in helping me determine a personal path to follow. Further, I 

have always enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of our dinners, apart from being a great way to unwind, it 

allows for the serious discussion to develop on all manner of topics. We remain a grass roots organisation 

and our monthly meeting and dinner remain the bread and butter of who we are. 

Our participation in the Association is very much grounded on these regular meetings and our dinners, 

including those where we join with Brothers in other Circles. The meetings of course have some degree of 

ritual, though this has been diminishing over the years. 

People express different views on the stage we have reached with the use of rituals and the regalia. This is 

certainly something that one of the Committees of Grand Council is looking at now, and all Brothers can 

contribute to the discussion over the next couple of months. Circle Secretaries will all have copies of the 

relevant “Green Paper” proposals, so please contact your Secretary if you haven’t seen this information and 

would like to comment. 

My personal view is that as with a sporting team, an employment relationship or any other organisation, one 

joins with a view to playing or participating under the rules as they exist. My place as a member of the 

Catenian Association is no different. 

Having said that, we need to have an eye for the future of the Association. We must be open to change, and 

in some cases we may need to strongly advocate for change, through the appropriate governance 

arrangements that exist within the Association. It is not just ritual and regalia that are relevant in this regard. 

Brother Provincial President John continues on the next page… 



Brother Provincial President John continues… 

There are many structural issues that the Association is in the process of addressing. 

The Association started out as a purely English entity in 1908 with a particular focus based on the then social 

order in England. It has retained its structure, despite the fact that is now an international entity with a sizable 

and growing minority of its members living outside the UK, and despite major changes in society and the 

Church. Much work has been, and continues to be, carried out to address this. 

When considering our future, an important issue is whether our Association has, and will continue to have, an 

identity which will be attractive to those Australian Catholics who may be seen as essential to its long term 

viability. I have in mind younger Catholics and also Catholics of non-English speaking backgrounds born 

outside Australia. Both these groups are very important elements within the Diocese of Parramatta (and no 

doubt in many other Australian dioceses). 

An even more basic identity issue is evidenced by the “practising Catholic” debate, that has exercised the 

minds of many Brothers over the past few years. Australian Brothers, particularly those from Province 21, 

have maintained a keen interest in this debate. This issue appeared to have been resolved in a fairly flexible 

way by Grand Council in the guidance it issued in November 2012. Though it seems the issue is still the 

subject of some further consideration by that body. 

Another matter concerns our profile within the Catholic Church. Historically the profile has been low. A 

number of us have had a few recent forays into a more pubic arena acting as volunteers at various events, 

such as the Proclaim 2012 conference on the New Evangelisation and the more recent Mission: One Heart 

Many Voices Conference. Apart from the obvious benefits to the conference organisers in providing this 

simple but important form of service, we have in this way been able to publicise the Association to a broader 

Catholic audience. I would hope that brother Catenians see merit in continuing this type of activity. Apart 

from the other benefits, I find that actually working with my Catenian Brothers on projects like this, enhances 

our fraternal relationship. I am sure my fellow workers have felt the same. 

Our Provincial Council has recently developed a strategic plan to help with planning over the next five years. 

The aim is to consider the important issues for the Association, so that we can ensure a strong and vibrant 

future for the Association in Province 21 and, through our close relationships with Province 20 and the 

Victorian Area, within Australia. Provincial Council was helped greatly in giving substance to this plan, by the 

valuable discussion and input from Brothers attending the Provincial Workshop in early April. 

Because we are part of a single international body, our Province 21 Director Brother Kevin Doherty provides 

an important link to Grand Council and to what is happening with our brothers in the UK and worldwide. 

Brother Kevin recently attended the annual conference in London. The new Grand President Brother John 

Rayer made a very forward looking speech at the conference and a copy is available in the June edition of 

Catena. Brother John lists a number of points in a vision for the future which shows that his agenda for the 

future is a very open one. He commented that the species that survives is “the one that is most adaptable to 

change”. 

If you do not receive Catena it is currently available free of charge on the public section of the UK website at 

http://www.thecatenians.co.uk/pages/members_services/catena_magazine/default.aspx . Alternatively 

Brother Peter Cash has sent a copy of the speech to all Circle Secretaries. 

Brother Provincial President John continues on the next page… 



Brother Provincial President John continues… 

I would like to conclude this now too long note with a some important thank-you’s and words of recognition. 

First to the outgoing President Brother Paul Despoges, thanks for your outstanding work during the past 

year as Provincial President and also for your personal support to me in my various activities. For anyone 

who has worked with Paul, you will agree that he is constantly on the job and looking to the best interests of 

the Association and its members. Paul continues as the Provincial Membership Officer, so he will have an 

important ongoing involvement with the Council and the Province. 

To our outgoing Provincial Treasurer Brother Peter Gialouris, thanks for your assiduous attention to the 

detail of our financial position. To our departing Councillors Brothers Laurie de Ambrosis (Manly), Rob 

Haddad (Carlingford), Paul Moriarty (Parramatta), Ray Finnegan (Canberra Molonglo) and Tom Lyons (Gold 

Coast Tweed), thanks for you valuable contributions to the success of our Council and its meetings. 

A big welcome to our incoming Vice President Brother Michael Tan. Michael carried out valuable work 

some years back as the Provincial Membership Officer and has eagerly embraced his new role. Michael is 

seeking to organise a broad ranging group from Province 21 to attend the next annual Catenians 

conference in Liverpool in the UK in May 2014. I have indicated to Michael that I would like to join this 

group. 

Welcome also to our other new Council members – our new Treasurer Brother Paul Day and our incoming 

Councillors, Brothers Warren Clarke (Parramatta), Russel Cooper (Canberra Molonglo), Kevin Devine (Gold 

Coast Tweed), Laurence Lawlor (Manly) and John O’Grady (Carlingford). Congratulations also to Brother 

Robin Wells, whose role as Councillor for Canberra Circle has been expanded by his taking on the role of 

Provincial Chamberlain. 

I would also like to recognise the efforts of Brother George Kazs as Provincial Secretary (another brother 

who seems constantly on the job), Brother Pat Moran as our ongoing membership records guru, Brother 

Peter Cash for the extraordinary effort he puts into ensuring we have readily available information in the 

form of Eastern Link and other special publications, Brother Chris Pitts for his work in ensuring our website 

is up to date and accessible and Brother Phil Davies as our supply officer. 

Our next provincial function is the Provincial Mass at St Joseph’s Conference and Retreat Centre at 

Baulkham Hills on Sunday 28 July at 12.30pm. This is the centrepiece of Provincial activities for the year 

and I would ask that you bring along as many family members as you can muster. It is a wonderful 

opportunity for us to share the Eucharist with our Catenian brothers and their families and to remember 

those brothers who have gone before us. Lunch is being arranged after the Mass and details will be 

provided shortly. 

Very best fraternal regards 


Provincial President 

Province 21 


EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 


Province 21 – Eastern Australia 

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT PAUL’S FINAL REPORT 

AT AGM 25 - 29 TH APRIL 2013 

We have witnessed a year of change and challenge at all levels of the Association, some planned and others 

unexpected. It is pleasing to report irrespective of the level of challenge; it has been met in the true Catenian 

spirit. 

We started our year with a workshop for all within Province 21, titled Challenge/Change/ Implementation. It 

could be debated, what was new with such an approach. Well I can report that each of the three components 

were actioned and progress was witnessed, so much so that we have concluded the Catenian year with 

another workshop, on this occasion it was focused on our strategy for the upcoming 5 years. Full report on 

this workshop will be circulated to all Circles and in a special edition of Eastern Link, due in the main to the 

efforts by our Provincial Secretary Br George Kazs. 

Within the Provincial Council, change has taken place with our management structure; we now have five 

committees formed to manage the operations of the Province with the desire to see a more proactive Council 

in operation. The respective Committees are - Executive; Membership & Strategic; Church Liaison & Social 

Events; Communications & Publicity and Finance & Budgets. 

It is pleasing to witness the immediate impact these committees have made, especially the Church Liaison & 

Social Events, under the leadership of Br John Tweedie we are now witnessing, Catenians been requested 

to assist at various Church functions at a State level e.g., Proclaim 2012, Corpus Christie and currently 

Mission: one heart many voices. All committees have become very proactive in their own right, no doubt the 

year ahead will see more activity being implemented by each. 

