12th Eastern Link - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

EASTERN LINK 

1908 2011 

The Catenians 

Strengthening family life 

through friendship and faith 

THE 

EASTERN LINK 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 

& KIND WISHES FOR 2011 

TO ALL OUR CATENIAN 

BROTHERS & FAMILIES 

CHRISTMAS EDITION 

NEWS & EVENTS OF 

CATENIAN CIRCLES AND GROUPS OF 

PROVINCE 21 & VAC 

DECEMBER 2011

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

A Christmas Message from. . . 

HIS LORDSHIP 

THE BISHOP OF CAIRNS 

JAMES FOLEY 

It is simply a fact of everyday life: Bad News sells better than Good News. If we are frank we also have 

to admit that in ourselves scurrilous gossip is rather more curiously interesting than some pious tale! 

And that is just how it is!! 

Yet at Christmas there is some effort to put the best foot forward. We try to be nice at least for one day 

of the year. Even free-to-air T.V. dust off those old heart-warming films for the Festive Season: A White 

Christmas or the story behind Silent Night. 

These small efforts are their own little wonders. These annual gestures of good-will are small miracles!! 

This is a down-to-earth minor fulfillment of the original Christmas announcement: Do not be afraid. 

Listen. I bring you news of great joy – a joy to be shared by the whole people. That is from the 

Midnight Mass Gospel reading (Luke 2:11). This is the fulfillment of the evocative first reading from the 

Prophet Isaiah (9/1-6): 

The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of 

deep shadow a light has shone. You have made their gladness greater, you have made their 

joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as people rejoice at harvest time. For the yoke 

that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders, the rod of his oppressor, these you 

break. There is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders. 

+James Foley 

BISHOP OF CAIRNS 

THE DIRECTOR, PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT 

& PROVINCE 21 OFFICER’S 

WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL CATENIAN BROTHERS, 

THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONE’S 

A VERY SPECIAL AND HOLY CHRISTMAS 

December Page 2 2011


EASTERN LINK 

Volume 2 Issue no 12 

DECEMBER 2011 

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: 

Page 2.......................Bishop James’s 

Christmas Message 

Page 3…………………Provincial Director 

Brother Paul Despoges 

Page 4……………….Provincial President 

Brother Ron Daly 

Pages 5………………..Provincial Report 

Pages 6….Letter from GP Tony Godden 

Pages 7………….Prayer for Middle East 

Pages 8-19…………..News from Circles 

Pages 20-21...Australian Bishop’s Letter 

Pages 22-24………………Miscellaneous 

Page 25-27………. Victoria Area Council 

Pages 28-29………Mary’s Rosary Chain 

Pages 30-34…...................Miscellaneous 

Pages 35-37…………………...Obituaries 

Pages 38-39………………Miscellaneous 

Page 40………………………..Smile Page 

You can read Catena online at: 

www.catenamagazine.com 

Why not visit there now!!! 

FROM 

PROVINCE 21 DIRECTOR 

PAUL DESPOGES 

Whilst the Association is reviewing its structure and 

governance for the future, (February is when the final 

recommendations are presented) Circles and yourself should 

continue to ensure we expand our ranks, whilst never 

forgetting our reasons for joining a Catholic men’s 

Association. 

No doubt the reasons are many and variable according to our 

wants at the time. But let us not forget the focus of all of our 

reasons for joining or to see growth, our Faith. Too often in 

our discussions, the subject of our Faith is omitted from all 

deliberations. 

Could I suggest that we take time out to refocus on our faith 

in some practical manner, individually or collectively, at our 

meetings or gatherings. 

Maybe you could take a practical approach; by participation in 

the Rosary Group .It simply requires each of us to say a 

decade of the rosary each day to Our Lady. For a Circle it 

could be sponsorship for supply of rosary beads and pray 

cards to a school for their 1 st Communion class or similar 

occasion each year. To follow through with this action, 

Presidents/Secretaries should contact Brother Greg Smyth @ 

smythgc@bigpond.com or 02 9949 1425. 

Another approach could be by sponsorship of a mission 

school. Currently the Benedictines (Silvestrine) have an 

urgent requirement for ongoing funds to maintain their 

presences in Sri Lanka; India; Philippines and Democratic 

Republic of Congo. If you or your Circle wish to assist please 

contact Abbot General Father Michael Kelly @ 

mkelly@silvestrini.org 

May I thank all for your welcome and support to our Brother 

Grand President Tony Godden and Kelly during their recent 

visit to our East Coast. It was the first time a Grand President 

making a trip to this region was not accompanied by a touring 

group. Maybe a sign of the times both financially and in our 

membership strength ,that said Brother Tony and Kelly were 

overwhelmed by the hospitality extended and look forward to 

when they can return to Australia. 

On a personal note, thank you to all for your prayers and 

support during my recent illness, it was very humbling for so 

many to have me in their prayers and gratifying to witness the 

power of prayer and friendship extended. 

Wishing you and your families a Happy and 

Holy Christmas and a great New Year. 

Denise, Paul and Family 



From. . . 

Brother RON DALY 

President Province 21 

The Catenian Association 

A LOOK-BACK OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS… 

Whilst we can look back at the events that have shaped our Catenian year of 2011, in which we celebrated 

40 years of the Catenian Association in Australia, Grand President Tony, along with Province 21 Director 

Paul, have continued to emphasize the need to move forward for the enhancement of the Association as it 

continues to evolve internationally. 

As reported in the December issue of Catena, the Phase 2 Report of the restructure commission with the 

executive summaries has been completed and will be presented at the Grand Council’s meeting in February 

2012. It is then for Grand Council to decide upon the Commission’s recommendations and take action 

accordingly. The recommendations already accepted by Grand Council will endow the areas outside the 

United Kingdom with a greater degree of autonomy and with that comes a greater degree of responsibility to 

ensure we continue the expansion of the Catenian Brotherhood throughout our Province. 

The visit of Grand President Tony Godden along with his wife Kelly has been well documented in Catena 

and I would like to thank and congratulate the various Presidents and Circle officers who co-ordinated the 

combined meetings and Mass held whilst Kelly and the GP were in Sydney. The organization of these 

events require a huge effort in ensuring that the Mass and combined Circle meetings are a success and 

gives the GP a great opportunity to meet with his Australian Catenian Brothers and wives. Provincial 

Secretary Peter Tillbrook accompanied Kelly & Tony Godden on their visit to Canberra and once again my 

thanks go to the Presidents and Brothers of the two Canberra Circles for their warm welcome to the Grand 

President and Peter informed me that the GP was quite chuffed that he had been privileged to plant a tree 

in the National Arboretum on behalf of the Catenian Association immediately following the Secretary 

General of the UN Ban Ki Moon. 

As well as thanking the various Brothers for their efforts in making the visit of Tony and Kelly such an 

enjoyable visit to our Province I would make special mention of our Publicity Officer Peter Cash. In forty 

years I have scoured Catena for small snippets regarding Catenians in Australia now with a turbocharged 

Peter we have even made the cover, thanks again Peter for an herculean effort. 

The Office of Director to represent Province 21 at Grand Council expires in May 2012 and as Brothers have 

been notified there was and election held by Province Council on Friday the 16 th Dec. There were two 

nominations for the position, current Director Paul Despoges and Provincial Vice President Kevin Doherty. 

Kevin was the successful candidate and on behalf of the Province I wish him well in his endeavours on our 

behalf. Paul has worked tirelessly for us at Grand Council level even through illness and I acknowledge his 

great dedication and love for our Association. 

