CATENA No.1095 - JANUARY 2021 The Magazine of the Catenian Association - £2
40 Marathons in 40 Years pages 16-17
Help Me To Christian Help You Leadership pages 10-11 pages 22-23
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2 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Head Office Contact The Catenian Association 2nd Floor 1 Park House Station Square Coventry CV1 2FL Tel: 02476 224533 Fax: 02476 224544 [email protected]
21 Magazine Contact James Power Editor Beck House 05 24-25 77a King Street, Knutsford GBNP Mid-term Report Dignity in Poverty Cheshire WA16 6DX Mob: 07590 851 183 [email protected] 07 26-28 [email protected] GB Virtual Conference The Final Word Update Notes for Contributors 29 09 Classified Contributions for publication are to A Legacy of Faith be sent directly to the Editor by email: [email protected] 30 All distribution queries to Head Office, 10-11 Statement About Coventry. Help Me to Help You Data Protection Please contact the Editor if you have any questions about an article you have sent in. 12-13 31 The deadline for the next edition is the Catenian CEO of National Letters first of the month prior to publication. Charity When sending photographs via email please ensure that they are saved at 300dpi and as maximum quality JPEGs. 32-33 Please notify changes of address and 14-15 News Roundup Brothers’ deaths through Circle GB Strategy for the 2020s Secretary to Head Office, Coventry. Magazine published by Catenian 34-37 Publications Ltd. 16-17 Membership 40 Marathons in 40 Years Help the 38 Environment 18-19 Milestone Your magazine wrapper is easy St Mary Mackillop to recycle so please consider 39-43 the environment. 20 Around the Circles Do you know, Catena’s printers Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald are winners of the Environmental Company of the Year Award. 44-51 They use sustainably sourced 21 In Memoriam paper and vegetable-based inks. Polishing Up Their Act 51 22-23 Seeking Employment Christian Leadership Formation Programme
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 3 Heart Rooted Ad .qxp_Layout 1 10/12/2020 16:56 Page 1
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4 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Heart Rooted Ad .qxp_Layout 1 10/12/2020 16:56 Page 1 FEATURE Need the hope of the GBNP MID-TERM REPORT Bible now more than ever? Eddie O’Donnell, GBNC president gives a roundup of an extraordinary year
3. Had I been addressing the conference in Aberdeen, Get your Rooted subscription box today I would have been encouraging Brothers to visit other Circles not only in their own Province, but also in other Devotional resources delivered to your door, every two months Provinces. Sadly, that is not possible, but with Zoom meetings we are now able to visit as many Circles as we wish not only within GB, but internationally. I personally have joined Circle meetings in Australia, India, Bangladesh, South Africa, Malta, Ireland and throughout Great Britain, without leaving the comfort of my own home. I would therefore encourage all Brothers to make use of Join the technology and visit where possible. I have also experienced a number of joint Circle meetings, Rooted some of which have been international, which again have 1. Since I took office in May, this has been given Brothers the opportunity to meet new friends. today an extraordinary year. The virtual meeting register on the Catenian website gives The Covid-19 virus has affected all of our lives in a way details of when Circles are meeting and the point that we could never have imagined, sadly claiming the lives of contact. of many thousands of people in Great Britain, including a 4. I have participated in the international intercessory number within our membership. rosary which has been held on the last Saturday of Many of our Brothers and their family members have the month and has regularly attracted upwards of Registered charity 232759 Registered contracted the virus during the past ten months and we 80 participants. wish them well and a speedy recovery. Again, details are on the website. Government restrictions have made it impossible for us 5. GBNC has continued to meet throughout the to meet in our normal monthly way, so we have had to pandemic and has had three virtual meetings so far. adapt. We have discovered virtual meetings, mostly by • Grow in Bible understanding and confidence means of Zoom. The various work groups are meeting regularly and planning for the time when we can all meet in a normal 2. I have been extremely impressed by the way in • Receive a FREE welcome box when you sign up situation. which so many Circles have embraced the technology and carried out their monthly meetings by Zoom. GBNC is currently working on a three-year strategy with • Your £10 monthly donation also provides the Bible a view to producing details for the 2021 virtual conference. At first, many were sceptical, but now most Circles are around the world and changes lives, for good well organised and run meetings properly. 