The challenge, not only for Province 21, but for all Catenians in Australia, has been to see advancement with 

the implementation of the Restructure Commissions Report. This work is moving slowly, but with a positive 

approach and intention. We are most grateful to AusCom for its continual awareness programme conducted 

over the past 12 months within Australia and especially within the UK. 

Whilst mentioning AusCom’s work, it must be noted the success of the 3 rd Australian Conference in 

Melbourne last September, in no small way due to the efforts of our Victorian Brothers. It was not only a 

great social weekend, but also a very productive Conference. Unfortunately within our own Province I am 

not able to report that we have expanded or witness growth within our ranks, sadly we have seen a decline 

in membership for the year and yet to see the opportunity to expand into new territory . This alone will 

become one of our biggest challenges within the immediate future. Sadly numbers attending the various 

Provincial activities have witness a decline, in particular the Provincial Mass. 

May I conclude with a special word of thanks to those Provincial Councillors who are standing down this year 

and to their successors, welcome. To our outgoing Treasurer Br Peter Gialouris, a special thank you for all 

your behind the scenes work, especially with the automation of the various financial processes, we wish you 

well in your new business. Finally to Br Peter Cash for all his efforts in publishing that first-class publication – 

Eastern Link. To my Lieutenant – our Provincial Secretary, Br George Kazs, my sincere thanks for all of your 

untiring work, it has been more than appreciated (and to Elaine allowing us of his time). Let us not forget in 

our prayers our Brothers and family members of Catenians who have passed away over this past year. 

Brother Paul Despoges President, Province 21 29 April 2013 


EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 

From. . . 

Brother Robert Butler 

GRAND VICE-PRESIDENT 


Kathy and I are very much looking forward to our first visit to Australia next year. In the 

meantime, there is much to be done to move our Association forward, and I am hoping for a 

considerable input from you all before September. The Rules Group of Grand Council were 

asked to review our Rules and Regulations, which we have done, but we also considered the 

conduct of meetings, admissions process, dress code, small Circles, and the status of Groups. 

In tackling these, we bore in mind several quite separate key points, and constantly referred 

back to them; 

1. The world and the Church will move on, with or without the Catenian Association. 

2. We must not become a curiosity, a dying relic of past times, irrelevant in the modern world. 

3. There is an irreducible minimum standard below which we cease to be the Catenian 

Association and become just a Lads’ Night Out. 

4. We must keep our identity, which marks us out as the Catenian Association. 

On the Catenian website under Downloading Information, you will see ‘Moving On’, which 

contains our discussion papers. We looked at who we are, what we do, and how we do it. The 

emphasis has moved from Grand Council to members and Circles. Our Circles will have more 

freedom to choose how they admit members, how they run their meetings, what they wear, and 

what insignia they use. 

In discussions with Kevin Doherty and others from Australia, I am encouraged by the way you 

look beyond the obvious, and see the potential of our Association for contributing to the future 

strength of the Church. In the England of 1908 the Church was strong and confident. We were 

a minority, but we were united in our unshakeable faith. In 2013 the Church is marginalised, 

Mass attendances are falling, and the clergy do not have the aura of invincibility of previous 

years. The Catenian Association stands out as a potentially powerful body which can have an 

important role, as long as we are willing to engage with fellow Catholics. Instead of rejecting 

men whom we consider to be unworthy, we could try to encourage those who are clinging to 

their faith and offer support and friendship. As my daughter tells me, “You only look down on 

someone when you are offering your hand to help him up”. 

In Australia you do not have the weight of a century of Catenianism. Your oldest Circle dates 

from 1971, and many are of quite recent origin. Your nation looks to the future, and I am 

hoping that you will contribute to moving our Association into this century. You have much to 

offer. 



NEWS FROM 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 

PROVINCE 21 

AUSTRALIA 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 

Provincial President: 

John Tweedie 

Provincial 

Vice-President: 

Michael Tan 

Provincial 

Past President: 

Paul Despoges 

Provincial Secretary 

George Kazs 

Provincial Treasurer: 

Paul Day 

Provincial Chamberlain 

Robin Wells 

Provincial 

Membership Officer: 

Paul Despoges 

Provincial 

Publicity Officer: 

Peter Cash 

Provincial 

Record Officer: 

Pat Moran 

Province Director: 

Kevin Doherty 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL REPORT 

Provincial Council Meeting No 104 held at the offices of 

APICS – 111 Phillip Street Parramatta on Monday 29 April 

2013. 

Summary of outcomes 

Note that a separate report has already been published on 

the outcomes of the consideration of the strategic plan. 

Bro President installed Bro Warren Clarke as Provincial 

Councillor (Parramatta). He noted that because of their 

absences, Brothers John O’Grady (Carlingford), Russel Cooper 

(Canberra Molonglo) and Kevin Devine (Gold Coast Tweed) 

would need to be installed at a subsequent meeting. Following 

a Council resolution on certain appointments, Bro Paul 

Despoges then installed Bro John Tweedie as President of 

Provincial Council and in turn Bro John Tweedie installed Bro 

Michael Tan as Vice President, Bro Paul Day as Treasurer, Bro 

Paul Despoges as Membership Officer and Bro Robin Wells as 

Chamberlain. 

Bro John Tweedie presented miniatures to Bro Paul Despoges 

(bar), Bro Peter Gialouris (Treasurer), Bro Peter Moriarty 

(Councillor, Parramatta); he would ensure Bro Laurie de 

Ambrosis received his miniature (Councillor, Manly) at a suitable 

occasion. Bro Peter Cash (Provincial Publicity Officer) had 

already been presented with his miniature at the recent 

workshop. Bro John Tweedie paid tribute to Bro Paul Despoges 

for his term as president, Bro Peter Gialouris as treasurer and to 

the retiring members of Council (Rob Haddad (Carlingford), 

Peter Moriarty (Parramatta), Laurie de Ambrosis (Manly) and 

Ray Finnegan (Canberra Molonglo)). He advised Council that 

the updated membership of Council’s committees for 2013-14 

would need to be finalised to accommodate the new Councillors. 

He welcomed new Councillors and Officers to Council 1 . 

Confirmation of Minutes 

of the 24th Annual General Meeting held on 30 April 2012 

Council resolved that the minutes of meeting 103, as circulated, 

be confirmed and signed as a true record of proceedings. 

1 

Now attached. 

/Continued on next page 



PROVINCIAL COUNCIL REPORT CONT. 

Reports: Membership Officer 

Bro Pat Moran, Provincial Records Officer spoke to the reports as circulated. He noted that a data base of 

members was now being maintained for each of the Province’s fourteen Circles. He undertook to liaise with 

Bro Chris Pitts concerning the security / privacy aspects of uploading these data onto the Provincial Website. 

In the meantime, Circle Secretaries could contact him if they wished to receive a copy of their Circle’s data 

base. The updated Provincial Directory was expected to be finalised by end May. 

Council noted that Bro Paul Despoges, as Provincial Membership Officer, would present the Friar Tuck trophy 

to Mosman Circle at a mutually convenient time and occasion. Bro Phil Davies would manage the updating of 

the tankard’s plaque as appropriate each year. 

Reports: Director 

In Bro Kevin Doherty’s absence, there was no report. 

Reports: President 

(i) 

Strategic Development and Reform – update 

Bro John Tweedie drew Council’s attention to Grand Secretary’s newsletter No 37 and the outcomes of the 

consultation process in the UK. He suggested that the results of the consultation showed that many UK 

brothers appeared to have views consistent with those expressed by Australian brothers on various aspects of 

structural reform of the Association, particularly as it affects Australia. 

(ii) 

Executive Committee 

As there had been no meeting, there was no report. 

(iii) 

Strategic Plan 2013-18 and Outcomes of Provincial Workshop 

Separate report published. 

Reports: Vice President 

Bro John Tweedie spoke to the report circulated. Council noted that Bro Peter Moriarty would manage 

arrangements for the Corpus Christi procession this year and that Council would negotiate suitable 

acknowledgement / sponsorship arrangements for next year. There were no other matters arising from the 

report. 

Council noted the following arrangements for hosting upcoming provincial events: 

• Provincial Mass Parramatta Sunday 28 July 2013 

• O’Connell Cup Mosman 8 August 2013 

• Truthful Jones Castle Hill 24 September 2013 

• Little John Mug Mosman 13 February 2014 

• Provincial Golf Day Muirfield March 2014 (Paul Despoges and 

Malcolm Clow to confirm timing and arrangements) 

• Provincial Workshop Baulkham Hills April 2013 (TBC) 





Reports: Secretary 

Council noted the Secretary’s correspondence report. 