Elaine & I wish all our Province Brothers, wives and families a Happy, Holy and Peace filled Christmas and 

leave you with a thought from Mary McKillop. 

“It’s near Christmas and I don’t think I’ll be happy till I get a crib. We can all meet together in spirit at the crib 

of our loving Infant and can recommend our several wants to Him and pray for one another” 

Fraternally, 

Brother Ron 



NEWS FROM 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 

Election for Office of Director, Province 21 

PROVINCE 21 

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 

Provincial President: 

Ron Daly 

Provincial 

Vice-President: 

Kevin Doherty 

Provincial 

Past President: 

Phil Davies 

Provincial Secretary 

Peter Tilbrook 

Provincial Treasurer: 

Peter Gialouris 

Provincial Chamberlain 

Phil Davies 

Provincial 

Membership Officer: 

Pat Moran 

Provincial 

Publicity Officer: 

Peter Cash 

Province Director: 

Paul Despoges 

16 December 2011 

Brother Grand Secretary having given notice pursuant to Regulation 4 (f) 

of the Regulations of The Association, by notice dated 14 November 

2011 Nominations were invited for election to the Office of Director, 

Province 21. 

At the close of Nominations on I December 2011 two Nominations had 

been received, in order of receipt, that of Brother Kevin Doherty 

(Pittwater Circle 312) and that of Brother Paul Despoges (Castle Hill 

Circle 308). 

Each Nomination contained information satisfying me that the Brother 

nominated was eligible for election to the Office of Director. 

Each Brother nominated has accepted nomination in writing. 

Accordingly, notice was given that an Extraordinary Meeting of Province 

21 Council would be held on Friday, 16 December 2011 for the purpose 

of conducting an election to the Office of Director, Province 21. 

On 16 December 2011 at the appointed time 10 Brothers Councillor 

being present, a quorate meeting, meeting 98 of Province 21 Council, 

proceeded. 

In the course of the meeting a motion appointing me Returning Officer 

was carried and, thereafter, I proceeded to conduct an election by secret 

ballot for the Office of Director, Province 21. With the leave of Province 

Council, I was assisted in this by Brother Provincial Auditor Brian 

Goodacre, who was in attendance. 

The two candidates being present but not entitled to vote, eight Brothers 

Councillor voted in person. Six Brothers Councillor submitted secret 

postal votes, all by email. 

A summary of the counting of votes is as follows: 

Total votes 14 

Informal votes 1 

Brother Kevin Doherty 7 

Brother Paul Despoges 6 

Accordingly, I declare Brother Kevin Doherty of Pittwater Circle 312 

elected to the office of Director, Province 21. 

Lots of information available 

at 

www.thecatenians.com 

Peter Tilbrook, Secretary, Province 21 

Returning Officer 


EASTERN LINK PROVINCE 21 

The Catenian Association Strengthening family life through friendship and faith 

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION 

Grand President 

Tony Godden KCHS 

72 Langton View, East Calder 

LIVINGSTON EH53 0RA 

Phone: 01506 883248 

tonygodden@btinternet.com 

Peter Cash 

Eastern Link Editor 

Province 21 


30 November 2011 

Dear Peter, 

Grand President’s Visit to Eastern Australia 2011 

Could you please pass on the thanks of Kelly and I to all the Brothers and Ladies of the Circles in Province 21 

and Victoria Area for the wonderful way they greeted us during our visit to the Province and Area in 

September and October this year. This comes with an apology for not having written sooner – I did promise to 

write earlier but I am so far behind with my letters of thanks – it reminds me of something once written about 

David Lloyd George “count not his promises as a crime, he meant them, HOW he meant them at the time”! 

From the moment you and Michael met us at Cairns Airport to the final evening when Victoria Area President 

Will and Elaine hosted us for a light meal before taking us to Melbourne Airport for a late flight we were made 

to feel so welcome and at home with our new Australian friends. 

There were so many highlights on our visit including the Inauguration of the Gold Coast Tweed Circle, the 

Joint Meetings in Sydney and Canberra, the 40 th Anniversary Celebrations of the Catenian Association in 

Australia, the tree planting at the National Arboretum in Canberra, the wonderful and joyous Masses, good 

meetings with a couple of Bishops, relaxed lunches and dinners, and, of course, for Kelly the ride on Peter 

Morris’s Harley Davidson in Cairns. 

We thank everyone for the gifts we were given and for the donations to charity instead of flowers for Kelly. 

We have been extremely busy since returning home but everywhere we go I lose no time in regaling the 

English, Scottish, and Maltese Catenians with tales of our visit. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the 

company of very friendly and remarkable people. We will, God willing, look forward to visiting Eastern 

Australia again in 2013 when we will be able to spend more time exploring your wonderful country. 

Please pass on my best wishes and thanks to all the Brothers and Ladies. Kelly and I wish you all a Very 

Happy and Holy Christmas, and hope you enjoy Peace and Good Health in the New Year. 

Yours sincerely and fraternally, 

Tony Godden 

Grand President 




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! 



Hornsby & Ku-Ring-Gai 

Catenian Circles 

Are holding a 

BEER 

TASTING 

EVENING! 

On 

Monday, 9 th January 2012 

At 

Warrawee Bowling Club, Pacific Highway, Warrawee 

6:45 pm for 7:10pm 

Master Brewer Pat Goddard 

A Hornsby Catenian, will conduct the evening 

with emphasis on tasting and appreciation 

Menu 

Entrée – *Crumbed calamari with Asian salad 

Main – *Scotch fillet steak with seasonal vegetables 

Dessert – *Chocolate cake with seasonal fruits 

Cost: $60pp 



PROVINCE 21 

CATENIAN 

GOLF DAY 

On 

Friday, 16th March, 2012 

Tee-Off 7.30am 

At 

MUIRFIELD GOLF CLUB 

Please Telephone:- 

Malcolm Clow 

On 02 9639 1915 for details 

21 Keswick Avenue, Castle Hill 2154 

NON-PLAYING BROTHERS 

ARE INVITED TO JOIN 

THE COMPETITORS 

FOR A BUFFET LUNCH 

IN THE CLUBHOUSE AFTER THE 

GAME IS FINISHED 

Email: 

Malcolm.clow@bigpond.com 



News from Castle Hill Circle… 

Welcome HE Chevalier Syd J.P. Borg KC OSJ, Grand Prior Australasia 

From left; Brother Cosimo Miccoli (President Castle Hill Circle 308). H.E. Chevalier Syd J.P. Borg KC 

OSJ, Grand Prior Australasia, and Brother Victor Gauci (Castle Hill Vice-President). 

October’s Guest Speaker was HE Chevalier Syd J.P. Borg KC OSJ, Grand Prior Australasia, and a 

member of the World Supreme Council and Grand Chancellor Designate of the Order of St. John of 

Jerusalem also known as the Knights of Malta. 

Chevalier Syd Borg's presentation to our Circle covered a brief history of the Knights of Malta tracing 

back to the tenth century right through to the present. 

The Order in Australia, which is basically a charitable organisation, has some thirty six members in 

Australia and about five hundred worldwide. We were impressed to learn that Queen Elizabeth ll is a 

Dame of the Order. 

$300,000 Donated to Charities 

It was just as impressive to hear that some $300,000 was donated to various charities including 

Alzheimer’s Australia, Prostate Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia and the Garvan Institute by the 

Australian Priory over the past two years. These donations were funded through sponsorships and 

functions, the main event being a Masquerade Ball which is held in September each year. 

