6th Eastern Link June 2010 - Province 20 Catenians of Western ...

19082010TheEasternLinkPROVINCE 21NEWS & EVENTS OFCATENIAN CIRCLES AND GROUPS OFPROVINCE 21JUNE 20101EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 1 JUNE 2010

FROMEASTERN LINKVolume 2 Issue no 6JUNE 2010News fromCircles and GroupsOf Province 21Please send all copy toEditor: Peter Cash3 Greenhaven StreetClifton Beach Qld 4879Telephone: 4055 3529Email:petercash@btinternet.comContents:Page 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorialPage 3 Provincial Pres Bro Ron DalyPages 4-8 . . . From Provincial CouncilPages 9 . . . . . . Provincial President’sYearly ReportPages 10-13 . . More Provincial EventsPages 14 Welcome to New Director &Provincial President & LadiesPages 15-18 . . Australian ConferencePages 19-24 . . . . . News from CirclesPage 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who’s lost!!Pages 26-27 . . “Moment of Madness”Pages 28-29 . .Bishop’s Oceania MassPages 30 . . . . . . . . . . . .Letter from UKPage 31-32 . . St Mary’s Rosary ChainPage 33-36 . . . . . More MiscellaneousPage 37-38. . . The Late Oscar RomeroPage 39-43 . . . . . More MiscellaneousPROVINCE 21 DIRECTORBROTHER PAUL DESPOGESAs we embark upon a new Catenian year, itgives us the opportunity to ask ourselveswhat are our aims for the year ahead andbeyond.For myself, it is the challenge to accept thehonour you have granted to me, to be yourDirector and attempt to fill the shoes of avery hard working and well respectedformer Brother.That said, we must look with renewedvigour to our future. No doubt ourincoming respective Circle Councils,through their Presidents are in the processof reviewing the needs of their circle, itsbrother’s and families.As I prepare for my first Grand Councilmeeting and Conference, I do it with theknowledge that Province 21 is very active,not only through expansion, Gold Coast &Newcastle this coming year, but alsoknowing of the tremendous work beingemployed within our communities .To all the new office bearers the messageis simple; please continue to ensure westrengthen family life through friendshipand faith.FraternallyPaulPROVINCE 21 WEBSITE:-www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.htmlEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 2 2 JUNE 2010

From . . .BrotherRON DALYPresident Province 21The Catenian AssociationElected Vice-President on the 19 th April!!!Promoted to Province President on 6 th May!!! Quite a rapid rise!!!Hello to all my fellow Brothers and families of our Province. Following the resignation ofProvincial Director John Secker our Provincial President Paul Despoges has accepted theposition of Provincial Director. Along with the Catenian family I wish Paul much success andsatisfaction as he represents us in the UK.As mentioned I attended the Province Council meeting in April and was able to meet with theCouncillors from the Circles represented at that meeting. I appreciate the expressions ofsupport that were offered to me and I look forward to working with your councillors to progressour Association. I was able to meet with Myles Hannan from Canberra Circle and Peter Cashfrom Cairns (already a legendary publicity officer) both of whom obviously travel long distancesto attend the Council meetings. There have been two new Brothers elected to your Council,Peter Moriarty from Parramatta and Laurie de Ambrosis from Manly who have replaced PhilRusso and Terry Hayes each from the respective Circles. Terry & Phil have served ourAssociation well and their participation has been much appreciated. A new Provincial TreasurerPeter Gialouris, City of Sydney, has filled the shoes of Ian McMaster who has handed over theTreasury to Peter; Ian has managed the intricacies of Capitation Fees and exchange rates withdedication and skill, a job well done Ian.The second Australia Conference is to be held in Perth as previously announced from Fridaythe 1 st of Oct to Sunday the 3 rd . Brother Paul has requested that we should try to achieve atleast a representative of each Circle and I would certainly endorse that ideal. Brothers wouldbe aware that to minimize the cost Brothers from Province 20 have offered to billet thoseEastern Staters who can make the trip across the Nullarbor. To facilitate points of discussionand agenda items Pat Moran has convened a workshop for Saturday 5 th June which along withMembership initiatives there will be discussion on agenda items for the Conference. I would likethe secretaries of our Province to forward Pats e-mail to all members as Pat has presented awell researched paper which should enable considered and thoughtful discussion to carry usforward to the Perth Conference.As I write this epistle Mothers Day is approaching and I would wish that all Mothers have ahappy and fulfilling day with their families. In the last Eastern Link, and Catena April 2010, bothreported on an address that Amanda Hickey gave to the Pittwater Circle. I quote just a smallexcerpt, “The common band of our Catholic faith draws us when opportunities like this ariseinto strong friendship with feelings of love and concern and interest”. Thanks Amanda andAmen to that.May the Faith of all of us continue to grow through our AssociationFraternallyRonEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 3 JUNE 2010

NEWS FROMPROVINCIAL COUNCILPROVINCE 21PROVINCIALCOUNCILProvince Council Meeting No 9119th April 2010Provincial President:Ron DalyAgreed:DecisionsProvincialVice-President:TBAProvincialPast President:Phil DaviesProvincial SecretaryPeter TilbrookProvincial Treasurer:Peter GialourisProvincialChamberlainEvan GodfreyProvincialMembership Officer:Pat MoranProvincialPublicity Officer:Peter CashProvince Director:Paul DespogesLots of informationavailable atwww.thecatenians.comThat the Minutes of Meeting 90 be amended todelete Brother Evan Godfrey (Chamberlain) fromthe Attendance list.[Action: Province Secretary]Resolved:That the Report concerning the Province 21website and related matters by Brother Chris Pittsbe adopted.(Recommendations:1. Brother Peter Moriarty to providedetails of his expenses in order toobtain a refund from the Treasurer.2. Request Provincial Councillors ofCircles not providing details ofmeetings to advise me what we need todo in order for us to regularly receivedetails of their forthcoming meetings forthe website.3. Review all the links on our websiteand remove all Circle newsletters, theEastern Link and any irrelevant linksfrom the website./cont4EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 4 JUNE 2010

MORE FROMPROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.4. Update Provincial events. Request ‘organisers’ of these events toprovide feedback on the event for future reference.5. Request local Circles with websites to review the two documents wehave received relating to Circle websites and to take the appropriateactions in line with the suggestions contained in these documents.6. Suggestions for future enhancements are welcome).[Action: Brothers Chris Pitts and Peter Moriarty, Province Treasurer, allCouncilors representing Circles]Resolved:That the gift which Meeting 90 resolved to make to mark the gratitude of theProvince to John Secker for his contribution to The Association be wine to thevalue of $150.[Action: Province President]Resolved:That the Income and Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet and Auditor’s Reportfor the Financial Year ended 31 March 2010 be received and adopted.[Action: Province Treasurer]Resolved:1. That upon the receipt of a request from at least six gentlemen resident inthe Gold Coast area of Queensland and/or the Tweed Valley area of NewSouth Wales, being Brothers and/or gentlemen whose application formembership forms have been duly completed, Province 21 Council willthereby become the Sponsoring Entity for the Formation of a Group inthose areas.2. That upon Province Council becoming the Sponsoring Entity, BrotherProvince Secretary, in consultation with Brother Province President, isauthorised to seek the concurrence of the Director, Province 21 or theMembership Working Group of Grand Council, as the circumstances mayrequire, to the establishment of the Group.5/cont.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 5 JUNE 2010