Reports: Treasurer 

Council resolved to accept the Treasurer’s financial report as tabled at the recent AGM. 

handover arrangements should be completed by 11 May 2013. 

Council noted that 

Reports: Public Relations Officer 

Council resolved to accept the report as circulated. Council also noted it was intended to publish a special 

report of Eastern Link integrating this meeting’s outcomes on the strategic plan with the outcomes of the 

recent provincial workshop. Council also noted that the Communications and Publicity Committee would 

review arrangements for disseminating Eastern Link and possibly incorporating it on a separate page on the 

website and publicising it accordingly. Council further noted that Bro Chris Pitts had advised that all Circle 

data on the website was now complete (except for some data for Parramatta and Canberra Molonglo) and 

that the new email arrangements for Carlingford and Ku Ring Gai were operating satisfactorily. 

Reports: Careers and Employment Officer 

Position not filled. No report received. 

Reports: Supply Officer 

Council noted that Bro Phil Davies would liaise with relevant Circles concerning their requirements for 

miniatures. 

Reports: Provincial Councillors 

Council noted the report as circulated. 

Other Business 

Council noted that Bro Michael Tan would liaise with Bro John Tweedie concerning the development of a 

visiting schedule for Circles to avoid duplication and overlap. 

Next Meeting: the next scheduled meetings for the year were agreed as follows 

Close: 

• Meeting No 105: Monday 1 July 2013 

• Meeting No 106: Monday 16 September 2013 

• Meeting No 107: Monday 20 January 2014 

• Meeting No 108: Monday 28 April 2014 (preceded by AGM) 

Bro John Tweedie thanked members for their contributions and closed the meeting with prayers at 10.30pm 





Province 21 Corporate Governance: Committee Structure 2013 

All committees are advisory and do not detract in any way from the responsibilities of Council office bearers. 

Executive Committee (i) To oversight the activities of the 

Association in Province 21 and to manage the 

affairs of Provincial Council between its meetings; 

(ii) To assist Provincial Council with the 

development and implementation of strategies for 

the good of the Association; 

President - JT 

Vice President- MT 

Secretary- GK 

Treasurer- PD 

Membership and 

Strategic Committee 

Church Liaison and 

Social Events Committee 

Communications and 

Publicity Committee 

Finance and Budgets 

Committee 

(i) To develop strategies for the growth and 

development of the Association in Province 21; 

(ii) To develop and maintain such information 

systems as may be appropriate for the efficient and 

effective management of membership records in 

the Province; 

(iii) To oversight and provide guidance on 

Circle procedure and strategies to enhance the 

membership experience; 

(i) To develop and oversight Church liaison 

and social events within the Province 1 ; 

(ii) To maintain established relationships and 

to identify potential new relationships with Church 

Ministries which Province Council may consider 

pursuing. 

(i) To develop and oversight suitable 

communications arrangements, including through 

the internet and Council web sites, which promote 

best practice in the Province and facilitate good 

communications among Circles; 

(ii) To develop and maintain the Council web 

site; 

(iii) To develop suitable strategies for 

enhancing the profile of the Association in the 

broader social and Church community. 

(i) To assist Council with the development 

and oversight of its finances and budgets; 

Membership Officer - PD 

Provincial Records Officer - PM 

Chamberlain RW 

John O’Grady 

Peter Huby 

Alan Gorman 

Vice President MT 

Past President RD 

Kevin Devine 

Peter Tilbrook 

Warren Clarke 

Publicity Officer - PC 

Webmaster - CP 

Rob McLeod 

Treasurer- PD 

Pat Moran 

Noel Tobin 

Russel Cooper 

1 the role of the Committee in relation to current Province social events be as follows: 

• Province Mass – provide advice and practical assistance to the organising Circle, attend to matters of protocol; eg. Promotion, 

Mass Booklet, Vestments, Ciborium, Entrance Procession, Readers, Stipend etc.; 

• Province Contests and Golf Day – provide any practical assistance requested by organising Circle; Rules for Contest; arrange 

adjudicators for a contest; 

• Grand Presidential Tours –organise tour programme, accommodation, informal entertainment and Provincial events; 

• Australian Conference - provide supplementary resources to AUSCOM when Conference venue is within Province 21, 

particularly in relation to associated social functions; 



Brothers Luke Keighery (Ku-Ring-Gai Circle) Graham Short (Mosman Circle), Mike McEvoy (Mosman Circle) 

John Tweedie (Mosman Circle) Paul Despoges (Castle Hill Circle) 

29 th April – 1 st May 2 0 1 3 

One Heart Many Voices Catenian Help Continued… 




Brothers John Donnelly (Warringah Circle), John Tweedie (Mosman Circle), Jon Horan (Ku-Ring-Gai Circle) 

Catenians again provide 

Voluntary Service to 

the Church Community in Province 21… 

Following the successful involvement of brothers from Province 21 as volunteers at the Proclaim 2012 

Conference last August, a number of Brothers volunteered for a similar role at the recent Mission: 

One Heart Many Voices Conference held on 29 April, 30 April and 1 May. The conference 

was organised jointly by Catholic Religious Australia and Catholic Mission and was held principally at 

the Salvation Army Congress Hall in Elizabeth Street Sydney, but with some workshops at the Polding 

Centre in Liverpool Street. 





The conference, had as its focus the sharing of visions of mission by those in leadership roles in 

dioceses, parishes, religious communities, lay organisations and church agencies. It attracted over 

350 delegates from all over Australia and was again a wonderful opportunity to obtain exposure for 

our Association among the broader Catholic community. At the same time it presented us with an 

opportunity to help cement the fraternal love that binds us as Catenian Brothers, by serving fellow 

Catholics (both religious and lay) who are themselves involved in service both in Australia and 

globally. 

In writing about the conference, one member of the organizing committee 

Fr Noel Connolly said that: 

“there was an energy and equality that only mission can bring. We are collaborating in 

something much larger than ourselves, God’s life and mission in the world.     In recent 

decades the Church has spent considerable effort on developing its identity but identity 

alone is often seen in opposition to others and can divide. There is a much more vibrant 

sense of identity that comes from mission and service and I believe we had more than a 

glimpse of that during our three days together.” 

  

These sentiments were felt by us, even as volunteers. In particular we experienced a real sense of 

identity with the delegates and presenters as fellow Catholics working to build the reign of God, as 

we helped them make their way to their presentations and workshops, assisted them with 

registration and with storing their luggage and carried out the many other functions that helped the 

conference run so smoothly. There was some complexity in the conference organisation as 

workshops were held concurrently in two different city buildings, two blocks apart. Our involvement 

was invaluable in ensuring that delegates reached their workshops safely and on time. 

A total of 13 Catenian Brothers and two family members carried out these many different functions 

during the three days of the conference. The Catenians were Br Ron Daly (City of Sydney), Br Pat 

Moran (Hornsby), Br Brendan O’Connell (Hornsby, Manly, Mosman), Br Paul Despoges (Castle Hill), 

Br Peter Huby (Castle Hill), Br Laurie de Ambrosis (Manly), Br Luke Keighery (Ku Ring Gai), Br Jon 

Horan (Ku-Ring-Gai), Br Albert Pinelli (Mosman), Br Graham Short (Mosman, Gold Coast Tweed), Br 

Mike McEvoy (Mosman), Br John Tweedie (Mosman) and Br John Donnelly (Warringah). Some 

brothers worked for one day, some for two and one for all three days. In addition Pamela and 

Katherine Tweedie (wife and daughter of Br John Tweedie) both assisted for one day each. Whilst 

we had some hectic moments, the whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable. 





Our assistance was recognised not only by the organisers but also by many of the delegates who 

indicated their sincere appreciation to us on many occasions. As with the Proclaim 2012 Conference 

we were again clearly recognisable by our signature blue polo shirts. We also had our Catenian 

banner on display and received publicity in the conference booklet. In addition each delegate 

received one of our pamphlets in their conference pack. We were often asked who exactly we were 

and had plenty of opportunity to spread the word about Catenianism among people who showed a 

real interest in us. 

There were many excellent presentations at the conference and these can be accessed through the 

conference website at www.mohmv.com.au. The keynote speaker was Fr Steve Bevans from 

Chicago and his presentation was particularly thought provoking. 