In summing up, Chev Syd Borg pointed out that the Knights of Malta and the Catenians Association 

had an objective in common, that is to look after the sick and the poor. 

Brother Victor Gauci 



News from Canberra 331 Newsletter… 

Canberra Circle 331 & Canberra Molonglo Circle 

340 enjoy their regular joint meetings!!! 

August Meeting… 

Wednesday, 3rd August was a joint meeting hosted by 

Circle 340 and included a Ladies dinner. 

Special Guest Speaker was John Morgan, (Carmel 

Smeaton’s brother) who spent his working life as a 

teacher and academic. John's home, Galaxy Hill, near 

Lexton in Central Victoria, has a ten star rating and he 

now has school excursions visiting to see what he has 

done. His talk was about "Galaxy Hill - an individual 

response to a changing climate. What I did and why I did 

it." 

Guest Speaker was Mr John Morgan who spoke about 

his home, the Galaxy Hill project and how sustainable 

energy has improved lifestyle and lowered costs. You 

can read all about it at:- 

http://www.shmeco.com/shmeco-story/1292/Galaxy-Hill-an-Individual-Response-to-a-Changing-Climate/ 

After John’s interesting and informative talk, he particularly requested that people keep in touch with him and 

that he welcomes any emails about technical or other matters that he can advise on. John thoroughly 

enjoyed talking to the Catenians and may be contacted as follows: 

John's email address is jpmorgan2@bigpond.com. 

His address is 147 Rifle Range Road, Lexton, Vic 3352, and his mobile is 0428 481 124. 

$1,500 CHEQUE FOR ST VINNIES!!! 

At a joint meeting in August between 

Canberra Circle 331 & Canberra Molonglo 

Circle 340, a $1,500 cheque for the Vinnies 

Winter Appeal was presented to Brother 

Bob Wilson, (CEO St Vincent de Paul) by 

Canberra Circle 331 Acting/President 

Brother Jeff Cowley. 

Right; Brother Jeff presents Brother Bob 

Wilson with the $1500 cheque 



News from City of Sydney Circle… 

Australia’s Loss!!! UK’S Gain!!! 

Farewell the McDevitt Family… 

Brother Chas McDevitt, Katharine and their family are relocating to the UK in January. 

Katharine has accepted a position in Peterborough, N.E. of London as a Paediatrician in the 

hospital and will be nearer to her family. We will miss Brother Chas with his musical talents 

especially on the trumpet and those of his wonderful and clever wife Katharine. She has 

incredibly managed the children (and Chas) and completed her Fellowship in Paediatrics 

whist in Australia. The memory of the musical talents at the President’s Mass at Sutton 

Forest will remain for many years. Chas, the son of a UK Catenian will transfer to the 

Peterborough Circle and will remain in the Brotherhood. We hope that they can make it to the 

Christmas night so we can wish them God speed and happiness in the UK. 

Combined meeting with the City of Parramatta Circle this year; we are the travellers! The combined meeting will 

be held on Thursday 19 th January at Lachlan’s Restaurant attached to Old Government House Parramatta. Please 

mark this date in your diary now and remember we have no meeting on the first Wednesday in January! I will be 

sending a notice of meeting for this meeting and dinner. 

Peter O’Reilly 



NEW GOLD COAST TWEED CIRCLE 

VOCATIONS MASS AT MUDGEERABA IN QUEENSLAND 

F 

R 

I 

E 

D 

S 

H 

I 

P 

The Boys are back in town! From left; Paul – son-in-law of Paul Bellhouse – 

Brother Tom Lyons and Brother Kevin Kilby 

The morning of Sunday 11 Dec 2011 was hot and steamy after the rain on the previous day’s 

night. The Mudgeeraba Church was architecturally interesting and the parishioners very 

friendly. Father Pat gave us a special welcome and we adjourned to a nearby park to sample 

the full range of meat, chicken, fish and eggs (all essential daily nutrients). Some brave 

Brothers stepped into the full glare of the morning sun to add fuel to the fire and bring home 

the bacon! 

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT 

THE SPECIAL CATENIAN RAP FOR 

GOLD COAST TWEED CIRCLE INAUGURATION? 

Verse 1 

I’ve just got a few words to say 

Augurated by God – den today 

Came from the UK – to the Gold Coast.” 

Take one look – said “this is the most.” 

Verse 3 

Now we’re a Circle – number 357 

Gold Coast /Tweed – right next to heaven. 

We’re hanging loose – ain’t that great 

Feeling good – let’s celebrate. 

Verse 2 

We were a group – now we’re in the chain 

But that ain’t our – main claim to fame 

We’re full of true Catholics – all good blokes 

I’m well telling you – it ain’t no hoax. 

Verse 4 

September 24 th – it wasn’t too soon 

Had our “do” – in the Anzac Room 

Lots of great mates and fine food 

Like it “posed to be – ain’t life good. 

Verse 5 

From around the world our brothers came 

To give us a start in this Catenian game 

For coming along we thank you all 

Carry on drinking – have a ball. 

By 

Brother 

Andrew Denny 

GCTC No 357 



Brother President Tony Wales and Gai opened 

their beautiful apartment overlooking Sydney 

Harbour for our Cheese and wine night on the 25 th 

November. The magnificent view of the harbour 

with Fort Denison, the Opera House, the Harbour 

Bridge and Admiralty House was marvelled by us 

all but unfortunately spoiled by the rain. 

Brother Tony Mazzei & Denise’s son Tom, a 

brother in the Ku-ring-gai Circle presented the 

wines to compliment the selected cheeses. Bro. 

Tom and his wife Vanessa are bottle shop 

proprietors of “Tom’s Cellars” specialising in the 

distribution of the great wineries, both big and 

small who are being neglected by the supermarket 

liquor chains. He promised us some different 

wines from overseas. 

Bro. Tom Mazzei explains the wine 

We first had cheddar cheese with a sharp, 

pungent flavour which was firm in texture but 

slightly crumbly. It was served with crackers and 

thinly toasted bread. Tom had suggested a French 

sparkling wine, Sathenay Cremant de 

Bourgogne Brut NV made from the two highest 

quality grapes, chardonnay and pinot noir. It was a 

coppery-tinged, biscuity, smoothly flavoursome 

bubbly with a touch of class and impressed us all 

with the French label. 

The next tasting was an Italian cheese Taleggio, 

a washed rind and smear ripened cheese with a 

strong aroma but a comparatively mild flavour with 

an unusual fruity tang and has a thin crust 

studded with salt crystals. To accompany this 

great cheese Tom had picked another French 

wine from the Alsace “Mader Pinot Blanc 2010 

from the village of Hunawihr in the middle of the 

Route de Vins in the West of France. It had 

classic white flower and citric aromas and a crisp 

and refreshing palate – a perfect aperitif. It was 

excellent with the Taleggio. 

Final wine The Yard Botrytis Riesling 

with the Mascarpone 

SYDNEY CHEESE & WINE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE… 



MORE ABOUT CITY OF SYDNEY 

CHEESE & WINE EVENING… 

We then moved on to the serious wine when we 

tasted a Spanish blend of Merlot, Monastrelli and 

Syrah “Castillo de Enguera Reserva 2006. 

This winery is in eastern Spain in the 

mountainous Caroig Massif. The wine was of 

ripe fruit with a warm glow of acid and spice, 

sweet grape tannins with mild French oak. The 

cheese chosen was “Manchego” also from 

Spain and made from sheep’s milk. It had a firm 

and compact consistency and a buttery texture. It 

had a distinctive flavour, creamy with a slight 

piquancy & the aftertaste is characteristic of 

sheep’s milk. 