MORE FROMPROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.3. That upon concurrence to its formation, the inaugural meeting of theGroup be held as soon as practicable[Action: Province Secretary, Province President, Membership Officer]Resolved:That Brother Supply Officer acquires a green Catenian table cloth for use byany Group which may be formed in the Gold Coast area of Queensland and/orthe Tweed Valley area of New South Wales.[Action: Brother Supply Officer]Resolved:That an election for the Office of Director, Province 21 in which nonomination was received having been held and Brother Paul Despoges, ofthe Castle Hill Circle, having subsequently accepted a nomination for hisappointment to that Office made by the mover, Province 21 Councilsummarily fill the Office of Director, Province 21 pursuant to Rule 22(e) byappointing Brother Paul Despoges to the Office.[Action: Province Secretary]Resolved:That an election for the Office of Vice President, Province 21 in which nonomination was received having been held and Brother Ron Daly, of theCity of Sydney Circle, having subsequently accepted a nomination for hisappointment to that Office made by Brother Paul Despoges, Province 21Council summarily fill the Office of Vice President pursuant to Rule 22(e)by appointing Brother Ron Daly to the Office.[Action: Province Secretary]/Cont.6EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 6 JUNE 2010

MORE FROMPROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.Agreed:That Brother Secretary prepare a revised schedule of meeting dates ofProvince Council for 2010/11 and conduct an email ballot of Council foradoption of such meeting dates.[Action: Province Secretary]Resolved:That Brothers Councillor and Brother Secretary draw to the attention of Circlesthat the next Annual Province 21 Mass is to be held in either September orOctober 2010 and that Province Council seek the assistance of one or moreCircles as organiser(s) of the Mass.[Action: All Brothers Councillor, Province Secretary]Resolved:That Province Council expresses its appreciation to BrotherMalcolm Clow for his work in organising the 2010 Province 21Golf Day and congratulates him on its success.[Action: Province Secretary]Agreed:That the meeting of Circle Presidents and Membership Officers set down forSaturday 5 June 2010 should proceed in accordance with the draft Agendacirculated by brother Membership Officer[Action: Province President, Membership Officer]/Cont.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 7 7 JUNE 2010

MORE FROMPROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONT.Agreed:That the following matter in Agenda Item % be items of Business for meeting92 of Province 21 Council:• Definition of practicing Catholic adopted by Grand Council• Australian foundation 40th Anniversary, 2012 – possiblecommemorative activities[Action: Province Secretary]Agreed:That Brother Publicity Officer liaise with the Editor of Catena with a view to theOctober Edition having a suitable article and cover marking the canonisation ofthe Association’s patron for Australia, Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop.[Action: Brother Publicity Officer]Ian McMasters Retires as Provincial TreasurerAfter eight years as Provincial Treasurer, Ian McMasters has decided to step downProvincial President Br. Paul Despoges hands Ian a bottle of wine to show the Province’s appreciationof Ian’s hard work watched by Provincial Secretary Peter Tilbrook8EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 8 JUNE 2010

2009-2010 President’sAnnual Report toProvincial CouncilWe have witnessed a year of change and challenge at all levels of the Association, some planned and othersunexpected. It is pleasing to report irrespective of the level of challenge; it has been met with the trueCatenian spirit.The change started with our acceptance to move into the electronic era, with the use of generic emailaddresses for each Circle within the Province, thanks to the good work of Br Mike McEvoy (Mosman). Alongwith the upgrading of our website through the efforts of Brs Peter Moriarty (Parramatta) and Chris Pitts (Ku-Ring-Gai). Now with the use of teleconferencing for our quarterly Provincial Council meetings, we are able toensure all Councillors are party to the meetings and hence delivering to their respective Circles the relevantnews, strategy and matters of concern to the membership. Hopefully with this use, of modern day technology,we are now communicating with greater effect.The challenge, confronted with the start of the Catenian year, was to address the offer from Grand Council, toreview and recommend effective structure and procedures to suit our environment, whilst ever mindful we areaffiliated with an International Association .This I am pleased to report was approached from two fronts,through Province 21’s workshop for Presidents and Membership Officers and through the newly establishedAustralian Committee.Our workshop had 26 Brothers in attendance and every brother present expressed valuable comment overthe 4 hours of debate and discussion, on the subject matter – Improvements to Rules & Regulations. Mythanks go to Br Pat Moran (Hornsby) for his coordination of the workshop. The conclusions from theworkshop were passed onto the Australian Committee for their first national hook up on Skype ,representedfrom Presidents and Directors of Provinces 20 & 21 and President of Area Victoria. The conclusions reachedfrom both forums were summarised and forwarded onto the Review Commission, set up independent ofGrand Council. Results from this, we have already witnessed with Grand Council acceptance of theCommission first submission in May.Another challenge accepted this year was directed at the Membership Committee, to expand our presence onthe east coast of Australia. It is fair to state under Pat Moran’s leadership this has been exceeded. Alreadymeetings have been held with Bishop Michael Malone (Newcastle- Maitland), seeking his blessings toestablish a Circle in Newcastle, under the leadership of Guy Cassar (City of Sydney) with expectations of agroup being formed this year.A meeting was also convened with Bishop Jarrett (Lismore) for his blessings to form a Circle on the GoldCoast/Tweed Heads area. Under the leadership of Paul Bellhouse (C of S) and his team, we will see a groupinaugurated by August this year.Our ongoing challenge to strengthen our Association, again through the diligence of so many throughout ourProvince has seen a growth of 8%. This coupled with the contribution to the Zimbabwe “Give Water Life &Hope “Appeal, has been a year of true Brotherhood.My thanks are extended to all who have contributed to ensure our ongoing purpose.Special thanks are extended to John Secker for his untiring time and leadership, over many years within theAssociation, to Br Peter Cash for his excellent ability to lift our profile with the EasternLink, Br Evan Godfreyfor his endless work as Chamberlain and to Br Peter Tilbrook for his guidance and endless hours of work tomanage the office of Secretary, without his dedication my task would have been impossible.To our outgoing Treasurer, Br. Ian McMaster, well where does one commence to say thank you, his wit,decisive comment, analytic approach to all our financial matters, will be a tremendous loss to all ,especiallywithin Provincial Council. To you Ian thanks and Helen for allowing Provincial Council, to share his timeduring your own time of challenge.Thank you for allowing me to be your President throughout this Catenian Year.PaulPaul DespogesPresident 2009-10 Province 219EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 9 JUNE 2010

ATTENTION!!!ALL CIRCLE PRESIDENTS & CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP OFFICERSPROVINCE WORKSHOPWill be held on5 th JUNE 2010FROM PROVINCIALMEMBERSHIP OFFICER PAT MORANPlace: Queen of Peace Church Hall, 18 Stuart Ave, Normanhurst(Plenty of Parking available)Each Circle is invited to have two representatives, preferably the President & MembershipOfficer but at least two attendee’s12:00 Lunch and Greet12:30 Welcome and Intro12:40 SESSION ONE – MEMBERSHIPA. Current progress in Province:- Gold Coast; Newcastle, Brisbane, ADFsome membership dataB. Increase:- Reports on efforts from some Circles (input from Members) -DiscussionC. Retain:- Have input from Circles on approaches to retaining membership– DiscussionD. Expansion:- Can your Circle expand into neighbouring Parishes? As aProvince should we consider expanding North, South, West or East (i.e.NZ). How do we attract and retain some younger members? – Agingprofile/Discuss2:30 Afternoon tea/Cont.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 10 10JUNE 2010