John Tweedie 

Mosman Circle No 330 

President Province 21 

Finally… 

The devotedness John Tweedie has shown to the brotherhood of the Catenians is a fine example of 

what it means to be a leader. John not only made sure that there were enough brothers at cover all 

the days of the conference, he also made sure that all the positions were filled each day. Not 

satisfied with “she’ll be right on the day” every session’s need was covered. John leading by 

example also stood at doors, walked up and down the stairs (8 flights) numerous times to ensure 

that everything went smoothly. 

Why does this represent true brotherly love; because John was not seeking glory for himself but for 

God first and then the brotherhood in which we belong. This conference has among the delegates 

the clergy that can be influential in opening new areas to the Catenians. This has been a fine 

example of what the brotherhood can do and all brothers should feel that they are capable of doing 

the same. 

Brother Peter Huby, (Castle Hill Circle) 



AN INVITATION FROM… 

PROVINCIAL VICE-PRESIDENT 

BROTHER MICHAEL TAN 

Dear Brother, 

Proposed Province 21 Visit to UK Catenian Conference in 2014 

As the Vice-President of Provincial Council, I would like to invite you to join me in 

attending the 2014 Catenian Conference in Liverpool from 9 h -11 th May, 2014. The 

Conference promises to be a great time for meeting new friends, and also to get to know 

other brothers from Province 21 better. I think that it would also be good if we had a 

brother from every Circle in Province 21 represented in the delegation visiting the 

Liverpool Conference, as this would show our UK brothers real evidence of the spirit that 

animates our brotherhood in Australia. 

Please consider whether you would be interested in attending the Conference, and feel free 

to ask any questions, and let your Provincial Councillor know your interest. Could all 

Provincial Councillors please let me know your Circle's interest by the time of our next 

meeting? 

Fraternally, 

Brother Michael Tan 

Provincial Vice-President 

21 May 2013 

PROVINCE 21 


AUSTRALIA 



POPE FRANCIS I… 

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE... 

POPE FRANCIS WAS WAVING AT THE PEOPLE AT SAINT PETER'S 

SQUARE 

AT HIS WEDNESDAY GENERAL AUDIENCE WHEN 

INCREDIBLY, A DOVE PERCHED ON HIS HAND! 

MAKES YOU THINK... DOESN'T IT? 

Sent in by Brother Kevin Doherty 

VIVA LA PAPA POPE FRANCIS!!! 

JUNE Page 20 2013


P 

R 

O 

V 

I 

N 

C 

I 

A 

L 

M 

A 

S 

S 

2 

0 

1 

3 

provincial mass 

at 

St Joseph’s Centre at Baulkham Hills 

ON 

on Sunday 28 th July 2013 at 12.30pm 

Fr John McSweeney, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta 

Singing will be lead by Bro Phil Murray – Canberra Circle 331 

Followed by lunch at 1.15pm 

Circle Secretaries should RSVP Bro Michael Tan by 6 July 2013 

at parrasecretary@yahoo.com.au 

All Brothers and their Families are invited to join in this annual celebration of the Eucharist by Province 21. 

Prayers will be said for all our deceased Brothers 

Our brotherhood stems from the practice of perfect charity. Our spirituality is uniqely Catenian 



MOSMAN CIRCLE 

is pleased to announce that the 

O’CONNELL CUP 2013 

will be held on 

THURSDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 2013 

at MOSMAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 

CNR VISTA ST AND ART GALLERY WAY, MOSMAN 

Meeting at 6.45 pm for 7.15 pm 

Join us to see which Circle will win this coveted trophy in 2013 

Dinner cost is $60 per person 

RSVP Brother Mike McEvoy 0418 489 703 or 

mmcevoy@bigpond.net.au 

By no later than Monday 5th August 2013 


EASTERN LINK 

21 


PROVINCE 

CITY OF SYDNEY CIRCLE 263 

FOUNDATION DINNER 

TO COMMEMORATE 

THE INAUGURATION 

OF THE CITY OF 

SYDNEY CIRCLE 263 

ON THE 22 ND JULY 

1971 WE ARE 

AGAIN HOLDING OUR 

FOUNDATION 

DINNER. THIS IS 

HELD ANNUALLY ON 

THE FIRST 

WEDNESDAY IN 

JULY. CITY OF 

SYDNEY CIRCLE 263 

WAS THE 

FOUNDATION CIRCLE 

OF THE CATENIAN 

ASSOCIATION IN 

AUSTRALIA! 

You are cordially invited to a ladies night on Thursday 3 rd July 2013 

on the 1 st floor of the Occidental Hotel at corner of York and Erskine Streets Sydney 

Please contact Br. Ian Milne by Thursday 27th June phone 9929 4423 

or Email milneiank@gmail.com if you are attending. 



News from City of Parramatta Circle… 

CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER PHIL… 

Brother Phil, wife Margaret their son & daughter 

Brother Phil Russo, a Foundation 

Brother of the City of Parramatta 

Circle, and Past-Circle President, was 

recently presented with the Order of 

Australia by the Governor-General of 

New South Wales, Marie Bashir, for 

services to the local community of 

Parramatta. In particular, Brother Phil 

has worked tirelessly to promote 

reconciliation between the indigenous 

communities of Parramatta, and the 

rest of the Australian community. We 

congratulate Brother Phil on his 

award, and wish him and his wife, 

Margaret all the best on this joyous 

occasion. 

/Brother Michael Tan 



News from Gold Coast Tweed Circle 357… 

31st meeting of the Gold Coast Tweed Circle 357 

held on 16 th April, 2013 

Formal Meeting: 6:30 p.m. opened by retiring President, Brother Kevin Devine who according to 

set procedure installed Brother Peter Cossins as President for the 2013/2014 term. 

The following brothers were installed by the new President for the ensuing year: 

Brother Andrew Denny: Vice-President 

Brother Tom Lyons: Secretary 

Brother John Brown: Treasurer 

Brother Paul Bellhouse: Membership Officer 

Brother Don McLellan: Chamberlain 

Brother Keith Furniss: Marshall 

Brother Stewart Meek: Registrar 

Brother Errol Daranjo: Assistant Secretary 

Brother Alex Lever: Assistant Registrar 

A special welcome was accorded to Brother Paul Despoges from Castle Hill Circle. Brother Paul 

Despoges spoke briefly about the Grand President’s tour of Australia next year and the planned 

Restructure of the Catenian Association which when finalised will mean reduced costs and more 

independence for the countries concerned. 

During dinner, Lt Col (retired) Brian Vickery, gave members a very interesting insight into his work 

with the Gurkha regiment while he was in active service. His presentation was much appreciated 

by all present. The new President; Brother Peter Cossins gave a vote of thanks to Brian. 


Gold Coast Tweed Circle 357 

Meetings: 6:00pm 3rd Tuesday of month (EST) 

St Monica’s Parish Centre, 485 Golden Four Drive, Tugun 



Father Greg Bourke OFM Guest Speaker at Manly May meeting 

NEWS FROM MANLY 

CIRCLE… 

Father Greg Bourke was educated by 

the Franciscans and was ordained as 

a priest of the order in 1964. 

He always had only one aim and 

vocation in life – that was to serve as 

a Franciscan missionary in Papua 

New Guinea. 

In 1965 he was sent to New Guinea 

as a missionary and has remained 

serving as a missionary up to the 

present day. On his arrival in New 

Guinea in 1965 he was attached to 

the Aitape diocese where he was 

posted to the remote missions. 

These missions were such that his 

only contact with the outside world 

was a radio by which he was able to 

keep abreast with the current news. 

During this time he was engaged in bringing the message of Christ to local people – and at 

the same time setting up for the first time in their villages - schools, clinics and churches. Fr 

Greg continued with these activities for a period of 10 years. 

In 1975 he was appointed head of the Franciscan Order in New Guinea at which time there 

were about 30 missionaries in the province. 

For the next 10 years Greg was involved in running the Order and working with and training 

the seminarians in the province. 

In 1990 Greg was appointed Vicar General of the diocese a post which he still holds till this 

day. 

He and Manly President Brother John Kiely (both pictured above) started school together in 

country NSW. After coming back to Sydney to get some health issues “sorted.” Father Greg 

expects to return to PNG soon. 