Mascarpone” 

Gabrielle, Gai, Elaine, Lorelie enjoy tasting the red! 

Our final cheese was a wonderful 

“Mascarpone” cream cheese from the 

Lombardy region of Southern Italy. It is a whitish 

to straw-yellow curd cheese, creamy, supple 

and spreadable and is added to famous Italian 

desserts. Tom had picked “The Yard Botrytis 

Riesling” 2010 a dessert wine from the 

Frankland River in Western Australia with a 

maximum fruit flavour and maturity. The nose 

was almost a salty in character and on the 

palate gave ginger, lime marmalade and sherbet 

zinginess. 

Brother Peter O’Reilly 

A BIG THANK-YOU TO:- 

Brother President Tony & Gai Wales, 

for their hospitality (especially the leg 

ham) and Bro Tom Mazzei for the great 

presentation of cheeses and wines. 

Our hosts Bro. Pres Tony & Gai Wales 

CITY OF SYDNEY CIRCLE 263 



More News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle… 

Guest Speaker Luke talks about the history and culture of East Timor 

Guest speaker, Luke Keighery, spoke about his recent immersion trip to East Timor with a 

group of parishioners from St Ives. He spoke of the history and culture of East Timor and 

showed photos of the countryside, village life, and the group’s travels to places like Dili and 

Balibo. 

Editorial Note: Dear Brother’s, by now you will all know that late Ku-Ring-Gai Circle Brother Peter Kiely RIP passed 

away recently. Just before this happened, Peter RIP sent me some pictures of the recent Kupitt Annual Golf 

Tournament between Ku-Ring-Gai and Pittwater Circle’s. (See next page). Two were of good quality, but 

unfortunately, the one of Peter McDonald was not very clear. I rang him and said to him that; I would not be using 

this one because of the quality. He asked me to reconsider as Brother Peter McDonald was the best player from 

Pittwater Circle, after giving this some thought; I decided to use it after this request from Peter RIP. This just goes to 

show, that Peter RIP was a fair and unselfish person and did not want anyone to be left out. Peter (Editor). 



KUPITT SHIELD 

GOLF CHALLENGE… 

ANNUAL KUPITT SHIELD 

WON BY PITTWATER… 

On Sunday 16th October the annual Kupitt Shield 

Golf Challenge between golfers from Ku-Ring-Gai 

Circle (KRG) and Pittwater Circle was held on a 

fine sunny morning at Palm Beach Golf Club. 

This year the Shield was won by Pittwater Circle, 

with Brother Peter McDonald the best player from 

Pittwater. Other winners on the day were Patrick 

Raper (KRG Trophy winner), Gerry Hoy and Mike 

Tighe (best front and back nine winners), Tony 

Regan, Stim Robinson and John Szymanski 

(nearest the pins and longest drive), John White 

(KRG's best improver) and Barry McNamara 

(Pittwater's best improver). 

Editorial Note: Please accept my apologies for the 

poor quality of pictures. Peter 

Above; Peter McDonald; Best Player 

Top left; Tony Regan of Pittwater Circle accepting the Kupitt 

Shield for Pittwater 

Bottom left; Patrick Raper collecting his prizes as best player 

from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle. 



More News from Ku-Ring-Gai Circle… 

TWO NEW BROTHER’S WELCOMED 

INTO KU-RING-GAI CIRCLE… 

From left; President Ric Camilleri New brothers John Edwards and Ged Steele and Acting 

Membership Officer, John White 

Thirty-eight brothers, one visiting brother and two visitors attended. We enrolled Ged Steele 

and John Edwards. Our visiting brother was Jim Cunningham from Southgate Circle 122 

(North London). 

“Never see a need 

Without trying to do 

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

Something about it” 




World Youth Day Recap… 

Manly Circle President Brother Gary O’Sullivan with October guest speakers Deb Mauro, 

Ben Marshall and some of the Catenian family members who attended the night to hear a 

recap on World Youth Day. (From left); Andrew Scognamiglio, Deb, Gabrielle O'Sullivan, 

Stephanie Jones, Ben and Josh Grech. A memorable night was enjoyed by all. 

MANLY CIRCLE 

Meeting at Manly Golf Club, Every 3rd Wednesday at 6:45 for 7:15pm 

President: Gary O’Sullivan Mobile: 0415 604 959. Email: gosullivan@skm.com.au 

Vice President: Romano DiDonato Mobile: 0407 153 626. Email: romlaw1@tpgi.com.au 

Secretary: Paul Pearson Mobile: 0410 311 376. Email: paul.pearson@wieck.com.au 



AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE 

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 

22 December 2011 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I am writing to you on behalf of all the Bishops of Australia, giving thanks to God for your faith and witness. 

We now share with you a message of hope. 

We call the Catholic people in Australia to a Year of Grace, to span the time from Pentecost 2012 to 

Pentecost 2013. Like the disciples at the first Pentecost, we commit ourselves to start afresh from Christ. 

For several years the Bishops have been reflecting deeply on the life of the Church in Australia. We have 

asked how we can better serve the needs of you, God’s faithful people, in bringing the peace and good news 

of Jesus Christ to our nation. 

Pope Benedict XVI has also proclaimed a Year of Faith for the whole Church, to begin on 11 October 2012, 

the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. We are confident that, with grace 

leading to faith, and faith responding to grace, the Year of Faith and our Year of Grace will complement each 

other. 

We recognise, firstly, God’s abundant blessings to us. You will know many of these in your own lives. We 

have seen them, too, in large public celebrations such as World Youth Day in Sydney and the Canonisation 

of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

We also acknowledge with sadness that we are a Church in need of healing. There are many wounds – 

most especially the wounds of abuse which have left not only those abused but the whole Church in need of 

healing. There is also the struggle to defend the dignity of the first Australians and those who come as 

migrants and refugees to our shores. We need to extend the hand of friendship to those of other nations and 

faiths and to be good stewards of the created world. Most deeply, we desire for the light of Christ to burn 

more brightly in the heart of each Australian. 

As Bishops, we asked ourselves where we can turn with so many issues confronting us. Our response in 

faith is to start afresh from Christ. We make this call, firstly and most urgently, to ourselves as Bishops. We 

are resolved, in the words of Pope John Paul II, to contemplate the face of Christ. Both these phrases 

come from his Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Millennium), and we use 

this Letter as our guide and inspiration. 

As we address this challenge to ourselves, we invite you to walk this journey with us in hope. 

We commit ourselves to pray daily, seeking the mind and heart of Jesus Christ. 

/Continued on the next page 

December Page 20 2011


AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE 

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 

/22 December 2011 

We commit ourselves to repent for the areas in which we have failed, individually and together, seeking 

healing and renewal through the grace of Christ’s forgiveness. 

We commit ourselves to the path of holiness, cultivating the many gifts of the Spirit and seeking to grow as 

disciples of Jesus. 

We entrust this year to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through this renewed commitment, we are 

confident that the Church in Australia will be transformed by the power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives. 

Planning has already begun in every diocese in the country, so that the Catholics of this nation may respond 

to this fresh invitation to “contemplate the face of Christ”. 

We invite you to join us in this journey of prayer so that this “Pentecost” year will be for our nation and all 

Australians truly a “year of grace”. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Archbishop Philip E Wilson 

President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 

PRAYER FOR ADVENT… 

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to 

your promises and ever close to your Church: 

the earth rejoices in hope of the Saviour's 

coming and looks forward with longing to his 

return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and 

remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling 

the joy and hope which his presence will 

bestow, for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen. 