PROVINCE WORKSHOP CONTINUED!2:45 SESSION TWO – PREPARATION FOR 2nd AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCEEncouragement to:- discuss in the Circles and send in submissionsAttend Conference in Perth Friday 1 st October – Sunday 3 rd OctoberA.”Sacred Cows make the Best Burgers!” Where the term “SacredCow” refers to an outmoded belief, assumption, practice, policy, systemor strategy, usually invisible that inhibits change and preventsresponsiveness to new opportunities! – Robert Kriegel. After 100+ yearsany “Sacred Cows” to round up in the Catenians or in your Circle?B. “Practising Catholic?” There has been considerable discussion inrecent months and certainly earlier in Catenian history. There is availableA background paper “Practising Catholic – version 4”, which has beensent out to all Circles.3.50 Conclusion to Session 24.00 Finish:-This will be the definite finish time. It is intended to be your workshop.If you have any input/recommendations for the meeting,please let me know ASAP.Please send in names of those attending by 21 st May.(Please bring your name-tags)Pat MoranProvince 21 Membership OfficerPROVINCE 21THE CATENIANASSOCIATION11EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 11 JUNE 2010

Launching New BBI/U Newcastle Theology ProgrammesFrom Left: Catenians Peter Tilbrook, Pat Moran and Paul Despoges (Province President)Fr Anscar Chupungco OSB (Guest Speaker), Dr Gerard Goldman (Director, BBI),Rev Dr John Frauenfelder (Dean, BBI)More about this Catenian Initiative on the following page. . .12EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 12 JUNE 2010

The Catenians of Province 21 have sponsored the launching of two unique Theologyprogrammes to be presented in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese through apartnership between the Broken Bay Institute and the University of Newcastle.The new programmes, a Graduate Certificate – Liturgical Studies and Master ofTheology - Liturgical Studies, will be offered by BBI in distance and online mode andat of the University’s Campus at Callaghan and Ourimbah.The Broken Bay Institute is the adult faith education and faith formation agency of theDiocese of Broken Bay and is an accredited provider of Australian Higher EducationServices.The Director of the Institute, Dr Gerard Goldman, said that the partnership with theUniversity presented a unique opportunity to contribute to the faith education andformation of the laity, not only in the Maitland-Newcastle and Broken Bay Diocese, butalso throughout Australia and internationally, through the Institute’s well establisheddistance education programme.“We are delighted to have had the financial support of The Catenians, an internationalCatholic association, when launching our new Theology partnership programmes”, hesaid.Province 21 Council is progressing the work of establishing a Group in the Newcastlearea, ably assisted by Brother Guy Cassar (City of Sydney Circle) who is now living inthe Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.Its sponsorship of $1,000 is not only an expression of commitment to that task, butalso a contribution to the work of a unique institution within the Broken Bay Diocese,where six Circles operate.THECATENIANASSOCIATIONPROVINCE 21EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 13 13 JUNE 2010

WELCOME TO PROVINCE 21 NEW OFFICERSPROVINCE 21 DIRECTOR PAUL DESPOGES & DENISEPROVINCIAL PRESIDENT RON DALY & ELAINE14EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 14 JUNE 2010

From The Australian Conference Committee. . .AusAgendaIntroductionThis first edition is the Australian Committee’s response, albeit belated, to let members know what hastranspired since the Inaugural Australian Conference. It is not a newsletter, but simply a brief summary of theCommittee’s deliberations on the many issues exercising the minds of many of our brothers. Your feedbackwould be welcome.1. The First Australian ConferenceThe first Australian conference was held at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney on Saturday 30August 2008 in the presence of Grand President David Taylor, Past Grand President Michael O’Malley andDirectors Anthony Phillips (8), Vernon de Cruz (19), Gerry Barton (20) and John Secker (21).Organisation of the conference was arranged by a small sub-committee consisting of John Secker, Director(21); John Monkhouse, Provincial President (20); Lawrence Lawler, Provincial President (21); Phil Davies,Past Director and Vice-President (21); Kevin Doherty, Immediate Past Provincial President (21); John Vannyand Peter Tilbrook his successor as Provincial Secretary (21). The conference would not have been asuccess without the initiative and energy of all these brothers, particularly John Monkhouse and KevinDoherty who were the driving force behind the concept.The Conference Agenda• Item 1 – Approved the formation of an Australian National Committee to meet at least four times ayear comprising the two Provincial Directors, the two Provincial Presidents, the Area VictoriaPresident and a Secretary. One of its major aims is to improve communication amongst theAustralian Provinces and Area Victoria.• Item 2 – Approved the formation of an Australian National Website as soon as possible.• Item 3 – Rejected the proposal that the Grand President be invited to visit Australia every four yearsand not the current arrangement of visiting Australia two out of every three years.• Item 4 – Approved the striking of miniatures for recognition of three years service for the Registrar,Marshall and Welfare Officers (single miniature with light blue ribbon and white stripe now available).• The Australian CommitteeFirst meeting via telephone conference call on 18 March 2009• Directors Gerry Barton (20) and John Secker (21), Provincial President Pat McManus (20), incomingProvincial Presidents David Boyle (20) and Paul Despoges (21) and Area Victoria President PaulMcCulloch joined the committee by virtue of office. Director Gerry Barton was elected Chairman.• Michael Howard (AV) was appointed Secretary./AusAgenda Cont.15EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 15 JUNE 2010

AusAgenda Continued. . .• Agreed that 31 March 2009 was too early for the preparation of initial submissions outlining thepossible structure for an Australian Regional body. Provinces and AV to continue to hold strategymeetings and to forward written submissions to the committee when available.• Agreed that the second Australian Conference would be held in Perth in 2010.Second meeting via Skype on 4 September 2009• Membership- P20 had distributed a 'call to action' to all circles resulting in positive signs for membership growth.- AV had targeted several parishes for membership talks – competition coming from Parish men's clubswhich meet for $5 per head.- P21 had run a workshop for Presidents and Membership Officers producing an effective response anda better understanding of the Rules and Regulations. Parramatta Circle received expressions of interestfrom 20 parishioners – no response was received from a similar drive 2 years previously.- It was recognised that the overall costs of Catenian membership, as well as competition from othergroups, are obstacles to recruitment.• Expansion- P20 concentrating on the Bunbury district but also following up progress in Adelaide.- P21 expecting Brisbane Circle to be inaugurated in September 2010; a dinner is to be held withBishop Malone in Newcastle with 12 attendees expected; Gold Coast interested in forming a Group; theattempt to form a circle in the Australian Defence Force was proving elusive.- AV pursuing a Group in Geelong with the help of Father Kevin Dillon who helped with the formation ofMaroondah Circle.• John Monkhouse (20) to be asked to organise the 2010 Australian Conference to be held aroundSeptember 2010.• John Secker held a meeting with Bishop Malone to explore a relationship with the Australian Bishops'Conference.• Agreed to circulate a letter encouraging the Catenian Association and other Catholic organisations toimprove media coverage of the Christian message at Easter and Christmas.• Unanimous agreement to increase the Public Liability insurance cover from $5 million to $10 million onrenewal of the policy in December 2009.• The Committee discussed proposed content for a national submission to the newly formed RestructureCommission. Issues raised included incorporation of the Association in Australia (legal aspect),administration (how much could be done in Australia), level of capitation fees for non-UK members andgovernance within Australia. No major changes to the operation of the Benevolent Fund and BursaryFund were considered necessary.Third meeting via Skype on 12 January 2010• Resignation of Director John Secker.John resigned from the Catenian Association in early January 2010. The Committee recognised thedevoted service which John had delivered to the Association over a period exceeding 25 years andagreed that his valued contributions would be sadly missed./AusAgenda Cont.16EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 16 JUNE 2010