6. During the course of the year, I have joined in the celebrations of a number of Circle centenaries Indeed, virtual meetings have allowed some Brothers who and presentations of 40, 50 and 60-year scrolls to do not attend normal monthly meetings because they are deserving recipients. Subscribe today biblesociety.org.uk/rootedhope21 Call 01793 418222 Just £10 a month infirm, do not travel at night, have work commitments or other reasons, to join their fellow Brothers. In most cases, fuller celebrations will be held in 2021 or 2022 when we can meet again face-to-face. I have participated in meetings where Brothers have joined from hospital beds, cars, workplaces or other countries. 7. The recent news of a vaccine has raised all our Others were at home, shielding from the virus and lonely; hopes that there is a light at the end of this very long the meeting was their only opportunity to speak with tunnel, and we pray that it will make our proposed another human. pilgrimage to Rome in April a reality. In the meantime, I wish you all a much happier and healthier New Year and pray that we can put this difficult year behind us.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 5 The simple way to decorate your space www.folkinteriors.co.uk
Use the code CATENIAN for free UK delivery FEATURE GREAT BRITAIN VIRTUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE David Arundale, GBNC Vice President talks about how the Catenians are adapting their conference and looking to the future
The simple way to decorate your space www.folkinteriors.co.uk
In years gone by, as you read the January Last month, my article gave a taster of what to expect for edition of Catena, you may have been looking our first ever virtual conference. All Maureen and I ask at this time is that you note the weekend in your new diaries: back on the celebrations of Christmastime, 21 to 23 May. having celebrated the birth of Our Lord, Use the code CATENIAN for free UK delivery along with events based around family, Dates for the Diary fellow Catenians and friends. Thursday 21 May: Welcome / GBNC AGM / Workshops I am sure the celebration of Our Lord’s birth will be just Friday 22 May: Conference sessions as meaningful this year, but little else will have been Saturday 23 May: Holy Mass from Arundel Cathedral the same. With vaccinations having launched on 8 December (V-Day), Do not forget, it may be that local events around let us look forward to a more active Catenian year in conference activities will be permitted; your Circles 2021-22. Our average age of membership has many and Province may wish to consider organising an event. disadvantages, but a plus point is that many Catenians will Wishing you all a successful, safe and healthy 2021, be high on the list of being eligible for a Covid vaccination! David and Maureen Arundale January Catena would normally detail the full programme Ascot and Sunningdale Circle of our annual conference, but as we have no decisions to make this year on hotels, functions or how many nights to stay, the full programme of events and how to register will be part of February Catena.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 7 Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) is an agency of the Catholic Church. Despite the immense challenges posed by Covid-19, Stella Maris remains as active as possible, here in the UK and overseas. Please visit our website, Facebook site and other social media feeds to stay up to date with our activities. Also, we would urge you to look at our Centenary website: https://centenary.stellamaris.org.uk/ When your Circle is able to meet again, if you would like a speaker from Stella Maris, please contact us. If you are able to support us, through prayer or fi nancially, we would be most grateful. For donations or any offers of help please contact: In England and Wales [email protected] In Scotland [email protected]
Registered charity in England and Wales number 1069833. Registered charity in Scotland number SC043085. Registered company number 3320318.