BUSY TIME FOR BROTHER TONY… 

Manly & Mosman Circle’s Brother Tony Abbott – leader of the opposition – has had a tremendously 

busy time over the last two weeks, first he had an audience with HM Queen Elizabeth and then a 

week later – again at Parliament House Canberra – met with USA President Barack Obama. It goes to 

show, Catenian Brother’s move in high places!!! 



MenALIVE WEEKEND… 

The Weekend was sponsored by Pittwater 

Catenian Circle, Lakes Catholic Parish and 

Pittwater Catholic Parish. 

menALIVE is a National Catholic Ministry to Men 

which was founded out of a response to a great 

need in the hearts and lives of men, and a great 

need in the life of the Catholic Church. 

The purpose of menALIVE is to bring men 

together, to renew their faith in God and to 

encourage them become an active force of 

renewal in the Church. 

Resource Table- Looking at a selection of resources for 

development of men’s spirituality 

Through a variety of events and programs, men 

are invited to explore what God would want for 

their lives and how they might come to experience 

the fullness of life that God wants for us all. 

You are invited to explore their website which 

outlines the events they offer as well as a range of 

resources to which may help you in your journey to 

become the man God created you to be. If you 

have any questions or would like more information, 

please contact:- 

Phone: 07 3367 1402 

PO Box 1271 

Kenmore Qld 4069 

Email: mail@menalive.org.au 

Singing real, I mean real loud 

MenALIVE weekend was held of the 24th and 25th 

September 2011. 

Time to burn these things holding us back 

bringing us down 

Gavin wiping his eyes, he was crying again!!! 



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 

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 

A reminder that THE our October CATENIAN meeting has ASSOCIATION 

been moved forward to Saturday 

The 1 st October to PROVINCE proceed the Provincial 21 AUSTRALIA 

dinner at The Lakes Golf Club 


EASTERN LINK 


V.A.C. 

NEWS FROM VICTORIA AREA COUNCIL 

MASSIVE INITIATIVE FROM 

VICTORIA AREA COUNCIL… 

CHILDREN’S SUPPORT FUND 

JERICHO PROJECT 

A HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE 

OF MEMBERS OF THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION 

ENDORSED BY THE VICTORIA AREA COUNCIL 

BACKGROUND 

Arising out of a Catenian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land by seventeen Victorians during May 2011, an urgent 

need was identified to establish a humanitarian project in Jericho, Palestine. This involves providing financial 

support to the Franciscan primary school in Jericho in the form of scholarships for children of poor and 

underprivileged families who are unable to pay the school’s fees. 

The school was established by the Franciscan sisters in 1935 in Jericho in two rooms, which doubled as 

accommodation for the sisters after school. It now has eighteen classrooms and is widely respected for its 

scholastic standards. 

The root cause of the need for our assistance is the economic strangulation of Jericho and its citizens due to 

the imposition by Israeli authorities of movement restrictions on the Palestinian residents. They are not 

permitted to move outside the boundaries of Jericho to trade or seek work or for that matter general travel 

without approval. In one case we encountered, a husband was even unable to accompany his sick wife who 

needed to have an operation in a hospital in Jerusalem. 

The school has approximately 600 students, of whom about 100 are unable to pay school fees which amount 

to 1,500 Israeli shekels (approximately A$415) per annum. 

Clearly the school cannot function without fee paying students and some seventy students had no choice but to 

leave the school during the last school year as they could not pay the fees. 

Education is the gateway to a better life and if these children are denied this fundamental right, their future will 

be bleak indeed. 

/Continued on next page 


EASTERN LINK 


V.A.C. 

VICTORIAN COUNCIL INITIATIVE CONTINUED… 

THE PROJECT 

Excellent lines of communication have been established with 

Sister Magida, the Principal of the school. She has provided 

us with details of children who are in urgent need of 

assistance. These kids have a variety of family background 

problems, poverty being the common denominator. Their 

photos are currently being organized and will be forwarded 

shortly. Funding for sixteen children has already been 

achieved and the first of three installments has been 

forwarded. We are now focused on providing scholarships for 

a further eight children. 

Sister Magida 

To ensure that the project has a long term beneficial impact, 

a funding structure has been developed so that members 

commit to providing financial support for at least the first two 

years of the project. Hopefully after this period, the majority 

will re-commit. The structure is as follows: 

Donors are offered a choice of three levels of membership, 

according to their ability to participate, given their other 

commitments, as follows 

• Silver 

• Gold 

• Platinum 

$10 per month, payable quarterly or annually in advance. 

$20 per month, payable quarterly or annually in advance. 

At least $30 per month payable quarterly or annually in advance. 

Project membership now exceeds thirty one contributors providing scholarships for twenty students. 

Contributors include individuals and families; most of whom are Catenians, others are from the wider 

community. Our immediate short term target is forty members providing scholarships for at least twenty 

students. 

OTHER AREAS OF NEED 

The school has only fifteen computers, some of these are ten years old, clearly inadequate for a school of six 

hundred. At some stage the project may be able to assist in areas such as this, particularly through monies donated 

for specific purposes through Catenian Presidents’ charities, parishes, etc. 

PROJECT TEAM 

A project team has been formed to administer the detailed running of the project. The team is: 

President: 

Secretary: 

Treasurer: 

Members: 

Tony Harford, GAICD – Peninsula Circle 

George Little, Chartered Accountant – Waverley & Peninsula Circles 

Ian Predl, AM, B. Com., M. Ed. – Peninsula Circle 

Reid Dodson, B Bus. – Waverley Circle 

Frank Peck, B. Com., B. Ed., FACE – Boroondara Circle 

The Auditor is Ted Hayes, FCPA, LCA – Peninsula Circle 

MEMBERSHIP 

Regular updates on the progress of the scholarship children will be provided by Sister Magida and this will be 

forwarded on to members, together with a status report on the progress of the project. 

Applicants for membership should contact Ian Predl at ipredl@satlink.com.au or George Little at 

george@little.net.au advising which membership they would like to take up and the method of payment (Cheque 

or direct debit). The Commonwealth Bank of Australia account for the project is the Children’s Support Fund. 

The article was co-written by Brothers George Little and Ian Predl 


EASTERN LINK 


V.A.C. 

PENINSULA CIRCLE 100TH MEETING… 

100th Meeting of 

Peninsula Circle No. 335 

The Peninsula circle No. 335 was very proud 

to hold the 100th meeting of the circle on 

September 9th. This milestone has been a 

wonderful achievement made possible by a 

very dedicated nucleus of members, well 

supported by their fellow brothers. The 

circle is proud to have 34 members, 15 of 

whom are the remaining foundation 

members. 

Victoria Area Chairman Will Kininmonth addressing the 

Brothers and Wives 

To celebrate the 100th meeting, the evening 

commenced with mass at the Rye Church, 

celebrated by Father Kevin Devine. The 

mass was attended by over 50 Catenians 

and their wives, with visiting brothers from 

all other Melbourne circles. Following the 

mass we then moved to our usual meeting 

venue, the Rye Hotel. Here we proceeded 

with our 100th meeting, presided over by 

our chairman Tony Harford, who then had 

the honour of overseeing the induction of 

our 34th member, Dr. John McEndoe. With 

the formalities over we then enjoyed as 

usual a delightful dinner. 