/Brother Terry Hayes 



CITY OF PARRAMATTA 

CIRCLE 

PROVINCE 21 

You are invited to attend… 

CITY OF PARRAMATTA 

CIRCLE’s 

150 TH MEETING 

On 

Thursday 26th September 2013 

Commence time is 6.45 p.m. for a 7.15 p.m. start 

At 

Lachlans Restaurant 

Old Government House, Parramatta 

Guest Speaker: 

June Barrett, diocesan Archivist, who will speak on 

“The History of the Catholic Church in Parramatta” 

Please contact: 

John Green on 02 96307094 

THIS IS A LADIES NIGHT 



News from Pittwater Circle… 

“humorous and entertaining”… 

From left; Mrs McLean, Brother Don and Past Circle President’s wife Cheryl Maynard 

The March meeting of Pittwater Circle had the pleasure of hosting a visit of Brother Don 

McLean, a member of Solihull Circle in the U.K. He is a professional comedian and also a 

Papal Knight. 

He gave the attending Catenians and their ladies a very humorous and entertaining 

demonstration of his comedic talents, and has been among the most popular of our dinner 

speakers. 

THE CATENIANS 

strengthening family life 

through friendship & faith 



More news from Pittwater Circle… 

OLD AND NEW OFFICER’S AT 

PITTWATTER CIRLE… 

Brother Gavin & Brother Ken 

Brother Ken & Brother Mike 

Brother Ken & Brother Paul 

Brothers Barry, Peter & Kevin 

Pittwater Circle held its changeover meeting on April 10, at Long Reef Golf Clubhouse. The following Brothers 

were honoured by incoming President Brother Ken Halliday-: 

• Outgoing President Brother Mike Maynard for superb leadership accompanied by provision of prizes for 

raffles and very tasty refreshments at council meetings. 

• Retiring Secretary Brother Gavin Williamson for untiring work for the circle over many years. 

• Treasurer Brother Paul Day, who has served in this role for nine years and done a great job. He has now 

added the role of Provincial Treasurer to his duties. 

Brothers Barry McNamara and Kevin Doherty who assisted Brothers Peter McDonald and Ian Currie in winning 

the provincial golf trophy at the recent competition and which Brother. Peter is holding. Brother Peter had the 

best score on the day. 

/Brother Peter McGoldrick 



News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle… 

INCOMING – OUTGOING AT KU-RING-GAI… 

New Officers for the coming year for Ku-Ring-Gai 

Circle are; left to right: Stim Robinson (Treasurer), 

Justin Gardener (Vice-President), Martin Stebbings 

(Registrar) and Garry McIntosh (President) 

Alain La Touche addressed members and spoke of his 

background as a French Mauritian who lived a time in 

South Africa where he met his wife. He learnt English 

at the University of Johannesburg and went on to 

become an accountant. He has two children and is a 

member of Corpus Christi St Ives and rates football as 

his favourite sport. 

New member for Ku-Ring-Gai Circle is John 

Holdsworth. Married with two children he lives in 

Pymble. He has an Ag Chem degree from the 

University of Sydney and spent some time in the 

wine making industry and is now in plastics. A keen 

golfer and rugby follower and is also a scout leader. 

At Ku-Ring-Gai's April Circle meeting the following 

outgoing Officers received their miniatures for 

service to the Circle; left to right: Malcolm McEwen 

(President), Martin Dando ( Registrar) and Charlie 

Murton (Treasurer) 



News from City of Parramatta Circle… 

WELCOME STEPHEN… 

The brothers of the City of Parramatta circle were delighted to enrol Stephen Moran as a new 

brother at our last meeting. Stephen is the son of Brother Vic Moran, a founding brother of 

the City of Parramatta Circle, and our Circle Treasurer. Stephen is married to Virginia and to 

complete the family have a six-year-old daughter Natasha. Stephen is a Senior Constable in 

Parramatta district of Sydney. Pictured are Stephen in the middle, flanked by Circle President 

Xavier Lim and his father, Vic Moran. Naturally, as Circle Treasurer, Brother Vic ensured that 

Stephen had paid his fees prior to enrolment! 


SNIPPET FROM PARRAMATTA CIRCLE; 

Our Guest Speaker in April 

We hosted Br. Bernard Buffin as our guest speaker in April. Br. Bernard works as a Chaplain at Parklea Prison, 

and he gave a very informative sharing of his work with the prisoners there. Thank-you, Br. Bernard, for your 

sharing, which was both informative and educational. 

It was interesting that we had in the audience a Police Officer, a Solicitor and a Doctor, who all have 

professional involvement in one way or other with these prisoners. 

It would be interesting to see if we can have a follow up on how best to look after these offenders, as our faith 

calls us to love the sinner while hating the sin … we must be compassionate without being naïve, at the same 

time as tempering justice with the mercy of God. 



EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 

More News from Sydney Circle… 

“Cherry Blossom Tour” of Japan… 

Brother Peter and Lorelie O’Reilly have returned safely after a wonderful “Cherry Blossom 

Tour” of Japan. It was a small group of 14 “seniors” with a most pleasant, knowledgeable 

and organised guide, Saeko Yashita who looked after us like a mother hen. We were 

fortunate to see heaps of cherry blossoms on the trees in varying shades of pink through to 

white. 

All the party were impressed with the courtesy of the Japanese people, the cleanliness of 

every area visited, the speed and punctuality of the trains, the sea of black suits in Tokyo and 

the very moving atomic peace park and museum in Hiroshima. 

Our party visited Tokyo, Kyoto Hiroshima, Kanazawa and mountain villages. 

In all a most memorable holiday! 



More news from City of Sydney Circle… 

Congratulations John… 

Our meeting in May 2013 had an attendance of 19 brothers (50%) with 16 apologies and three non-apologies. 

Brother President Tom Boyce (pictured left) presented Brother V/President John Crawford with his Treasurer’s 

miniature for his dedicated service over the past 7 years to keep our Circle solvent. 

MESSAGE FROM BROTHER PLUNKETT SWEENEY… 

Bro Plunkett Sweeney our founder president in 1971 is home from 

hospital and has said to me that his “passage to greener pastures” 

has been delayed! The investigations in hospital showed that he had 

severe diverticulitis but no cancerous growths. I spoke to him today 

(9587 7746) and he was in good spirits. Plunkett and his wife Joyce 

are from Ireland via Brighton (Hove Circle) in England but are very 

much Aussies except for their accents! He apologised that he could 

not attend the meetings but follows the Circle and brothers via the 

newsletters and Catena. Plunkett was born 9/02/1921 and is still a 

prolific reader! He is devotee of Cardinal Newman and quotes his 

teachings at “the drop of a hat”. 

/Brother Peter O’Reilly 



SYDNEY CIRCLE BROTHER MIKE 

VISITS POOLE CIRCLE… 

From left; Mike being greeted by Acting President Mike Garnish with far right, Brother Mike’s Brother Bernard 

Visitor to Poole Circle from 

City of Sydney Circle, Brother 

Mike Tighe presented Acting 

President Mike Garnish with a 

Provincial Tie from Province 

21. Poole Circle has a longstanding 

connection to 

Australia through being 

twinned with Cairns, through 

Peter Cash who was 

previously a Brother of Poole 

Circle. Accompanying Brother 

Mike on his visit to Poole 

Circle was his brother Bernard, 

who is a Brother of 

neighbouring Bournemouth 

Circle. Brother Erik Johnson 

Pictured left; Brother Mike presenting 

Poole Circle's Acting President 

Brother Mike Garnish with the 

Province 21 Provincial tie 



News from City of Cairns Circle… 

From Left; Brother Michael, President Joe and newly enrolled Brother Mike 

June’s meeting was an outstanding one!!! In a unique ceremony, Brother President Joe 

enrolled Michael Schramm Senior into the Circle. (Now known as Brother Mike). It is normally 

the other way around, fathers normally enrol sons!!! Brother Mike has seen his son Brother 

Michael, attending Catenian Meetings of the City of Cairns Circle and decided to come along 

and see what it is all about. Mike is married to Glenys and used to be in the electrical retail 

industry before retirement, and managed a local electrical retail store for 45 years before 

retiring about 10 years ago. During this time he also was appointed as a director to national 

electrical buying group which he served for many years. Mike is also one of the few people 

who live in Cairns who was actually born here. Mike who retired has just taken delivery of a 

new Motor Caravan and he and Glenys is looking forward to spending time touring around 

Australia. Mike has been married to Glenys for nearly 48 years. They have four children - 

Michael, Julie Barry & Peter and 11 grandchildren ranging from 23 to 2 years of age. 



More news from City of Cairn Circle’s… 

TWO GUEST SPEAKERS AT OUR JUNE MEETING!!! 