8 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 ADVERTORIAL
A LEGACY OF FAITH Brendan Metcalfe, Milton Keynes Circle and executive director, Friends of the Holy Land, shares a deserving legacy opportunity
All of us owe a debt of gratitude to these Christian For where your treasure is, communities, the foundations of which were laid by those Apostles who had been called by Jesus Himself, that we there your heart will be also. received the Gospel, and all that it means to us in turn. Imagine a world in which that first generation of Christians — Matthew 6:21 had not been faithful in following Christ’s command to What Will You be Remembered for? share the faith, the hope and the love that this world We have been blessed by the circumstances of our birth: sorely needs, especially now. born in the developed world and guided by our Catholic Through the practical work of Friends of the Holy Land, faith. Over our lifetime we have had doors opened to you have the power to make lasting change in the areas us by education and by the benefits of an open society. of emergency help for the health of the elderly and infirm, We have built our successes from the experience of travel family support and housing renovation for the most and use of technology; and we have known the relief of vulnerable and support in meeting the cost of education peace and security, the comfort of healthcare and the and business development for the next generation. You freedom to make our voices heard. We’ve been blessed will leave an eternal legacy to build a brighter, sustainable since birth with progress in these areas that our parents future for the families in these communities and thereby and grandparents could only have dreamed of – we have ensure a continuing Christian community in the land of our much to be thankful for. Saviour’s birth. Be assured that your gift, no matter how So this January, as we have more time to take stock at big or small, will change lives! home due to the intervention of the pandemic, can we ask Annual Mass in Bethlehem ourselves, what have we done with these ‘talents’ and how Friends of the Holy Land have arranged for a special will we ultimately answer our Master, as the three servants Mass the be said once a year in the Nativity Church of in Matthew 25:14-30 answered their master on His return? Saint Catherine, Bethlehem where the intentions and How can we show a return on these gifts in our life prayers will be in memory of those deceased who have commensurate to the advantages God has given us, left a gift in their will in support of our work. in fulfilment of His will and teachings? Please email Debt of Gratitude [email protected] One way to clearly show your love in action, recognising for our legacy information pack. God’s blessings in your life, is to pass on these fruits by making a will. After you have taken care of your loved For more information on the charity, ones in your will, please consider widening your care visit www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk to include your Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land through a gift to support the work of Friends of the Holy Land.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 9 FEATURE HELP ME TO HELP YOU Catena asks Robert Gordon, psychiatrist and New Forest Circle member, how Catenians might further improve their support network
In a year consumed by a global pandemic, But could Catenians do better in terms of creating social distancing and limits on activities that a network of support? help to bolster our wellbeing, it’s no wonder “I’m a firm believer in personal growth, so I think we can always do better. But, more specifically, I think we need a that the topic of mental health has been in period of reflection on what it means to be a Catenian in the news more than ever. 2020 and 2021. The principles are timeless, the issue is delivery. You’ve got this new era of digital platforms, you’ve However, just because it has hit the headlines doesn’t got the ability to be digitally present with people all over necessarily mean that more is being done to assist those the planet all at once. So, could you tie in those Catenian struggling with anxiety and depression. In last month’s principles and utilise what capability we now have? I think edition of Catena, we heard from Robert Gordon, New we need to be more open-minded about the tools we use.” Forest Circle. Robert is a psychiatrist with a keen interest in mental health and the mind. And, as a Catenian, he While embracing the multiple forms of technology available knows firsthand about the importance of friendship and for online meetings and chats may not be everyone’s cup support within the Association. of tea, what isn’t in question is the wealth of professional and personal experience within the Catenian Association. “I’ve been struck by how much there is a sense of duty, companionship and relationships of protection [in the “Quite often these men have been married for a number Catenians],” he says. “So Catenians look out for each of years, quite often they’ve been in jobs for 30-plus years, other. And it’s those deep relationships and friendships so what if you could tap into a group with this collective that I’ve encountered in the Circle that are quite new to intelligence, this life experience? An incredibly powerful me. In my own generation (30-40 age group), we’ve sort learning exercise in personal growth which I think would of drifted into quite a superficial level of social connection. interest a lot of people. As a group, Catenians could lead With these guys, friendship means something genuinely by example. And I do believe you would increase the quite different, and that genuineness is the role that membership. It would break down the myths.” Catenians can play. It’s leading by example.”
10 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 At this time, when we are looking at the year that has gone “If you acted by example in the Catenians, people will by, it is so important that we consider what is important in become curious, and if you’re curious then people will our lives. Behind all the festivities at Christmas there will be start to question why they didn’t open up to someone. a great deal of sadness about the different challenges and It’s too risky not to.” restrictions that so many people have faced. So, how might a new system of support within the While talking about mental health and asking for help Catenians take shape? doesn’t come naturally to many people, it’s well known “I’m very interested in networking. I would really love that men in particular find it hard to disclose worries to meet people my own age and at my position in the and problems. We have a culture of always being OK. journey of life. I think the only way you can do that is by Robert says: “I think we are in danger of being too closed. creating an internal network system of shared interests, Don’t be shy. I think the reason why I am so open is even shared ambitions. For example, you could write because I interact with people on an intimate level when that you’ve got a goal of going travelling, so let’s look up they are suicidal. One of the main things that all these on the Catenian network who else shares that ambition. cases have in common is that they’ve left it too late to Or I’ve got an interest in fishing, but I’ve got no one to go open up and tell people. fishing with, so let’s find people who have that interest.”