AusAgenda Continued. . .• Restructure Commission ReportThe Commission released its first report in November 2010 – four potential structures wererecommended for Grand Council's deliberation being Status Quo, Franchise, Commonwealth andFederal (International). Grand Council agreed to adopt the Federal system as the way forward andrequested the Commission to proceed to the next stage.(Director Gerry Barton will sit on the Administration Task Group. Australian representation on two otherTask Groups is currently being finalised).• Capitation fees- Following an 89% approval by members voting, the Capitation fee will increase from £27 to £32 in2010 however a strengthening of the Australian dollar will see a reduction in the amount payable from$60 to $56. This same strengthening will see the share due to Australian Provinces fall from $10.00 to$9.50.• Membership- Three posters were circulated for consideration - one prepared by Brother Rob Young in Victoria wasselected (subject to minor modifications).- P20 reported that the strong push for membership was starting to pay dividends.- P21 Parramatta Circle had recruited 5 new members – uniformity of brochures, posters etc wasrecommended;- AV advised that the membership data base was inaccurate requiring correction before production ofthe 2010 Directory (P20 had a similar problem and was working to correct this).- P20 has a Mass instruction kit (containing drafts of suggested pulpit talks and information nightdiscussion materials); P21 a wallet card of information in addition to the '10 most popular Question &Answers’ mini booklet (a .pdf copy of this booklet has been obtained from Head Office which may allowfor local printing).• Expansion- P20 to hold a breakfast meeting in Busselton in late January 2010; John Monkhouse will visit Adelaidein April 2010.- P21 expecting Brisbane to remain a group for the foreseeable future; a meeting with interested menwill be held in the Gold Coast at the end of January 2010; Newcastle progressing with support from 3deacons and Bishop Malone.- AV continues to pursue a group in Geelong; an initial meeting has recently been held for interestedparties.• Agreed that a full day be set aside for discussions at the second 2010 Australian Conference to be heldin Perth on Saturday 2 October 2010; a flyer has been circulated providing details of surrounding eventsand offers to billet brothers from afar.• Gerry Barton to follow up the relationship with the Australian Bishops' Conference following theresignation of Director John Secker.• Agreed that P21 and AV will explore joining the P20 website to effectively create a single Australianwebsite.• Affirmed the 3 year tour rota for the Grand President.• P20 has a programme to donate $20,000 to the rebuilding of the Perth and Bunbury Cathedrals; P21voted to donate $1,000 to the Broken Bay Institute at the University of Newcastle to promote aDiploma/Certificate course in Theology & Liturgy.• The single decade Rosary programme is progressing well in P21.17EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 17 JUNE 2010

ADVANCENOTICE2 nd AustralianCatenian ConferenceTo be held inPerthWestern AustraliaFriday evening 1 st October until Sunday 3 rd October 2010 Friday night – Registration and Welcome Saturday morning – Tour of King’s Park Botanical Gardens (am Ladies) Saturday All Day Conference with Guest Speaker, Motions & Discussionsrelevant to the future of the Association with particular reference to Australia Lunch – Sausage Sizzle and other refreshments Saturday Night – Formal Dinner Sunday Morning – Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral (recently refurbished) Sunday Lunch – Picnic All Brothers and guests will be billetedGerry Barton Director Province 20. Province 20 looks forward to welcomingbrothers and wives from all parts of the Association to the 2 nd AustralianConference. It is hoped that Australian brothers, in particular, will activelyparticipate in all day discussions about our Association and possible futuredirections in this region. Please come and savour all this wonderful State and itsfriendly people have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.After the ConferenceProvince 20 & Perth can assist in organising:- Golf Trip to only Monastic Town in Australia – New Norcia River Cruise South West Trip Fremantle Three Circle meetings available in that week18EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 18 JUNE 2010

Provincial Membership Office Pat Moran presenting the Friar TuckTrophy to the Membership Committee of City of ParramattaFrom left to right Bros Ian Goldthorpe, Jack Barrett Provincial Membership OfficerPat Moran, IPP Ed van Riet, Phil Russo and Otto von Schomburg.Congratulations to Parramatta Circle From all yourCatenian Brothers in Province 21 for winning theFriar Tuck Trophy. The Circle managed to enrol eightnew Brothers in 2009-10!!!EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 19 JUNE 2010

Was held onThursday, 25th February, 2010AtLachlan'sOld Government House, Parramatta2010 WINNER:-Brother GREG BISSETT(President, Ku-Ring-Gai Circle)L to R; Brother Greg receives the Trophy from Provincial President Paul DespogesEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 20 20 JUNE 2010

THETRUTHFULJONESTROPHYCARLINGFORD CIRCLEAre proud to announce that this year’sTRUTHFULJONES CONTESTWill be held onTUESDAY, 20 th JULY, 2010AtCarlingford Bowling ClubCorner Pennant Hills & Evans Roads,CARLINGFORDN.B. The Truthful Jones trophy is a Province 21 inter-Circle contest in which Circleschoose a representative to tell a short, amusing and (somewhat) believable story. TheProvince Council Officers in attendance on the night choose the winner. The trophy isdefended the next July at the dinner following the meeting of the Circle which isrepresented by the winning story-teller. Last year’s winner Carlingford Circle!21EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 21 JUNE 2010

CITY OF PARRAMATTACIRCLE 330ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEO'CONNELLCUP 2010Will be held onTHURSDAY, 24th JUNE 2010At; 6.45 for 7.15 pmAtLachlan'sOld Government House, Parramatta Park(City of Parramatta's normal venue)“Applications of a formula which takes into Account thenumber of visiting Brothers from a Circle and distancedtravelled determines the winning Circle”The cost for the dinner TBARSVP Bro John Green 9630 7094Or j.d.green@bigpond.comBy no later than Friday 18th June22EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 22 JUNE 2010

New Brother Scott Andrews beingwelcomed into the Circle byMembership Officer Peter CashLeft; Visitor Nathan Bridge paying hisfirst visit to City of Cairns Circle sat withBrother Matt ParrishKU-RING-GAI DOES IT AGAIN!!!ANOTHER NEW BROTHER ENROLED. . .Brother Membership Officer Charlie Thomsonpresents new Brother Vince CaldeiraWith a Welcome Pack at the March dinner23March meeting was a Ladies night. Our Brothersand Ladies enjoying dinner during the evening.Brother President Greg Bisset took theopportunity to review what we had achieved as aCircle over the past 12 months.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 23 JUNE 2010

News from City of Sydney Circle Newsletter...VISITING BROTHERSMADE WELCOME BY SYDNEY CIRCLEPictured at the March meetingof The City of Sydney Circle 263were Brother John Minster(Walsall 106), Brother PresidentDouglas Wilson (City of Sydney263) and Brother MichaelEtherington (City of Winchester163). Br. John had arrived inSydney on the cruise ship“Aurora” after a wonderfulcruise in the Pacific. He gave aninteresting speech on histravels. Br. Michael was “downunder” visiting his daughter inBondi, our famous beachsidesuburb! Brother PresidentDouglass and his wife Judethare originally from Zimbabweand have settled in Sydney viathe UK!Ship Ahoy!!! The Cassar’s help raise $25,000 for Westpac Helicopter Service!!!L to R: Roland, Chris, Guy & Peter CassarThere was a Catenian presenceat Belmont Yacht Club for theannual fund raising regattaorganised by the irrepressible BrGuy Cassar. Brs Rob O’Mara,Chris Cassar, Peter O’Reilly andGuy Cassar were there tosupport the Westpac HelicopterService. This transport isinvaluable in the Hunter Regionto transfer ill patients to JohnHunter Hospital in Newcastle.Over $25,000.00 had been raisedwith sponsorship of the yachtsin the regatta. Peter took thisphotograph of the Cassars at theBelmont Yacht Club. Roland isGuy’s brother and Chris’s fatherand Peter’s grandfather!CITY OF SYDNEY CIRCLEEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 24 24 JUNE 2010