From left; Brothers Peter, Joe, Simon, Father Neil, Brother Tony, Andrew McKenzie, Brother Gary, 

Paul Hough, & Brothers Mike, Matthew, Michael 

City of Cairns Circle had two Guest 

Speakers at their June meeting; Brother 

Paul Hough, Executive Director, Catholic 

Educational Services and Andrew McKenzie, 

Business Services Manager, Catholic 

Educational Service. 

Both did a brilliant insight to the current 

projects being employed by the Catholic 

Educational Services at the moment. 

Brother President Joe thanked them both for 

attending our dinner and their 

presentations. 

Brother Paul Hough may be familiar to some 

of our Catenian Brothers and their families 

in the Sydney area. 

President Joe with right Brother Paul Hough 

Brother Paul was appointed Headmaster, St 

Gregory’s College, Campbelltown, NSW for 

nine years, then as Headmaster, St Joseph’s 

College, Hunters Hill, NSW until 2006. 



News from Gold Coast Tweed Circle May Meeting… 

Brother Brian talks about St Vincent de Paul 

Society… 

Brother Brian gave an interesting insight into how the St Vincent de Paul Society operates in 

South Queensland. Brian – who is a Vincentian himself – spoke with great compassion about 

the Society and how it helps the less fortunate than ourselves. Brother President Peter 

thanked him for his very interesting, captivating talk. 

PROVINCE 21 




News from Canberra Circle’s 331 & 340… 

A JOINT WEEKEND AT BATHURST… 

Group at Abercrombie House 

Brothers and wives of the two Canberra Circles (331 and 340) visited the regional city of Bathurst over 

the weekend 13-15 April. Both Circles have developed a tradition to have a joint weekend away once a 

year to develop our friendships and foster our fraternal love. The historic inland city of Bathurst (est 

1815) was the choice this year. Under the guidance of Bro Paul Scholtens (340), the program of 

activity included such highlights as: 

• A tour of the old cathedral of St Michael and St John, followed by Mass 

• Dinner with Bishop Michael McKenna on Saturday night and some singing entertainment by 

Bro Phil Murray (331) 

• Breakfast and tour of Abercrombie House on Sunday, followed by 

• Tour of Ben Chifley’s home (Australia’s post war prime minister), St Stanislaus’ Catholic Boys 

College and the famed Mt Panorama Car racing circuit 

• Mt Piper power station on Monday completed the program. 

The party comprised some 35 brothers and wives who travelled to Bathurst by car though the regional 

towns of Cowra and Carcoar and home via Oberon and Goulburn. The weather was fantastically 

autumn and the company exceptionally fraternal. /Brother George Kazs 

/Cont. 



A JOINT WEEKEND AT BATHURST 

Continued… 

Irene and Brother Paul Scholtens 

with Bishop Michael McKenna 

From left; Brother’s Jeff Cowley (President 

Circle 331), Frank Long (340) and Norm Russell 

and Robin Wells (Provincial Councillor 331) 

Welcome to Canberra 331 New 

President and Vice-President… 

Like other Circles of the Association, Canberra 

331 effected a changing of the guard at its 

April meeting. Brother John McWilliam 

(pictured right) assumes the Presidency while 

Brother Tom Davies (on the left) became Vice 

President. Congratulations from the Circle. 

Brothers look forward to an exciting year. The 

development of our membership enhancement 

strategy took another step forward with a good 

discussion of the draft at the April meeting 

lead by MO Brother Peter Polkinghorne. 



More news from Canberra 331 Newsletter… 

CANBERRERA 331 & CANBERRA 340 JUNE JOINT MEETING… 

From left; Shirley and Sue McWilliam 

The Circle celebrated its 172nd meeting jointly with Circle 340 in June. A ladies dinner 

followed with Mrs Shirley Sutton as guest speaker. Shirley spoke about the formation of her 

recently published centenary book entitled "the history of district and community health 

nursing in the ACT 1911 to 2011 - 100 years”. 

The book is sub-titled “Caring for the Community - rain, hail or shine” and features a young 

Sue McWilliam on the cover - hence the cloak worn by Sue at the presentation. 

This was a real life “call the midwife” story. 

/Brother Art Ringer 



News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle… 

MAY CIRCLE MEETING 

Fr. Johnny Arattukulam (centre), Assistant Priest of Corpus Christi Parish St Ives 

with Brother Ric Camilleri (left) and new President Garry McIntosh at Ku-Ring-Gai's May Circle Meeting 

Phil Davies, former President Ku-Ring-Gai Circle receiving the Harold Wilmott Trophy awarded to a Brother who 

has given outstanding service during the year for the good of the Circle 


EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 

MAY CIRCLE MEETING Continued… 

From left; Gerry Hoy, Alain La Touche & John Stone 

From left; Brothers Michael Burke & Charlie Thomson 

From left; Brothers Jack Garcia, Luke Keighery 

& Martin Stebbings 

Father Johnny Arattukulam selected himself in the 

name tag draw and receives a bottle of wine. 



More news from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle… 

JUNE CIRCLE MEETING 

Brother Phil Davies, former President Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 

lays down the rules for "Call My Bluff' at the June Ladies night. 



JUNE CIRCLE MEETING Continued… 

Call My Bluff continued… 

Winning men’s team on the night were from (left to right) Brothers Claude Jugmans, Ken Anania 

and Patrick Raper who were presented their prizes by Brother Treasurer Stim Robinson 

Ladies team for Ku-Ring-Gai's "Call My Bluff" night were from (left to right) Catherine Wales 

Raylee Edwards and Belinda Camilleri. 



JUNE CIRCLE MEETING Continued… 

Call My Bluff continued… 

Brother President Garry McIntosh and wife Carmel at the Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Ladies night 

enjoyed the game of "Call My Bluff". 

Ku-Ring-Gai's June Circle and Ladies night featured a game of "Call My Bluff" run by former 

President Brother Phil Davies featuring two teams, one ladies and one men’s. 

Each team was given three obscure words. Each team member had to give their version of the 

meaning of each word. Only one member of the panel is telling the truth for each word. 

One member of the opposing team declares which version he/she thinks is correct and explains 

why. 

The other team then says whether the answer was True or False. The process is then repeated 

with the other team giving definitions for another word. There were six rounds in all. It was very 

funny – all the panel members did a great job. 

/Brother John White 



More News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle June Meeting… 

WELCOME PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT BROTHER JOHN & PAMELA… 

At our June meeting, we were honoured to have present the newly installed Province 21 President, 

Brother John Tweedie and his wife Pamela. John’s visit to Ku-Ring-Gai Circle is the first of his planned 

visits to all of the Circles in the Province. John and Pam are here seen with KRG Provincial Councillor 

Brother Chris Pitts. 

COMING EVENTS AT KU-RING-GAI… 

Saturday 6 July: Ku-Ring-Gai Catenian Circle Mass for Vocations at Corpus Christi, St Ives to be celebrated by 

Father Greg Homeming. Mass at 6:00pm will be followed by Dinner to be arranged at a nearby restaurant. 

Brothers and families are encouraged to attend the mass in company with other members of the Circle and 

should let Brother Phil Davies know if they are able to join in dinner afterwards. 

Monday 8 July: Circle meeting at Checkers, “Coast to Coast in the UK.” A talk by Brother Jim Phelan about his 

recent trip to the UK and his experiences on the Wainwright Walk. 


EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 

Brothers and families attending the Catenian Mass at Westminster Cathedral 


Strengthening family life 

through friendship and faith 



City of Parramatta and Mosman Circle’s Brother Ed van Riet and Joanne, recently attended the 

Conference Mass at Westminster Cathedral. It was a special Mass especially for the Catenians. 

Brother Ed and Joanne are on a European tour and were in London on Ascension Day, 11 th May. 


EASTERN LINK 


V.A.C. 

CITY OF MELBOURNE CIRCLE 

WELCOME UK BROTHER DAMIAN… 

Damian (seated) with President Brother Greg Lynch, Vice-President Brother Adam Trajer and 

Brother Joe Brick enjoying the shade at President’s Sunday. Damian purchased a pair of shorts not 

long after!!! 

City of Melbourne’s President’s Sunday had an extra guest this year, Damian Butler, Morpeth 

Circle had arrived in Melbourne the week prior. Damian was given an especially warm welcome as 

Melbourne was setting a record for the warmest February on record with 10 consecutive days over 

30 degrees ! He is spending eight weeks based in Melbourne with his company and besides 

attending President’s Sunday he has managed to attend to Circle meetings and has enjoyed 

Catenian hospitality down under. 


EASTERN LINK 


V.A.C. 