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 11 FEATURE THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT DEBRA – for people whose skin doesn’t work
The Butterfly walk, an EB community fundraising event. Photo by Louise Bellaers Photography
Many congratulations to Tony Byrne of West It varies in severity, from milder forms with blistering on Surrey Circle, who has recently been appointed the hands and feet, causing problems with walking and other daily activities, to more severe cases in which CEO of national charity, DEBRA. blistering can occur all over the body and internally Tony, who has been a Catenian for 18 years, told Catena: such as inside the mouth or the oesophagus. This makes “After nearly 40 years working in the corporate sector, everyday activities such as eating and brushing teeth and having held several non-executive director roles in the extremely difficult. It can also present a higher risk of charity and not-for-profit sectors, I took up the role of CEO developing an aggressive form of skin cancer. for a charity and a cause which is relatively unknown, The main challenges for people with EB are the pain but shouldn’t be.” and itching, which occur as a result of the blistering. DEBRA supports individuals and families affected by DEBRA UK was founded over 40 years ago by a group epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which is often described as of parents whose children had EB, and was named the ‘worst disease you’ve never heard of’ or ‘butterfly skin’. after its founder’s daughter. Since then, it has grown A painful genetic skin condition that causes the skin to significantly and there are nearly 50 national groups tear or blister at the slightest touch, it is usually diagnosed worldwide. in early childhood. There is currently no cure and it can be fatal. Although relatively unknown, it is estimated that DEBRA UK is still one of the world’s leading groups, there are around 5,000 people in the UK currently living funding international collaboration and best practice, with EB, roughly the same number as those suffering from pioneering research into treatment and a cure, providing conditions such as motor neurone disease, and 500,000 training and specialist healthcare in partnership with the worldwide. NHS and offering essential, lifelong support for the EB community through the services of the DEBRA community The name comes from ‘epiderm’, the outer layer of skin; support team. ‘lysis’, the breakdown of cells, and ‘bullosa’, blisters. People with EB have a faulty gene, which means the skin cannot bind together. Any trauma or friction causes painful blisters which result in open wounds and severe scarring.
12 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 DEBRA CEO, Tony Byrne
EB sufferer, Fazeel
EB researcher
Tony explains: “The charity receives no government “People living with certain types of EB have a high support. Its work is funded through a network of charity chance of developing a squamous cell carcinoma, a form shops across the UK, fundraising appeals and activities, of aggressive skin cancer, before the age of 35. There are legacies and regular donations. Despite the pandemic, so many illnesses associated with this disease and I want the charity is determined to survive and to raise funds to find a cure for EB if DEBRA hasn’t found one by the to support essential research into a cure and treatments time I’m old enough to be a doctor.” to alleviate the effects of this debilitating condition. Tony adds: “We would be delighted if you can help or Life with EB can be devastating for both individuals and support DEBRA in any way. Please pray for those suffering their families. Fourteen-year-old sufferer Fazeel describes with the condition, their families, carers, healthcare and what living with EB is like for him: “The worst thing about research professionals in the hope that we can find a EB is the pain. The pain is incredible. I have to take so cure and better treatment for this disease. many painkillers every day and sometimes the medication “You can follow DEBRA on social media, support our cam- is so extreme it puts me to sleep. Then there’s the itch. paigns, join our events and spread the word with friends Sometimes I have days when I just can’t stop itching. and family. Help to make it a condition that everyone has I can’t eat hard foods, like crisps, because that creates heard of. Help to #FightEB. blisters in my mouth, and I find it difficult to eat a lot of food because that also causes blistering. www.debra.org.uk “I can lead what most people would think is a ‘normal life’ but my skin scarring, the fusion of my fingers and the depletion of my skin tissue will all increase as I get older and make life even trickier for me in the future.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 13 FEATURE GB STRATEGY FOR THE 2020s Aims, values and principles – our culture
Declan O’Farrell
Last month I presented the model that GBNC is using for developing a new strategy and the Getting to Impact latest thoughts on our statements of purpose PURPOSE and vision. VISION