During the dinner our guest speaker being 

area chairman, Brother Will Kininmonth, 

gave a most informative address on his 

recent overseas travels through Italy and 

the island of Sicily. Rob Young then gave 

us an insight into the early history and 

meetings of our own circle. A most 

enjoyable evening then came to a close 

with brothers and their wives making their 

way home. 

Brother Richard Gorman 

Brother Rob Young giving the history of the Circle 



PROVINCE 21 AUSTRALIA 

SPECIAL DEVOTION 

The Catenian 

“Mary’s Rosary Chain” Division 

Membership is open to Brothers, Wives, Widows & Family Members. Widows find it 

especially helpful as it gives them a connection with their late husband’s Circle. 

Obligation of membership; to pray One Decade of the Holy Rosary every day. (One Our 

Father, Ten Hail Mary’s and One Glory Be). No penalty if a decade is missed. The petition 

can be for ‘Our Lady’s Intentions’ or member’s Personal Intentions etc. 

All Participants are invited to have their names placed permanently under the Blessed 

Sacrament in the Monastery of St. Paul The First Hermit. 

The Order will pray for Intentions of all names listed, also, Holy Mass will be celebrated 

daily in the Monastery for all the participant’s. 

Catenian Brother’s we need you!!! 

Any Catenian Brother, Circle or Group who is interested in joining or need any 

further information please contact our Mary’s Chain Co-ordinator:- 

Brother Greg Smyth 

(City of Sydney Circle) 

Telephone: 02 9522 0034 

Email: smythgc@bigpond.com.au 




MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN NEW MISSION 

THANK-YOU AUSTRALIA… 

Father Simon Kitimbo, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady 

of the Way, Sylvania, Sydney was recently in his birth 

country Uganda, and distributed to local school children, 

St Mary Rosary Chain beads. 

The Children are from a parish called Kkonge, which is one 

of the parishes in Kampala Archdiocese. These children 

were preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, and 

they were very grateful the gift of the Rosaries. 

Brother Greg Smyth, and many local Catholics support St 

Mary’s Rosary Chain either by donations or actually 

making the Rosary Beads. 

Father Simon is very appreciative of the input from Brother 

Greg and his many helpers, who support him in making 

sure the Rosary Beads are sent to Uganda. 

SNIPPET FROM CITY OF SYDNEY CIRCLE… 

CITY OF SYDNEY CIRCLE TO ENGAGE IN THE NEW 

MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN MISSION DEVOTION… 

The City of Sydney Circle was the first Circle in Province 21 to engage in the Mary’s Rosary 

Chain Devotion. President Tony Wales has now confirmed the participation in the new 

Mission programme. 

City of Sydney Circle is the first circle to sponsor a mission group from the International 

Catholic Missions. 

All Holy Communion recipient children will be given Mary’s Rosary beads and Rosary Cards 

each year to celebrate the achievement of receiving Holy Communion for the first time. 

Dorothy Makasa, from the Missions is returning to Zambia next week and will advise full 

details; contact names etc., to Sydney Circle Brother’s 

PROVINCE 21 AUSTRALIA 

The Catenian 

“Mary’s Rosary Chain” 



Never Too Late… 

Brother Phil Murray is a member of Circle 331 in Canberra. 

After two years in the making, Phil released a new song album world-wide in November 2011. 

Aptly titled Never Too Late, the album is the culmination of a long journey that has lasted most of 

Phil’s life. 

The album is a full-blown professional production using 

highly credentialed session musicians and a 21-piece 

orchestral string section. 

Over the years, many of Phil’s songs have been used in 

liturgies in his parish of Corpus Christi Canberra as well 

as in other parishes in the Archdiocese of Canberra and 

Goulburn. 

For the benefit of others… 

However, over the last six years, Phil has been 

preparing for a new direction with his music that came 

about through the Called and Gifted program 

conducted in his parish. Phil said: “Not only did I gain a 

better understanding of my gifts, but over time I came to 

understand how I was meant to put them to work – in 

the world, not just in the Church – for the benefit of 

others”. 

While only two of the album’s 10 songs are specifically religious, they all come from a Christian 

heart: “I’ve tried hard to make sure each song has a positive life message that is both hopeful and 

encouraging amid the stresses and strains of contemporary family and community life. As it’s a 

ministry to the world, I hope to reach a wide audience of people irrespective of their religious 

beliefs.” 

Supportive love for other people 

In one way or another, all of the songs are love songs as they are stories about close relationships 

– some about romantic love… others about the love of family… and yet others about supportive 

love for people experiencing personal loss or other crisis. 

This makes the album a great gift for Christmas – a time when we gather with family and friends to 

celebrate the joy of close relationships – and some songs remind us that not all are so fortunate. 

Take a look at Phil’s new website and listen to the song clips www.philmurraymusic.com and visit 

the MUSIC page for purchasing options. 

Pictured top; Brother Phil Murray 



The Trophy for the circle who has the highest number of 

attendees attending the truthful jones contest 

donated by Pittwater Circle… 

A ‘’Tongue-in-cheek” description and history of the new trophy “Catena Chaine” by 

Brother Gavin Williamson, Pittwater Circle, Province 21 

THE CATENA CODE 

The Catena Code is a secret code for the original 

Catenian Chaine. The Chaine is mentioned in the 

Bible “the gold chain was placed about Joseph’s 

neck” (Genesis 41.42) and “that promised to David 

(Daniel 5.7). The Chain has 12 links representing the 

12 tribes of Israel. It was lost for many centuries but 

then rediscovered and held in secret by the Societe 

de les Chevaliers de la Chaine in France. This was 

the precursor to the Catenian Association and 

explains the origin of the Truthful Jones Contest held 

between Circles. Chevaliers swore to always tell the 

truth 

Guillotined!!! 

The Catena Chaine Perpetual Trophy with 

below the nameplate which engraved on the 

box which carries the Trophy 

Intensive research located a picture of Count Veritas 

Joannes Noievelle,a courtier in Louis the 16 th 

Versailles Palace wearing a chain of the Chevealier 

order. He had a wife Countess Nouievelle and three 

children Speak, See and Hear. The Count came to 

an untimely end when asked by Marie Antionette 

“does my bum look big in this” answered, “yes” which 

was not a good career move. He was guillotined the 

next morning. The Countess and children fled to 

England where they Angelicised the “ Joannes “ to 

“Jones” and always told the truth so the eldest sons 

were always known as “ Truthful Jones” The 

Catenian Chaine, which had been in the safekeeping 

of the Count, disappeared from public knowledge 

Holy Relic!!! 

The Catenians being the successors to the 

Chevaliers have for centuries sought this Holy Relic 

of the Chaine. 

Through the dogged persistence of Bro Gavin Williamson of Pittwater Circle, the Chaine was finally located in 

2011 as being used on the cistern of the toilet in the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France. 

It has been restored and mounted by Bro Michael Maynard of Pittwater Circle to be used as a Perpetual 

Trophy to be given each year to the Circle (other than the host Circle) that has the most attendees at the 

Truthful Jones Contest. 

This explanation should always be kept with the Chaine 




EMPLOYMENT… 

Unfortunately, one of our Brothers has found himself unemployed. 

His background has been in banking, credit union, rural assistance and finance covering customer services, 

accounts receivable, collections, credit control, cash handling, fixed investments and lending. 

I can provide a CV detailing his work experience over almost 40 years, if you would like to assess his suitability 

for any temporary or permanent position. 