News from Manly. . .WHAT DOES A FUTURE CATENIANPRIME MINISTER & friendsDO WHEN THEY ARE LOST IN THE DESERTAND CANNOT FIND A McDONALDS???Images courtesy of SMH Online©Manly Catenian and Australian Prime Ministerial aspirant, Tony Abbott will make sure heis more familiar with satellite phones before his next trip into the outback after getting lostand sending this text message from his mobile phone to his media secretary in Canberra:"WERE LOST NEAR FOSSIL CREEK".Early in March, Tony Abbott made headlines when he set off with a small group on "quad"four-wheeled motorbikes in Central Australia to search for Aboriginal sacred sites.Six hours later and separated from his local guide, Aboriginal entrepreneur Ian Conway,and with sundown approaching, the group became seriously concerned about theirsituation: stuck in unfamiliar country, with no idea of the way out and no way tocommunicate with the outside world.There was some discussion about using a satellite phone Mr Conway had left with theparty, except for just one problem with that plan - no one could get the sat-phone to work.Just as well that Mr Conway reappeared as the sun was setting, but there was still athree-hour quad bike journey in the pitch dark, with Tony and the group arriving back atthe truck that had taken them into Watarrka country at 9.20pm, having been lost for fivehours.After existing on Witchery Grubs for a few hours, they arrived back at Kings Creek stationfor a late-night feast of scotch fillet and camel sausages.“We were one jerry can of fuel, six bottles of water and about three hours of daylight shortof what we needed," was Tony’s verdict on the experience!!!25EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 25 JUNE 2010

By Brother Noel Braun, Pittwater CircleA moment of madness must have seized me when I received last July an email from a travel agencyfor singles offering a ‘Cycle and Walk Tasmania’ trip. Why not? I hadn’t visited Tassie since thesixties. Cycling from Launceston to Hobart along the east coast seemed an interesting way to seethe island, and sounded far more adventurous than a coach tour.The agency was offering the tour to the over 35’s, so I emailed, ‘What about a 76 year older?’ Backcame the reply, ‘As long as you’re fit.’ I reckoned I was fit enough, but I hadn’t done much cycling. Acouple of years ago the cycle shop at Glenrose was relocating and offered a 20% reduction oneverything. If ever there was a time to buy a mountain bike, this was it. However, the bike had beenhanging up in the garage for nearly 18 months. Last October I took it down and began cyclingaround Belrose and Frenchs Forest.A hazardous enough occupation even inthe off peak hours. I started to havemisgivings as I experienced the shortnessof breath and pains in my legs as I tackledthe steep hills around home. I attended afew spin classes at the local gym but mylegs were just as sore. What had I letmyself into?So January 30 th found me in a YouthHostel in Launceston meeting my fellowcycle travellers. As expected I was theoldest by far, most of them being in theirlate thirties or early forties, all womenexcept for one bloke aged 28. The agedifference didn’t seem to matter. I think atfirst they regarded me as a curiosity, thisold bloke on a bike, but, as I more or lesskept up with them, I think they decided Iwas a fit old bloke. Many times, in fact,every time I struggled up a hill, and feltthe pain in my legs and soreness in myrear, I chastised myself. Why in heaven’sname am I doing this? If I wanted to seeTasmania, why couldn’t I have done itcomfortably sitting back in a coach?Needless to say, we developed a great camaraderie, the ten of us, in our mutual struggle againsthead winds and steep hills. We supported and encouraged each other to keep trying. The girls werea delightful bunch. We had lots of laughter and one evening we had an impromptu concert. Mycontribution was a song about us, which I called Kings of the Road. It was sad to say goodbye.However, as nine of us came from Sydney, we are organising a reunion in March to share storiesand photos.Picture; Noel having a well-earned rest!!!26EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 26 JUNE 2010

I spent another week in Tassie. I hired a car in Hobart and slowly made my way back toLaunceston for the flight home. I stayed in dormitories in youth hostels. Why pay $125 for a hotelroom when you get a hostel bed for $25? Besides, hostels are far more interesting places to stayfor the people you meet. Usually, I would give 50 years or so to my room mates but, this time, theywere older. Hans, a German who was cycling around Tasmania, was probably my age. Mets, fromSweden, had motor cycled around Australia several times. Sylvain, a French Canadian fromMontreal, was a former professional tennis play and was now teaching phys. ed. in a Frenchspeaking school. Jerry, from New Jersey, was teaching English in Korea. Francesco was theyoungster, an Italian with dreadlocks, who had run out of money and was desperately following upvague job prospects picking strawberries. John was the only other Australian. He was fromAdelaide and was about to join a 12 day trek through the South West.I stayed two nights in George Town with Gerard, a friend of my son Stephen. George Town is veryclose to Bell Bay, an industrial area which is the site of the Gunn’s controversial pulp mill. I waskeen to see the site as I have donated regularly to the Wilderness Society’s campaign to stop themill. What a contrast was the man made ugliness of Bell Bay to the beauty of the Tamar Valley!God’s creation brims with beauty and man messes it upBack home, I thanked God for the health and fitness that allowed me to cycle up to 50 kilometres aday. I was grateful for the people I met and the opportunity to share, however briefly, something oftheir life. I marvelled at the beauty of Tasmania. When you cycle or walk, you have a greateropportunity to appreciate the beauty around you. You feel closer to God’s creation. You are part ofit. You insulated yourself when you flash by in a car or coach.I’m glad I had my moment of madness.Noel BraunIn Our Next Edition!!!A REVIEW OF THE LATEST BOOK WRITTEN BY NOEL BRAUNNo WayToBehaveAt aFuneral27EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 27 JUNE 2010

Prior to the Mass a Choir of Islander Ladies - Sisters of Divine Mercy -sang as only the islanders can - heavenly!! Having 90 bishops presentfor the Inaugural Mass of the Federation of Catholic BishopsConference of Oceania is a pretty powerful experience. A number ofCatenian Brothers attended including Brendan O’Connell, LaurenceLawlor, Evan Godfrey. Both Brendan and Laurence are Knight’s of theHoly Sepulchre.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 28 28 JUNE 2010

Centre; Brother Brendan O’ConnellCONGRATULATIONSBishop’s arriving to the MassThe Bishop’s saying MassThe Bishop’s attended from all Over OceaniaFROMPROVINCE21. Bishop Peter Ingham of WollongongA sight not often witnessed; 90 Bishop’s at onceEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 29 29 JUNE 2010