These statements are important because they speak to Aims the world at large, not just the membership. In just a couple Values Principles of sentences we want readers to get a mental picture of the Association and why it exists. It’s important that we Mission Strategy use the right words, so as many as possible understand Impact the meaning, so, from feedback received, we are changing the word ‘ethos’ to ‘way of life’ because that will be better understood by more people. The purpose statement has been updated to: ‘To promote and encourage our Catholic The principles set out on the slides relate to the Aims and way of life through networks of friends in local Values, but they are not the only principles that we shall communities’. have to accommodate as we move forward from ambition into practice and delivery. We shall have to reach some This month we present the work group’s summary of our compromise on some recurring tensions which will be prevailing culture as evidenced by our stated Aims and familiar to all: Values and the principles adopted in practice. Because the work group is focused on achieving impact from the • Balancing our traditional ways with modern day strategy, we have expressed our principles in actions technology-led living as practised by the younger rather than ideals. The practices are by no means generations, and even some of the older brigades. exhaustive, but they should be readily recognisable Can we find a way to retain the confidence of existing and fit to the stated Aims and Values. This process was members and meet the expectations of both easy to do and uncontentious. It would be helpful, potential newcomers? nevertheless, if readers have other views that they contact their director.
14 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 • A Circle-centric culture requires leadership at ground Our Aims and Values level, therefore strategies need to be owned and Aims delivered locally based on local circumstances. This contrasts with a traditional top-down hierarchical 1. To deliver our purpose and vision in local communities structure to provide the leadership and resources for all. and parishes, primarily through Circles and groups and Can multi-cultures flourish in a once-size-fits-all regime? working collaboratively with others. • Our Association has always retained its independence Principles – help our clergy; support vocations; support as a lay organisation within the Catholic community and charities; partake in public life; support our young people. has managed its affairs accordingly. But with the pace 2. To deliver our mission based on our collective values of change and the challenges of an increasingly secular which will respect local needs and circumstances as country, should we now consider more collaborative well as customs and traditions. strategies with other similar bodies in order for all of us to survive and flourish based on common values and Principles – local Circles and groups are central to ethos? Looking outwards for acceptable solutions development; working collaboratively with other lay rather than inwards. groups; governing bodies will support local endeavours. I’m sure there will be many other conundrums to resolve. 3. To support our members, family and clergy as As always, the views of the membership will be vital in needs arise. testing out the options. Provinces and Circles may wish Principles – foster Brotherly love; support one another to submit views to their director. in the practice of our faith; support families, dependents Strategy Work Group Members and widows; support those in difficulty or need; abide Eddie O’Donnell, David Arundale, Phil Brown, by our obligations to each other; help careers and Brendan Leer (marketing and communications), employability. Mark Conroy (membership), Andrew Sowerby (faith Values matters), David Baldam (youth), Roger Lillie (finance), David Lloyd (head office and administration); 1. We will maintain high standards of behaviour Denis Murphy (conference and pilgrimages), Mike Guerin in accordance with the ideals of the Catholic faith. Principles – we strive to be non-judgmental in our dealings with others and to be a good example to our Getting to Strategy families, colleagues, friends, neighbours and parishes; we abide by the obligations of membership. • Our Purpose guides to a Vision • Our Vision gives us aspiration 2. We will respect all those with whom we meet, work, • Our Aims, Values and Principles confirm or share common purpose and all those who are our prevailing ethos and culture our neighbours. • Our Mission sets out key planning Principles – we will behave in a courteous manner objectives for GB at meetings and functions; observe dress codes; • The Strategy is the plan of action encourage each other to take part in public life; we designed to meet mission objectives will not bring political affiliations into our meetings • Then DO IT! And measure the impact or gatherings. 3. We recognise that each life matters and is unique and valued. Principles – we live out our personal, business and community lives in accordance with the ideals of the Catholic faith where every person matters; we value social life activities which reflect a Christian ethos. Declan O’Farrell Chairman, GB Strategy Work Group
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 15 FEATURE 40 MARATHONS IN 40 YEARS And then the virtual London Marathon
Bill with his team of supporters