In recent years, he has occupied a number of temporary roles as Credit/Collections Officer for firms such as Fuji 

Xerox Australia Pty Ltd, Eniax Pty Ltd, Imagetec Solutions Australia Pty Ltd and Baycorp Advantage. 

I will pass on any contacts or suggestions that you can offer. 

Thanking you, 

Fraternally 

Phil Gallagher 

Carlingford Circle Secretary 

The Cracked Jar… 

An Indian legend tells of a man who carried water to his village every day, in two large jars tied to 

the ends of a wooden pole, which he balanced on his back. 

One of the jars was older than the other, and had some small cracks; every time the man covered 

the distance to his house, half of the water was lost. 

The younger jar was always very proud of its performance, safe in the knowledge that it was up to 

the mission it had been made for, while the other jar was mortified with shame at only fulfilling half 

of its allotted task. 

It was so ashamed that one day, while the man got ready to fetch water from the well, it decided to 

speak to him: 

– I want to apologize, but because of the many years of service, you are only able to deliver half of 

my load, and quench half of the thirst which awaits you at your home. 

The man smiled, and said: 

– When we return, observe carefully the path. 

And so it did. And the jar noticed that, on its side, many flowers and plants grew. 

– See how nature is more lovely on your side? – commented the man. – I always knew you were 

cracked, and decided to make use of this fact. 

‘I planted flowers and vegetables, and you have always watered them. 

‘I have picked many roses to decorate my house with, I have fed my children with lettuce, cabbage 

and onions. 

‘If you were not as you are, how could I have done that? 

“All of us, at some point, grow old and start to acquire other qualities. We can always make the 

most of each one of these new qualities and obtain a good result.” 



Dear Brothers, 

I would like to wish you all and your loved one’s a very Happy, Holy & Safe Christmas. 

It has been a very busy year with many events taking place, City of Sydney’s 40 th , Grand President’s visit 

to our Province just to mention a few. Gold Coast Inauguration was a momentous affair with many 

Brothers’ attending from across the Province. It is a tremendous credit to Provincial Council in 

supporting Gold Coast Tweed Circle into their elevation into Circle status. 

On a sad note, we have lost nine Brother’s this year who have passed away, four over the last few weeks, 

our prayers and thoughts go out to their loved ones at this time of year. 

Please keep all your reports and pictures coming, we have so much to share with our fellow Catenian 

brothers. 

This year we have had a couple of extra editions of Eastern Link, i.e. The Flood Special, a Special Edition 

in March, and finally the GP’s visit in November, as well as our normal quarterly editions. Total pages; 

including GPs’ Itinerary is approximately 307pp. 

God Bless you All. 

Peter (Editor) 

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. 

VISIT MARY’S 

TOMB... 

If you go to the 

following website click 

on the link saying; visit 

Mary’s Tomb & Pray 

with her, you will be 

able to see other 

prayers submitted by 

others!!! 

www.marymackillop.org.au/prayerspace/index.cfm?loadref=4 

The Prayer Space has many petitions from 

People who need help!!! 

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP 

AUSTRALIA’S 1 st SAINT 

Provincial Events for 2012: 

Province 21 Golf Day 2012 - Muirfield Golf Club – 16 th March 2012 

Province Workshop 2012 - 

To be decided 



SNIPPETS FROM HORNSBY CIRCLE… 

Our January meeting, as usual, will be a joint meeting with Ku-Ring-Gai Circle and, also as usual, it 

will be held on the second Monday, 9 January at Warrawee Bowling Club. Pat Goddard has kindly 

offered his master brewer’s expertise to conduct another Beer Appreciation night during dinner. 

Rumours: 

The rumour is now confirmed that Bishop David Walker will be joining us at our March 2012 

meeting. 

Peter Andersen is looking for a lift to the next meeting as he wants to “appreciate” the 

evening events more than normal! 

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 

CANBERRA 3rd Thu. 

Russell Sweeney 6291 4604 

CANBERRA/MOLONGLO 1st Wed. 

Philip O'Meara 6288 4793 

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 

Brendan O’Connell 9449 3720 

PARAMATTA 4 th Thu 

John Green on 02 96307094 

PITTWATER 2nd Wed 

Ken Halliday 9999 4675 

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 

WAVERYLEY 1st Tue 

John Chambers 03 9708 1066 

MAROONDAH 3rd Wed 

John Klein 03 9723 2869 

PENINSULA 2nd Fri 

Adrian Carroll 0412 533 651 

BOROONDARA 4 th Wed 

Tibor Puhl 03 9890 0474 

CASEY GROUP 2 nd Wed 

Edmund George 03 9017 4235 

SPOTTED IN CAIRNS… 

A recent visitor to Cairns was President of 

Southgate Circle 122 Brother Brian Hunt 

and wife Pat. They left the UK in August, 

flew to San Francisco, then flew from LA to 

the Cook Islands, then onto New Zealand 

and spent nine weeks touring by motorcaravan 

both North and South Islands. 

Next stop was Sydney, then Townsville, 

then Cairns and after leaving here were 

travelling to Perth, finally, leaving Perth 

and spending four days in Singapore on 

the way home. What a fantastic holiday! 

Pictured above at the tropical Palm Cove 

just north of Cairns. 



OBITUARIES... 

BROTHER PHIL VIRGONA RIP 

Late of Mosman Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 19 th November 2011 

Please remember Penny, Harriet and Jessica in your prayers 

May he rest in peace. Amen 

BROTHER JOHN CAMERON RIP 

Late of City of Parramatta Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 28 th November 2011 

Please remember Elizabeth & Family in your prayers 


BROTHER PETER KIELY RIP 

Late of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 2 nd December 2011 

Please remember Patricia & Family in your prayers 


BROTHER JOHN SIDGREAVES RIP 

Late of City of Sydney Circle 

Peacefully passed to eternal life on 16 th December 2011 

Please remember Patricia & Family in your prayers 


PLEASE PRAY FOR RECENTLY DECEASED WIVES… 

Pat Boyle RIP, the wife of Brother Frank of Canberra Circle 331 who recently passed away. 



IN MEMORY OF. . . 

Lloyd Tidmarsh City of Sydney 13 th June 77 

Bill Wells City of Sydney 27 th February 83 

Alan Laird Ku-Ring-Gai 18 th August 87 

Frank Hagan Ku-Ring-Gai 21 st December 87 

Godfrey (Goff) Gunn Pittwater 31 st December 88 

Darcy Crowe Castle Hill 9 th June 89 

Mick Love Ku-Ring-Gai 1 st October 90 

Peter Bradbury City of Sydney 12 th July 91 

George Lafferty Ku-Ring-Gai 25 th January 92 

David Burke Ku-Ring-Gai 9 th March 92 

Joe Levey City of Sydney 24 th July 92 

Luis Esteban Ku-Ring-Gai 26 th September 93 

John Williams Ku-Ring-Gai 19 th January 94 

John Carter Carlingford 27 th January 95 

John Mountain Pittwater 24 th July 96 

Peter McDermott Hornsby 6 th March 97 

David Muir Pittwater 22 nd April 97 

Laurie Ryan Ku-Ring-Gai 16 th July 97 

Norbert de Rome City of Sydney & Manly 4 th November 97 

Barry Corry Ku-Ring-Gai 30 th November 97 

John Field Castle Hill 8 th May 98 

Reg Joyce Ku-Ring-Gai 12 th June 98 

Michael Killan Mosman 4 th September 98 

John O’Loughlin Carlingford 2 nd January 99 

Ray Weekes Carlingford 6 th June 00 

Peter Garrity Pittwater 2 nd April 00 

Peter Seery City of Sydney 20 th October 00 

Laurie Gray City of Sydney 1 st January 01 

Hugh Gallagher Carlingford 17 th March 01 

Peter Hinchey Warringah 16 th April 01 

Maurice Boylson Pittwater & Warringah 5 th October 01 

Roger de Bryon-Faes Canberra 12 th October 01 

Henry Hudson Ku-Ring-Gai 4 th November 01 

Eric Bokeyar City of Parramatta 11 th March 02 

John Cunningham Hornsby 27 th May 02 

John Pike Manly 18 th June 02 

Adam Groves Canberra 8 th September 02 

John Fox Ku-Ring-Gai 10 th November 02 



IN MEMORY OF. . . 