ANOTHER NEW BROTHER JOINS 

CITY OF MELBOURNE E CIRCLE… 

The new and the long serving: Pat O’Haire (centre) City of Melbourne’s newest Brother, Con Lilley 

(right) a founding Brother and President Greg Lynch (left) on the celebration of Melbourne’s 350 th 

celebration 

In February, the City of Melbourne celebrated its 350 th meeting by hosting the Visitors Decanter for the 

third time. Area President Will Kininmonth proposed the toast to Circle congratulating its Brothers on 

achieving this milestone and wishing all continued growth for years to come. It was therefore 

appropriate for the latest Brother, Pat O’Haire to be enrolled on the meeting. Pat’s waiting period for 

enrolment was longer than most as upon deciding to join he took a role in the mining industry based in 

Western Australia. Working on a rotational shift pattern it took eight months for Pat to be in Melbourne 

on a scheduled Circle meeting. 

Pat, born in Castlebar, Co. Mayo Ireland, emigrated to Australia with his wife Connie in 1994 originally 

settling in Sydney before settling in Melbourne in 2000. Pat and Connie met when they both worked on 

the construction of the English Tunnel. Pat & Connie are members of the Parish of Nazareth, Rickett’s 

Point and have two children, Eilis and Will who are both at University in Melbourne. 

The Circle is guaranteed an interesting evening when Pat gets to speak about his lifestyle of flying to 

work every month for 21 days of consecutive work in temperatures generally above 40 degrees. 

/Brother Greg Lynch 


EASTERN LINK 


PROVINCE 21 

Brothers who are seeking employment are invited to post their details below. Replies will be passed 

onto the concerned Brother discreetly through the Editor. They will only be identifiable on the page 

through a code number which only the Editor and the Brother concerned knows. 

CATENIAN SEEKS… 

Experienced General Manager looking for employment in an administration role in sales, marketing, or 

general administration in wholesale sales, manufacturing, logistics or warehousing environment. 

More than thirty years senior management experience in a wholesale sales environment working with 

overseas manufacturers. 

Experience includes sales management (up to 40 staff), marketing, inventory planning and procurement, 

warehousing, financial budgeting and reporting, debtor’s management, and general business 

administration. 

Qualifications in Quality Assurance and General Business administration including MBA (University of Hull 

GB) 

DAUGHTER OF CATENIAN… 

YOUR DETAILS COULD BE HERE FOR 

POTENIAL EMPLOYERS TO SEE… 

SON OF CATENIAN… 

YOUR DETAILS COULD BE HERE FOR 

POTENIAL EMPLOYERS TO SEE… 

Prospective Employers; please contact me by telephone or email, if you would like to get in touch with 

any of the above Brothers/Families who are actively seeking employment. Everything will be handled 

in a discreet manner. A reminder of my telephone no’s:- Home: 0740553529 – Mobile: 0415846565 – 

Email: petercash@btinternet.com 



Mary’s Rosary Chain is a Rosary Devotion to 

Our Blessed Mother, where people are 

invited and encouraged to pray one decade 

of (10 Hail Mary’s) each day in communion 

with other participants in this great powerful 

chain of prayer. The great benefit of praying 

(one decade) of the Rosary each day in 

union with tens of thousands of other 

participants around the world is the 

abundant fold Grace of Combined Prayers 

together with the Daily Prayers of the 

Pauline Order for the needs and intentions 

of the participants. 

All participants are invited to enrol their 

Names on a list and have their Names 

permanently placed under the Blessed 

Sacrament in a Monastery of St Paul the 

First Hermit, “Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy”, 

Penrose Park, NSW or “Our Lady Help of 

Christians”, Marian Valley, Canungra, QLD, 

where the Order will pray daily for their 

intentions, also, Holy Mass is celebrated for 

all the participants every Saturday. 

The Order of St Paul the First Hermit have 

warmly welcomed this Devotion and have 

given their full support and blessing for the 

inspiring Rosary Cards to be distributed and 

promoted wherever possible to encourage 

the people of God and especially children 

and youth to pray through the intercession 

of the Mother of God for the many urgent 

needs of the Holy Church and the world in 

general. 

Further information can be obtained from:- 

Mary’s Rosary Chain Inc. P.O. Box 3127, St. 

Mary’s South, NSW 2760 Please Telephone 

Jeffrey Vassallo on 0288077888/0424032200 



St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Prayer… 

Ever generous God, 

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop 

To live her life faithful to the Gospel of 

Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and Encouragement to those who were disheartened, 

lonely or needy. 

With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop. 

We ask that you grant our request………………. 

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, 

may live with courage, trust and openness. 

Ever generous God hear our prayer. 

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Do you know Any Catholic men In the Adelaide area??? 

And you think they could be Potential Catenian Brothers 

Please contact Brother Michael P Cogman, Joondalup Circle No 339 

Telephone (08) 8278 1443 

Brother Michael is trying to start a new Group in Adelaide 

and needs to find Potential Brothers 

PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE… 

Brother Chris Pitts has upgraded the Province 21 website 

please visit it at:- 

http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/ 

Plenty to see there with numerous links to other Catenian websites 



WHAT DOES THE YEAR OF GRACE ASK OF US? 

The Catholic Bishops of Australia) invite you to walk this journey with them in hope. We commit 

ourselves to: 

Pray daily seeking the mind and heart of Jesus Christ 

Repent for the areas in which we have failed individually and together 

Pursue the path of holiness cultivating the gifts of the Spirit and seeking to grow as disciples of 

Jesus 

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that the Church of Australia will be transformed by the 

power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives. 

(Excerpt from the Year of Grace Pastoral letter of Archbishop Wilson on behalf of the Catholic Bishops 

of Australia 20 November 2011.) 

All Brothers are encouraged to visit other Circles. If the opportunity 

arises please contact the appropriate Catering Officer listed below. 

CITY OF CAIRNS 3 rd Thu 

Peter Cash 07 4055 3529 – petercash@btinternet.com 

CANBERRA 3rd Thu. 

Russell Sweeney 6291 4604 

CANBERRA/MOLONGLO 1st Wed. 

Julian Flynn, 6255 1579 

CARLINGFORD 3rd Tue. 

Stan Burgin 9871 2449 

CASTLE HILL 4th Tue 

Paul Despoges 8850 0956 

GOLD COAST TWEED GROUP 3 rd Tues 

Errol Daranjo 07 5576-0019 

HORNSBY 1st Thu 

Peter Andersen 0412 669 462 

KU-RING-GAI 2nd Mon 

Phil Davies 9440 4299 

MANLY 3rd Wed 

Michael van Ommen 9452 5282. 

MOSMAN 2nd Thu 

Mike McEvoy 9968 1777 

PARAMATTA 4 th Thu 

John Green on 02 96307094 

PITTWATER 2nd Wed 

Rex Harding 9944 0886 – rexharding@optusnet.com.au 

CITY OF SYDNEY 1st Wed 

John Crawford 9240 4975 

WARRINGAH 4th Wed 

Bill Carney on 9451 2144 

VICTORIAN CIRCLES 

CITY OF MELBOURNE 4th Mon 

Adam Trajer 03 9584 1134 

WAVERLEY 1st Tue 

George Little 03 9803 7907 

MAROONDAH 3rd Wed 

Paul McCulloch 03 9802 0725 

PENINSULA 2nd Fri 

Peter Christie 03 5985 7515 

BOROONDARA 4 th Wed 

Tibor Puhl 03 9890 0474 

JESUS 

YEAR OF GRACE 

PRAYER… 

Invite Jesus to walk with you this day 

as you pray. 

Jesus as I contemplate 

your face: let me experience 

your great love for me. 

Reveal your saving 

grace and give me 

a grateful heart. 

Heal me of my weaknesses 

and sin and fill me with 

compassion for others. 

Gift me with the wisdom of the 

Spirit and encourage me to be a 

Faithful witness to the Gospel. 

I ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 



OBITUARIES… 

BROTHER GREG SMYTH RIP 

Late of City of Sydney Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 16 th June 2013 

Please remember Colleen and Family in your prayers 

May he rest in peace Amen. 

Brother Gregory Patrick Smyth passed to his Maker at 1:00am on Sunday 16 th June at Sutherland Hospital. 

Greg has had an incredibly tough two years in and out of Saint Vincent’s Hospital. 

He was a foundation brother when the City of Sydney Circle was inaugurated on 22 nd July 1971, was 

treasurer for two years, Vice President in 1989 and President in 1990. On his buying trips to China he visited 

the Hong Kong Circle and was always warmly welcomed. 