NEWS FROM THE UK. . .THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATIONBernard Noakes, Director Province 224 Petersfield,Broomfield, CHELMSFORD, Essex.Phone: 01245 441247Email: b.noakes@btinternet.comDear Brother Provincial SecretaryWalsingham Pilgrimage Sunday 26 th September 2010On Sunday 26th September Bro Vernon De Cruz together with Evelyn, will lead our Association’spilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. This is a pilgrimage, we make as anAssociation every several years and brothers and their families have always well supported it.Bishop John Arnold our Association’s link with the Bishops Conference of England and Wales willbe our spiritual leader for the pilgrimage. I am sure he is known to many of you and members ofyour province and so a high attendance by us is ever more important.The intention of this letter is not only to inform you about the pilgrimage so that you can start tomention it in your own province and circles, but also ask your Provincial President to encourage aProvincial Organiser to begin making plans now for travel by coach which is not only easier butprobably much more economic.Grand President Bro Vernon is hopeful that every province capable of getting to Walsingham willattend in great numbers so that we can make a substantial public statement of our faith followingthe visit of our Holy Father who with the Church seems to be under attack and no doubt will remainso up to and during his visit. It will of course also be a public demonstration of our commitment toOur Lady.The message from Bro. Vernon is. . .SUNDAY 26 th SEPTEMBER 2010 PLEASE PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY AND BEGINPLANNING NOW.Shortly I shall be arranging coverage in Catena, with the full timetable but if you could startcirculating to all, then hopefully we will have a large attendance. In conjunction with Bro. SeanO’Connell of Brentwood Circle I am responsible for the overall arrangements, so if you have anyqueries or need any information I will be pleased to help.Yours sincerely and fraternallyBernardBernard NoakesDIRECTOR PROVINCE 230EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 30 JUNE 2010

ST JOSEPHS COLLEGE SYDNEYPRESENTED WITHST MARY'S ROSARY BEADS!!!Left to Right: Harrison Armstrong (Year 9), Cameron Stevens (Year 9)Br Anthony Boyd, Jack Kenny (Year 7), Jack Campbell (Year 7)Saint Josephs College, Hunters Hill, Sydney. A leading Catholic Public Boy’sSchool received 1000 sets of Beads & Mary’s Chain Rosary Cards to help regenerateMarian Devotion at the Marist College. Brother Anthony Boydpresented the above boys with Rosary Beads and Prayer Cards. Brother GregSmyth, (City of Sydney Circle) arranged have the Beads and Cards delivered tothis famous Sydney Boy’s School.31EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 31 JUNE 2010

THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATIONA Special Devotion . . .MARY’S ROSARY CHAINMary’s Rosary Chain is a Rosary Devotion toOur Blessed Mother, where people are invitedand encouraged to pray one decade of (10 HailMary’s) each day in communion with otherparticipants in this great powerful chain ofprayer. The great benefit of praying (onedecade) of the Rosary each day in union withtens of thousands of other participants aroundthe world is the abundant fold Grace ofCombined Prayers together with the DailyPrayers of the Pauline Order for the needs andintentions of the participants.All participants are invited to enrol theirNames on a list and have their Namespermanently placed under the BlessedSacrament in a Monastery of St Paul the FirstHermit, “Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy”,Penrose Park, NSW or “Our Lady Help ofChristians”, Marian Valley, Canungra, QLD,where the Order will pray daily for theirintentions, also, Holy Mass is celebrated for allthe participants every Saturday.The Order of St Paul the First Hermit have warmly welcomed this Devotion and have given theirfull support and blessing for the inspiring Rosary Cards to be distributed and promotedwherever possible to encourage the people of God and especially children and youth to praythrough the intercession of the Mother of God for the many urgent needs of the Holy Churchand the world in general.A Special Invitation ToCATENIAN MEMBERSTHE ROSARY GROUP, FAMILY & FRIENDSTO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIAL‘MARY’S ROSARY CHAIN’ DEVOTIONFurther information can be obtained from:-Brother Greg Smyth (City of Sydney Circle) Telephone 0295220034 smythgc@bigpond.comMary’s Rosary Chain Inc. P.O. Box 3127, St. Mary’s South, NSW 2760 Please Telephone JeffreyVassallo on 0288077888/0424032200*Could all participants’ names be passed on to Brother Greg Smyth, 44 Belgrave Espl. Sylvania,NSW 2224. for inclusion in the Pauline Father’s Daily Prayers.32EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 32 JUNE 2010

BROKEN BAYINSTITUTEWORKING WITH THEAustralianCatholicBishopsPRESENTSNATIONALE-CONFERENCE16 th SEPTJESUS THECHRISTWITHGERALDO’COLLINS SJFor more information contact: Virginia Ryan, Adult Faith and PastoralFormation Co-ordinator Phone: 02 9847 0556 Email: vryan@bbi.catholic.edu.au33EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 33 JUNE 2010

LAST MINUTE SNIPPETS . . .City of Parramatta. . .Following his installation, Bro Pres John had the very great pleasure of enrolling BroChris Worthington as a member of the Association. Bro Pres warmly welcomed BroChris who is the ninth new member to be enrolled as a result of our membershipdrive. Congratulations Bro Chris.Manly Circle. . .Kerry Gwynne B.App. Sc. OT, the Service Manager, Child & Family Health at theDalwood Spilstead Centre gave a talk at the Manly Golf Club at the May meeting.Please Pray for the Sick. .Please pray for Brother GregSmyth of Sydney Circle, whohas had many health problemsrecently.Brother Norm Russell ofCanberra Circle 331, who isreceiving ongoing treatment.AnniversariesYour prayers are requested forthe repose of the souls of ourdeceased Catenian Brothersand of all our relatives andfriends, especially those whoseanniversaries occur at this time.Lots of informationis available at:-www.thecatenians.comCatena can be read onlineat the websiteAll Brothers are encouraged to visit other Circles. If theopportunity arises please contact the appropriateCatering Officer listed below.CITY OF CAIRNS 3 rd ThuMark Ellwood 07 4055 3954CANBERRA 3rd Thu.Russell Sweeney 6291 4604CANBERRA/MOLONGLO 1st Wed.Philip O'Meara 6288 4793CARLINGFORD 3rd Tue.Stan Burgin 9871 2449CASTLE HILL 4th TuePaul Despoges 8850 0956HORNSBY 1st ThuPeter Andersen 0412 669 462KU-RING-GAI 2nd MonPhil Davies 9440 4299MANLY 3rd WedMichael van Ommen 9452 5282.MOSMAN 2nd ThuBrendan O’Connell 9449 3720PARAMATTA 4 th ThuJohn Green on 02 96307094PITTWATER 2nd WedKen Halliday 9999 4675CITY OF SYDNEY 1st WedJohn Crawford 9240 4975WARRINGAH 4th WedBill Carney on 9451 2144BRISBANE GROUP 3 rd WedDennis Muldoon 0400 571 633VICTORIAN CIRCLESCITY OF MELBOURNE 4th MonGreg Lynch 9585 8280WAVERYLEY 1st TueFrank Brown 9560 0130MAROONDAH 3rd WedDenis O’Gallagher 9833 3750PENINSULA 2nd FriDick Gorman 5988 0297BOROONDARA 4 th WedRobert Maybury 9857 934734EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 34 JUNE 2010

CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER LUKE AND JENNIFER ON THEIR SONS BAPTISMBrother Luke Bantoft and wife Jenny (centre) had a double celebration at the Baptismof Twins Tristan and Lucas at Holy Cross Church, Trinity Park, Cairns recently.Two City of Cairns Brothers caught helping-out at the Red Cross Marlin Coast BranchSausage Sizzle. Brother David Neilsen and Brother Peter Cash braved the expectedCyclone along with Brother Paul Bantoft to help cook 400 Hot Dogs!!!35EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 35 JUNE 2010