James Jude Ku-Ring-Gai 20 th April 04 

Dennis Wood Warringah 13 th June 04 

Colin Dahl Canberra 10 th February 05 

Kevin Johnson Pittwater 30 th July 05 

Kevin Moyle Canberra Molonglo 21 st August 05 

Ralph Taylor Canberra 7 th December 05 

Jim Mason Pittwater 12 th March 06 

Peter Lawler Manly 9 th May 06 

Kevin Gately Carlingford 11 th December 06 

Alan Powell Warringah 06 

Ray Overs City of Sydney 16 th October 07 

Neil Simm Ku-Ring-Gai 15 th December 07 

Mike Clarkin Manly 5 th April 08 

John Wright Carlingford 19 th May 08 

John Jamieson Pittwater 19 th June 08 

Bryan Keaney Ku-Ring-Gai 4 th September 2008 

John Galbraith Mosman 28 th September 08 

John Kenny Carlingford 21 st December 08 

Harry Goodman City of Sydney 8 th February 09 

Terry Gallagher Hornsby 14 th March 09 

Henning Harders Pittwater 19 th July 09 

Pat McEneaney Hornsby 20 th September 2009 

Martin Crick Warringah 30 th October 2009 

Frank Sullivan Warringah 5 th November 2009 

Carl Martin Manly 3 rd December 2009 

John Doyle Ku-Ring-Gai 7 th July 2010 

Richard Basto Hornsby 18 th July 2010 

Desmond Rosa Pittwater 21 st July 2010 

Peter Griffiths Manly 14 th January 2011 

Anthony Girard Pittwater 23 rd January 2011 

Ron Dunphy Pittwater 25 th March 2011 

Barry Noonan Carlingford 12 th April 2011 

John Woods Manly 30 th June 2011 

Phil Virgona Mosman 19 th November 2011 

John Cameron City of Parramatta 28 th November 2011 

Peter Kiely Ku-Ring-Gai 2 nd December 2011 

John Sidgreaves City of Sydney 16 th December 2011 

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. 




Mass was offered on the site of “The Loaves & Fishes”… 

Brother Max at Sea of Galilee 

Bro Max Cattle has returned from his pilgrimage 

to the Holy Lands with Fr. Bob Hayes. They flew 

to Amman in Jordan and travelled North to 

Israel. The first stop was at Tiberius on the Sea 

of Galilee who Mass was offered on the site of 

“The Loaves & Fishes”. The Jordan River flows 

into the Sea of Galilee and they visited the spot 

where St John the Baptist baptised Jesus. 

Nazareth where Jesus spent his boyhood, the 

Church of the Annunciation, Mary’s well, Kanna 

where the first miracle performed by Jesus at the 

Marriage Feast, Mount Tabor the site of the 

Transfiguration, Caesarea and a Roman 

Theatre, the garden of Gethsemane where the 

olive trees are over 2,000 years old, Bethlehem 

and the Church of the Nativity over the spot of 

the manger where Jesus was born, the Vis 

Dolorosa a narrow street where Jesus carried the cross and stations of the cross are on the walls, Calvary 

with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a swim in the Dead Sea then through Israel to Petra and the rock 

carvings and return to Amman in Jordan. He finished with a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. Peter O’Reilly 

Province 21 Vice-President 

Brother Kevin Doherty says 

this truly remarkable picture 

reminds him of; 

Psalm 91:4, He will 

cover you with His 

feathers. He will shelter 

you with His wings. His 

faithful promises are 

your armour and 

protection. 

"Life isn't about waiting for 

the storm to pass... it's 

about learning to dance in 

the rain" 

There is absolutely nothing 

to fear about tomorrow; for 

God is already there. 




GIFTS… 

This is the time of year when we think of gifts; the gift of the Three Wise Rulers to the infant Jesus, and the gifts 

we give to each other. 

Usually, they are in the form of presents which are wrapped and put under the tree; and they may also be 

practical gifts for the drought relief, or other special needs but as well, this is a good time to think of the gifts 

within us all; the gifts of compassion, friendliness, strength, insight and humour. The ability to be touched when 

that is needed. The gift of being able to care…and go on caring. The gift of humour. 

Sometimes you can give these gifts to others – sometimes they share them with you. 

Often the gifts are unexpected and thus all the more welcomed. 

In this this busy time, don’t forget the gifts and qualities that keep us going all year long. 

For example, we may need to consider the following: 

Maintain our respect for other people, however strongly we differ from their opinions 

Respect that which is good in everyone, even though it may be expressed in different ways or maybe 

hard to see. 

When our lives bring difficulty, draw patience and encouragement from others and remember to thank 

them for this. 

Behave with civility to all, whatever their race, background or opinion. 

Try and make the stranger feel at home among us. 

And finally, share our strongest beliefs with our children so that they understand what is deeply important 

to us, while leaving them free to develop as the Spirit of God may lead them. 

Enjoy any presents that are under the tree this Christmas and if any other kinds of gifts come your way as well, 

recognise them and say “Thank you” – perhaps they are the most important gifts of all. ANON 



LET’S HAVE A LAUGH. . . . . . 

A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. 

Ahead of him is a guy who's dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. 

Saint Peter addresses this cool guy, 'Who are you, so that 

I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?' 

The guy replies, 'I'm Jack, retired airline pilot from Houston' 

Saint Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to the 

pilot, 'Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom.' 

The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff. 

Next, it's the priest's turn. He stands erect and booms 

out, 'I am Father Bob, pastor of Saint Mary's for the last 43 years.' 

Saint Peter consults his list. He says to the priest, 'Take this cotton robe 

and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom. 

'Just a minute,' says the good father. 'That man was a pilot and he gets 

a silken robe and golden staff and I get only cotton and wood. 

How can this be? 

'Up here - we go by results,' says Saint Peter. 'When you preached - people slept. 

When he flew, people prayed.' 

WOW, Kind of brings a tear to the eye… 

A married couple had been out shopping at the mall for most of the afternoon, suddenly, the wife 

realized that her husband had "disappeared". 

The somewhat irate spouse called her mate’s cell phone and demanded: Where the hell are you? 

Husband: Darling you remember that Jewellery shop where you saw the Diamond Necklace and totally 

fell in love with it and I didn't have money that time and said Baby it'll be yours one day. 

Wife, with a smile blushing: Yes, I remember that my Love. 

Husband: Well, I'm in the Pub next to that shop. 

I would like to share an experience with you all, about drinking and driving. As you well know, some of 

us have been known to have had brushes with the authorities on our way home from the odd social 

session over the years. A couple of nights ago, I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a 

few too many beers and some rather nice claret. Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the 

limit, I did something I've never done before - I took a bus home. I arrived home safely and without 

incident, which was a real surprise, as I have never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got it 

from!!! ANON.

12th Eastern Link - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

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