For many of us, the idea of running a marathon Little did they know that, a month later, the world would is a terrifying prospect. For Bill O’Connor, it’s have irrevocably changed. After various postponements and cancellations of marathons worldwide, the London an annual event. Marathon was rescheduled for 4 October. However, Bill, from London Northern Heights Circle, has run every except for a small number of elite athletes, it became London Marathon since its inception in 1981. He is a a virtual event. member of London Marathon Ever Presents, a unique Along with approximately 45,000 other competitors, group consisting of the people who have all matched Bill selected his own course and completed the distance Bill’s four-decade accomplishment. on 4 October. In February, Bill, a secondary school teacher, and the He says: “We had the added advantage of having 24 nine other Ever Presents were invited to enjoy a day with hours to complete the distance whether we wanted to the organisers at the launch of the 40th race, due to be walk or run. Some did it in stages throughout the day as a held on 26 April. As the press conducted interviews and fun event with no time restrictions, while others, including films were made of them running for the national news, myself, did it as a committed effort to produce a reasonable gait analysis was conducted to check their ageing styles. time. As we all did such a variety of courses, the results are All ten were presented with the Spirit of the London a tabulation of those who completed the 42.2 kilometres. Marathon medallion – a rare honour. The inscription I had planned an out and back route of approximately on the medallion reads: ‘To have fun and provide some seven and a half kilometres to repeat basically six times. happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world’. “We had to use the London Marathon app. We could start and stop this as many times as we wished or start it once and keep going. The app was designed to finish as soon as you passed the marathon distance and your result would automatically be recorded at the marathon headquarters.” 16 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Although Bill had anticipated a wet day, he only found “The end came with a certain amount of relief as I was out later that the previous day had been the wettest since starting to get fatigued and cold. My official London 1890. “The good Lord really did send us ‘liquid sunshine’ Marathon app time of 5 hours 3 minutes 35 seconds was in massive volumes, and it continued through most of my fastest for ten years, but also a bit disappointing as I Sunday.” It later transpired that October was the wettest was close to beating the five-hour barrier. My Garmin time month since 1860. on Strava was 4 hours 53 minutes 19 seconds which I was pleased about and the difference would basically be Bill began at 8am, backed up by his support crew of wife the amount of time that was lost every lap checking the Tricia, youngest daughter Marie, nieces and friends based app and stopping for photographs to be taken – plus a at three points to provide gels, food and to check the app. couple of minutes lost to walking. So overall, a satisfactory He says: “Within a couple of yards I was soaked! It was achievement in the constant rain.” as if I was running in a shower and this continued He continues: “After crossing the finish line of a roll throughout my, and everybody’s, efforts. Within about of a loo paper, we popped a couple of bottles of 50 yards of starting, I turned a corner to find my route champagne, much to the amusement of people living had disappeared under about six inches of water and I nearby. I am sure they initially thought we were mad, had to make a detour and a decision to change that part but once they knew that it was the London Marathon of my out and back route for the rest of the race. I had to virtual they admired our commitment.” change another section a couple of kilometres later as it was under at least a foot of water. This was a nuisance but All in all, Bill says that this “unique” event was very I determinedly kept to my aim of doing the best I could. I special. He ran in memory of a neighbour who died had trained over the summer and did not want to give in to 20 years ago from a disease for which there is no cure, the elements. Excess water was everywhere on my route; progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which affects pathways and drains were overflowing and bubbling out the part of your brain allowing your muscles to function. of manholes were gallons of unclean water.” “The generosity of people donating to me for my race, and that of thousands of other supporters donating to Nevertheless, Bill maintained his momentum and did other competitors, means that many charities rely on the not slacken. About halfway he was joined by a few other London Marathon as their main source of yearly income.” Queen’s Park Harriers and further supporters arrived at various points to shout encouragement.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 17 FEATURE
ST MARY MACKILLOP Ralph Fitzpatrick’s welcome address at the ritual of dedication to the saint