CATENIAN ASSOCIATIONDAILY MASS SCHEME FOR VOCATIONSPROVINCE 21263 City of Sydney 3 rd Wednesday in November284 Ku-Ring-Gai 2 nd Saturday in July304 Carlingford 2 nd Sunday in November308 Castle Hill 1 st Sunday in November312 Pittwater 2 nd Tuesday in March317 Hornsby 4 th Saturday in August322 Manly 3 rd Tuesday in January328 Warringah 3 rd Friday in February330 Mosman 2 nd Thursday in April331 Canberra 4 th Monday in July340 Canberra Molonglo 3 rd Friday in July349 City of Cairns 2 nd Sunday in August912 City of Brisbane 4 th Saturday in FebruaryVictoria Area Council292 City of Melbourne 3 rd Sunday in October311 Waverley 4 th Tuesday in July334 Maroondah 3 rd Sunday in May335 Peninsula 2 nd Thursday in May345 Boroondara 1 st Thursday in AugustThe Catenians!!!Strengthening family life through friendship and faithEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 36 36 JUNE 2010

A MOVING STORY FROM PAT MORAN WHICHHIGHLIGHTS IN THIS YEAR OF THE PRIEST, HOWDANGEROUS IT WAS TO BE ONE IN EL SALVADOR, & THESAD MARTYRDOM OF BISHOP OSCAR ROMERO. . .Foreword: I have recently been reading the Centenary History of the CatenianAssociation by James Hagerty and also extract some information from it, especiallyconcerning membership. On page 167 I came across a reference to Bishop Arthur Rochewho spoke at the Harrogate Conference in 2003, partly in relation to some suggestions inthe Project 2008 Report of the Association. He seemed to make a lot of sense.I decided to check is there anything current about Bishop Arthur Roche and came acrossthis simple yet powerful reference (on the Diocese of Leeds website) to his Chrism Massat Leeds during Easter week, after he had returned from Guatemala and El Salvador. It isclear, in this Year of the Priest, that Oscar Romero’s life and martyrdom made a profoundimpression. Brother Pat Moran.Here is Bishop Arthur Roche’s Chrism Mass sermon. . .I have, as you know, just returned from Guatemala and El Salvador where, along withCAFOD, I was representing our Bishops’ Conference at the 30th anniversary of the assassinationand the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero. It was a journey filled with unexpected,surprising and deeply moving things: on the one hand, the poverty of the people, the strugglesagainst persistent and brutal violence, the constant violations and lack of regard for human lifeand dignity – seemingly so characteristic of the whole of Central America; and on the other, thedeep faith of the Christian communities who are building the Kingdom of God in very adversecircumstances.The anniversary Mass which was celebrated before countless numbers of Salvadoriansin the Cathedral square – the same square where, thirty years earlier on Palm Sunday, 1980,government troops fired live ammunition upon the crowds who had come to pray and honour himat his funeral. At the end of the Mass, an elderly lady came to me and took my hand and wouldnot let it go. She wanted to bear witness. She told me that she had returned for this night aftertwenty-nine years of exile to say thank you to Monseñor Romero. ‘You see’ she said, ‘my fourchildren were executed by the death squads and although we cried out in pain and horror andutter anguish from the very depths of our being, it was only the voice of Monseñor Romero whichwas heard - like the voice of Christ - a voice of liberty and love - and for which he suffered thesame fate. He gave voice to those who had no voice’, she said. ‘He gave hope to those who weresick with fear and living in despair’. Like so many – indeed hundreds-of-thousands in El Salvador– her life was ripped apart by that civil war – a war that divided the Church as well as the societyof its day. Children have now grown up having seen their own parents, brothers and sisters, andfriends mutilated or executed by soldiers whose purpose was to ethnically cleanse the populationand build a better society.Her’s was not alone among these testimonies, nor was Oscar Romero by himself inbearing courageous witness to Christ. The martyrs of Central America are among some of themost numerous throughout the world – bishops (including a cardinal), priests, sisters, catechists,/Cont.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 37 JUNE 2010

Oscar Romero’sMartyrdom Continued. . .lay-faithful men and women and, sadly, even children. Her words, ‘He gave voice to those who had novoice; he gave hope to those who were sick with fear and living in despair’ were close to my thoughtsthroughout those days. It made me think then as now of the great sermon that was preached by Jesusas he unrolled the scroll of the prophet and said, looking deeply into the eyes of all present in thesynagogue, This text is being fulfilled today, even as you listen.As we hear those words each year the Church through its liturgy for this Mass is remindingus that through our baptism and confirmation, our ordination and even at the moment of serious illness– we are being anointed to be the messengers of God in every time and circumstance of life. This is animportant message for us in this special Year of the Priest as well as for our programme of diocesanrenewal Go Make Disciples!It was shocking, but comes as no surprise that Oscar Romero in his short time as a bishopwas constantly ridiculed, ignored, even jeered at in the streets by youths. The rich and the middle classshunned him; lies were told and published about him; he was tried by the media and the sinistermilitary junta issued constant death threats – even taking his priests out one by one in order to cowerhim and deflect him from his mission. Some of his brother bishops even tried to have him expelledfrom the country. And he was not a strong man; he was timid and often trembled in the face of it all. Inhis diary he wrote I am entering into this darkness and I am afraid and ill-equipped. But despite that,his faith was strong – bolstered by hours of prayer and adoration and the company of his priests andso many supportive lay people. Despite that sense of being ill-equipped, he was conscious ofsomething that is important for all Christians to remember and especially for us priests on this day.The anointing he had received was an act of God rooted in God's choice of him and God'sinitiative – and so it is for us. Anointing has always been that. We need only think of the anointing ofDavid as King of Israel by Samuel. Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse to anoint the one God hadchosen, to fulfil God's purpose.But most fundamentally, Jesus Christ, our great high priest makes the words of the prophetIsaiah his own explaining to us the nature of his ministry and the meaning of his anointing: to bringgood news to the poor, to bring freedom, healing, release and strength - to proclaim that the Lord’sjubilee – his year of favour – is not confined to a specific calendar year but to every year and everymoment. It is to that same ministry that the bishop and priests and all, are baptised and confirmed andcalled to to this diocese in these times. This anointing is for our day and our present reality - as it wasfor Archbishop Romero’s time.The context in which we exercise our ministry is changing rapidly, the world is changing andwe need great imagination, courage and confidence to engage with the pastoral realities that presentthemselves today. But this time is our time, our opportunity. It is the right time for our ministry to enrichand strengthen the life of our Church. And this diocese is the place where we are called to do that.Some days after that great celebration in the Cathedral Square, I stood celebrating Mass atthe altar in the cancer hospital where Monseñor Romero was assassinated. As he looked down frombehind the altar to the open door at the back of the Church he saw his executioner who shot him as hebegan the Offertory of the Mass. That was the final and most sublime offering of his own life in unionwith Christ. My thoughts then and now as I think of what he saw and what that meant is, how goodGod is to have given this fearful yet courageous priest to a people so desperately in need – who spokefor those who couldn’t speak for themselves, who brought his own particular experience and gifts tothat ministry, his own voice to the preaching of the Gospel – preaching that was original and personal,but at the same time in continuity and complete fidelity to the faith of the Catholic Church throughoutthe ages. And, today, as I look at you, my brothers and sisters, I recall that same sentiment: how goodGod is to have given you to this diocese at this time when the challenges are great and the labourersare few. God has anointed you in our day – his choice, his initiative - new voices articulating amessage that is always old yet ever new – and greatly needed. Thank you.38EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 38 JUNE 2010