Greg was a class mate of Brother Joe McGuinness and two past brothers Tony Tynan and Bob McLaughlin 

(all City of Sydney) and this quartet have remained close mates for over 50 years. He was a very proud exstudent 

of Marist Brothers High School at Kogarah from where many of our City of Sydney brothers received 

their education and Catholic faith. 

Bob McLaughlin spoke in his eulogy of their days at school in the army cadets when they were placed in 

charge of the quartermaster’s store. A delivery of Enfield 303 rifles was made complete with bolts. A few 

rounds of ammunition were found, loaded and accidentally discharged with the ricochet hitting one of the 

boys, fortunately not a serious injury! Greg then had a reputation at the school of “don’t argue” with him, he 

shoots you! He was also in the football team and tennis squad. 

Bob also spoke of Greg’s ability to make friends easily and keep contact with them; many of these 60 year 

friends are in the congregation today. His telephone was in constant use ringing his many friends and just 

“keeping in touch” 

Greg’s prized possession was a collection of Penfold’s Grange Hermitage. He had Bob McLaughlin to 

dinner one evening, opened and savoured one bottle of “Grange”, uncorked a second which was not 

finished and put aside. Next evening Greg looked for the half bottle of his “sacred red” only to find Colleen 

had used it to make some jelly!!!!. This must go down in history as the first and the last “Grange Jelly”. 

The C.Y.O. (Catholic Youth Organisation) was in full swing in the 1950-60’s. Greg and his mates were very 

regular attendees at the meetings and social events because all the good looking Catholic girls were there! 

At one of these functions he was captivated with a tall, beautiful brunette. He married his devoted wife 

Colleen Veness at Saint Finbar’s Sans Souci in 1962. They were blessed with one son, Greg Junior, their 

daughter-in-law Susan and two grandchildren Georgia & Victoria. With their family they celebrated their 

Golden Wedding in 2012. 

/Continued on next page… 



BROTHER GREG SMYTH RIP 

Late of City of Sydney Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 16 th June 2013 

Please remember Colleen and Family in your prayers 

May he rest in peace Amen. 

Greg studied accountancy and commenced his first employment with the Australian Tax Office. He saw that 

great opportunity existed outside of the Public Service so he resigned and with Colleen ran a successful 

fishing and sporting goods importing business. 

He was a committed Rotarian, attending regularly and assisting in all their community activities and fund 

raising. 

Greg had a wonderful devotion to Our Lady and tirelessly promoted the reciting of her special prayer “The 

Rosary”. He and Colleen organised the unique one decade rosary beads to be distributed to Catenians, First 

communicants in St. Joseph’s Parish, Lweza, Uganda, Africa and school children and adults in Australia. 

The intentions of these people were placed on the altar of the Pauline Fathers in Sutton Forest. 

You can be certain the World is a better place because of the thousands of prayers for the Blessed Virgin’s 

intercession that Greg, Colleen and their helpers have been able to organise. 

Brother Greg’s funeral was held with an overflowing church at “Our Lady of the Way” Sylvania on Thursday 

20 th June 2013 at 11am. The Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Father Simon Kitimbo from Uganda and 

Msgr. Brian Rayner. 

/Brother Peter O’Reilly 

Greg RIP pictured with visiting Grand President Tony Godden October 2011 



Please pray for the soul of 

Sheelagh Scahill 

wife of Brother Greg Scahill 

passed away on Thursday 20 June 2013. 

Please pray for Greg and his family in their time of grief 

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED… 

God of faithfulness, in Your wisdom You have called Your servants out of this 

world; release them from the bonds of sin, and welcome them into Your 

Presence, so the they may enjoy eternal light and peace and be raised up in glory 

with all Your saints. AMEN. 

ANNIVERSARIES: 

Your prayers are requested for the repose of the souls of our deceased 

Catenian Brothers and of all our relatives and friends, especially those 

whose anniversaries occur at this time. 

God our Father, 

Your power brings us to birth, 

Your providence guides our lives, 

and by Your command we return to dust. 

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, 

their lives change but do not end. 

We pray in hope for our families, 

relatives and friends, 

and for all the dead known to You alone. 

In company with Christ, 

Who died and now lives, 

may they rejoice in Your kingdom, 

where all our tears are wiped away. 

Unite us together again in one family, 

to sing Your praise forever and ever. 

Amen. 



Late news in from Mosman Circle… 

From left: Past President Mosman Circle; Brother Peter Finn 

Province 21 Membership Officer; Brother Paul Despoges 

Mosman Circle President; Brother Robert Van Aalst 

& Mosman Circle Membership Officer; Brother Graham Short 

Mosman Circle triumphed this year and have won the Friar Tuck Cup for 2013. The Circle 

recently conducted a membership drive, with blessing of the local Parish Priest, at all 

weekend masses at the three Churches of Our Lady of the Way Parish North Sydney and 

recorded a massive 60 registrations of interest. 

/Brother Graham Short 



PRAYER 

FOR PEACE 

IN THE 

MIDDLE EAST… 

God of Mercy & Compassion, of Grace and reconciliation, 

Pour your spirit on all your children 

in the Middle East. 

Jews, Muslims and Christians, 

Let hatred be turned into Love, fear to Trust, 

Despair to hope, 

Oppression to Freedom and occupation to Liberation, 

May Peace & Justice be shared by all. 

Lord Hear Us! 



EASTERN LINK PROVINCE 21 

FINALLY, LET’S HAVE A LAUGH. . . . . . 

A farmer named Muldoon lived alone in the countryside with a wee dog that he loved and doted on. 

After many long years of faithful companionship, the dog finally died, so Muldoon went to the parish 

priest: 

"Father, my dear old dog is dead. Could you be saying a Mass for him?" 

Father Patrick replied, "I am so very sorry to hear about your dog's death. But, unfortunately, I can't say 

Mass for the poor creature..." 

Muldoon said, "I understand, Father, I do. I guess I'll go to this new denomination down the road; no 

tellin' what they believe... Do you think $500 is enough to donate for the service?" 

Father Patrick: "Why didn't you tell me your wee dog was Catholic?!" 

Late one night, a burglar broke into a house he thought was empty. He tiptoed through the living room 

but suddenly he froze in his tracks when he heard a loud voice say: "Jesus is watching you!" 

Silence returned to the house, so the burglar crept forward again. "Jesus is watching you," the voice 

boomed again. The burglar stopped dead again. He was frightened. Frantically, he looked all around. In 

a dark corner, he spotted a bird cage and in the cage was a parrot. He asked the parrot: 

"Was that you who said Jesus is watching me?" "Yes," said the parrot. The burglar breathed a sigh of 

relief and asked the parrot: "What's your name?" "Clarence," said the bird. 

"That's a dumb name for a parrot," sneered the burglar. "What idiot named you Clarence?" The parrot 

said, "The same idiot who named the Doberman Jesus." 

Lost on a rainy Friday night, a priest stumbles into a monastery and requests shelter there. Fortunately, 

he's just in time for dinner and was treated to the best fish and chips he's ever had. 

After dinner, he goes into the kitchen to thank the chefs. He is met by two brothers, "Hello, I'm Brother 

Michael, and this is Brother Francis." 

"I'm very pleased to meet you. I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful dinner. The fish and chips 

were the best I've ever tasted. Out of curiosity, who cooked what?" 

Brother Charles replied, "Well, I'm the fish friar." 

Father turns to the other brother and says, "Then you must be...." 

"Yes, I'm afraid I'm the chip monk..." 

Not so very long ago, an old German man was feeling guilty about something he had done, so he 

decided to go to Confession. 

He said, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I feel terrible because during World War II I hid a refugee 

in my attic." 

The priest said, "But that's not a sin! I wouldn't feel bad about that if I were you!" 

"But I made him agree to pay me 50 Marks for every week he stayed." 

The priest said, "Well, I admit that certainly wasn't the most noble thing to do, charging the man to save 

his life -- but you did save his life, after all, and that is a good thing. Don't worry about it too much; God 

forgives." 

The man said, "Oh thank you, Father, that eases my mind. I have only one more question to ask you -- 

Do I have to tell him the war is over?" 

After the Baptism of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat 

of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That priest said 

he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys." 

Catholic boy and a Jewish boy were talking and the Catholic boy said, "My priest knows more than your 

rabbi." The Jewish boy said, "Of course he does, you tell him everything."

18th Eastern Link - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

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