ATTENTION ALL CATENIANGOLFERS!!!!Are you visiting Europe?IRISH CATENIANOPEN GOLF & SOCIAL EVENT 20103 VENUES!!!!31 st August – 4 th September 2010The overall winner will have the best combined score for the competitions played on Thursdayand Friday. There will be individual members, ladies and visitors’ prizes for each day whichwill be presented at the dinner on the final day. In the event of a player not holding a currenthandicap, the committee reserves the right to allocate oneFurther Information from: Brother John Power, 22 Ardmeen Park, Blackrock, Co DublinPhone: 00353 1 2886097. E-mail: evonpower@eircom.netFor our newly enrolled Brothers, Past Provincial President Phil Davies explains about ourSherwood Forest awards. . .Sherwood Forest awardsIn November 1984, at the time of the inauguration of Carlingford Circle, Brother Reg Joyce* of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle presented this mug to John Secker, the new Circle’s Founder President, to be usedas Carlingford Circle saw fit. It was decided that the Mug would be used for a competition betweenthe Presidents elect in the Province.The intent of the competition would be twofold ... to provide a forum at which all the Presidentselect in the Province could meet one another and share some time together prior to the start oftheir Presidential year and, as it is an inevitable aspect of being a Circle President that one is calledupon to ‘say a few words’ both with and without prior notice, to help Presidents elect adapt to thisrole.The initial competition for the Mug was held at Carlingford Circle’s venue (then Oatlands Golf Club)on 17 March 1986; the topic being ‘The Seven ages of Catenian Man’. The competitors were RayWeekes of Carlingford Circle, Ken Sellinger of Castle Hill, Max Cattle of City of Sydney and AlanLaird of Ku-Ring-Gai Circle ... Alan Laird was the winner.*Reg Joyce joined the Association in Nottingham, hence the ‘Sherwood Forest’ flavour of thetrophies he presented. He gave the Robin Hood (Golf) Cup to Sydney, the Maid Marian (Golf)Shield to Ku-Ring-Gai, the Little John Mug (as described above) and finally the Friar Tuck Tankardto Hornsby on their inauguration. Hornsby then donated it to the Province to be awarded annuallyto the Circle achieving the greatest increase in Membership in the year.39EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 39 JUNE 2010

News from Canberra 331...Catherine presenting a certificate of appreciation to Canberra Circle 331The lunch at the Jamison Southern Cross Club was another rare venture to the deep North of the ACTby the doughty Catenians of both Canberra Circles. In fact, twelve couples attended the joint LadiesLunch in the Catchpole Room of the Jamison Southern Cross Club on Sunday 2nd May.The 24 present enjoyed a most convivial afternoon, and the guest speaker, Ms Catherine Cooney,Vice President of Karinya House for Mothers and Babies gave all an understanding of the wonderfulwork Karinya House does.The Catchpole Room proved an excellent venue for lunch and, as is usual with the Catenians, quicklybecame a noisy but informative afternoon.At the function, Ms Cooney presented Circle 331 with a certificate of appreciation for the generousmonetary gift the Circle recently gave Karinya House. A copy of this certificate has already beenshown on our website.Catherine fielded a lot of questions both before and after her talk.EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 40 40 JUNE 2010

Catenians Brothers from Manly joined fellow Brothers Ed O’BrienAnd John Woods (seated), who have both struggled to make recent meetingsfor an informal dinner at the Totem Club at Balgowlah.BLESSED MARY MACKILLOPPROVINCE 21 WILL BEPUBLISHING A SPECIAL EDITIONTO COMMORATETHE CANONISATIONOF SAINT MARY MACKILLOPAUSTRALIA’S FIRST SAINT!!!BLESSED MARY MACKILLOPEASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 41 JUNE 2010

Editor Peter writes. . .Dear Brothers, I hope you have enjoyed reading the sixth edition of our online EasternLink. I always welcome your views and comments. It had been delivered to your email boxslightly ahead of schedule as I will be on holidaying all of June in the UK.I would like to welcome our New Director Paul, and new Provincial President Ron. I thinkBrother Ron has been slightly surprised at least at the speed he had been elevated fromVice-President to President!!! I am sure all the Brothers of Province 21 would like to wishyou both the very best of luck in your new positions.Have you accessed Brother Pat Moran’s mass of information on the CD he sent out? Ihave! I have used it on many occasions to access the information on it. I was recentlytravelling to Wahroonga in Sydney and I needed to make a phone call to ask for a lift tothe last Provincial Meeting. I knew that Phil Davies lived in the area, but I was travelling ina car with no access to a phone book, then I suddenly remembered; Pat’s CD in mybriefcase, I immediately put the CD in my Laptop and hey presto, there was the CatenianDirectory of Province 21 with the phone number I needed. Well done Pat, you saved me alot of travelling that day.I would like to offer congratulations to new Catenian Association Grand President VernonDe Cruz and new Vice-President Tony Godden.What an outstanding achiever Catenian Brother Noel Braun is; in his ‘Moment ofMadness’ he managed to cycle up to 50k a day, what Noel accomplished is a credit tohimself. I would also like offer Noel good wishes in the forthcoming release of his newbook ‘No Way To Behave At A Funeral”. This is Noel’s third publication. Hopefully we willhave a review in our next edition.Another amazing story we are carrying in this edition is what Brother Pat Moran sent inabout Bishop Oscar Romero, another hero of our time who gave his life for his religiousbeliefs.Thank-you to Brother Evan Godfrey for the pictures taken at the Australian Bishop’sOceania Conference in Sydney. 95 Bishops at one service must have been an awesomesight.Another Catenian year is now underway, one notable occasion this year is theCanonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop in October in Rome by the Pope. Blessed Marywith be Australia’s first Saint and a special edition will be produced to commemorate thisvery important ceremony. The Sisters of St Joseph’s in Sydney are pleased that we havedecided to mark the occasion with this special edition.PROVINCE 21EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 42 42 JUNE 2010

LIFE’S A LAUGH. . . . . . .A Priest who was very fond of pure, hot horseradish always kept a bottle of it on hisdining room table. He offered some to a guest, who took a big spoonful.When the guest finally was able to speak, he gasped, "I've heard many Priests preachhellfire, but you are the first one I've met who passed out a sample of it."A little boy came home eating a big candy bar. His mother (remembering he had alreadyspent all his allowance) asked him where he got it."I bought it at the store with the dollar you gave me," he said."But that dollar was for Sunday School," his mother replied."I know, Mom," he said, "but the Priest met me at the door and got me in for free!"A Priest was opening his mail one morning. Drawing a single sheet of paper from anenvelope he found written on it only one word: "FOOL."The next Sunday he announced, "I have known many people who have written lettersand forgot to sign their name. But this week I received a letter from someone whosigned his name and had forgotten to write a letter.""Now, how many of you would like to go to heaven?" asked the Sunday school teacher.All the eager three-year-olds raised their hands except Cassie."I'm sorry, I can't. My Mommy told me to come right home after Sunday school."A passenger jet was suffering through a severe thunderstorm. As the passengers werebeing bounced around by the turbulence a young woman turned to a Priest sitting nextto her and with a nervous laugh asks, "Reverend, you're a man of God, can't you dosomething about this storm?"To which he replies, "Lady, I'm in sales, not management."PROVINCE 21 WEBSITE ADDRESS:-http://www.thecatenianassociation.org.au/index.htmlPLEASE VISIT THE OUR SITE FOR PROVINCE INFORMATION!43EASTERN LINK NEWSLETTER 43 JUNE 2010