“In the years since 1995, many Circles have had the benefit of at least one dinner at which a Josephite Sister has spoken eloquently of the life, charism and ministry of Blessed Mary and, after her canonisation, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. “These encounters while we gathered in Christ’s name have enriched the spiritual life of our brotherhood and opened us to the possibility that our lives as Catenians could be lived with a uniquely Australian spirituality within an international context. “Our individual and collective spiritual life was enriched by having placed before us the example of the faith of St Mary MacKillop and her trust in a loving and provident God, her response to God’s call to provide for those in need, her reverence and respect for the dignity of all and her affection for her Sisters and for those she served. As Catenians we were prepared for the period of discernment on which we were to embark by her example of attentively listening for the movement of the Holy Spirit in her life. “Our journey to discerning that uniquely Australian Catenian spirituality began in earnest at the fourth Australian national conference held in Sydney in 2014. That conference commenced the process of discerning the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop became patron direction of the Association in today’s Australia by reflecting on and responding to the questions posed by Pope Francis saint of the Catenian Association in Australia at in his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. a Mass of Solemnity held on her feast day on “Through successive Australian national conferences, 8 August in the chapel in her name in North workshops, surveys, discussions and prayerful Sydney. For the Sisters of Saint Joseph this contemplation, the journey has woven its way through and into the wider currents of discernment and renewal was a particularly joyful celebration because within the Catenian Association. A renewal that has it fell in the tenth anniversary year of the brought us new constitutional documents enunciating canonisation of the founder of their congregation. the Catenian principles and establishing the Central and National Councils and, more recently, the future In his welcoming address to the Mass, chairman of focused Woodford Report by the Strategic Work Group Central Council, Ralph Fitzpatrick, said that for Catenians of Central Council. this was a celebration of the holiness and heroic virtue of a woman who lived the Gospel in a uniquely Australian way. It is also a celebration of reaching a milestone on the Catenian Association’s journey, which in 2021 reaches the 50th anniversary of its foundation in Australia. “It was not until her beatification in 1995 that St Mary MacKillop became part of the Catenian journey in Australia,” Ralph said. “By the end of that year most, if not all Circles in Australia had spontaneously included Blessed Mary MacKillop in the intercessions that conclude prayers at every meeting. Ralph and Liana Fitzpatrick
18 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 “It is the discernment of our Australian national response “The milestone that we now celebrate is our acknowledgement to that report that brings us to the latest milestone in our that our Australian expression of Catenian spirituality is Association’s Australian journey. a spirituality of interdependence; one lived through faith, friendship, respect and service, a spirituality that reflects “The Catenian experience has always been one of the charism of St Mary MacKillop. friendship and faith and respect for our Catenian Brothers. The Spirit moves us to provide practical support “That acknowledgement calls us to its proclamation by for Brothers in difficulty, our departed Brothers’ widows, placing our brotherhood under her patronage as our young Catholics, the clergy and the wider community. Australian patron saint. “It is in our experience of faith-based friendship that we “During this Mass celebrating St Mary MacKillop’s feast discern the spiritual dimension of the Catenian experience. day, we gather at her tomb and make that proclamation in the presence of the congregational leaders of the Sisters “In Chapter 15 of St John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to of Saint Joseph who, by their ministry, live the charism of his disciples about his relationship with them. It is a St Mary MacKillop before the Church and, particularly, relationship as intimate as that of a vine and its branches, the people of Australia. a relationship of divine and perfect love, and a relationship in which His disciples are His friends. It is a “May our Catenian brotherhood reflect her charism as relationship which He commands them to have with each authentically.” other; a relationship of interdependence in which each is as dependent on the other as a branch is to its vine.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 19 FEATURE CARDINAL MICHAEL FITZGERALD A champion of interreligious dialogue
In this case, I have felt particularly encouraged by the Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayyeb, with whom I met in Abu Dhabi, where we declared that “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters.” This was no mere diplomatic gesture, but a reflection born of dialogue and common commitment. The present encyclical takes up and develops some of the great themes raised in the document that we both signed. I have also incorporated, along with my own thoughts, a number of letters, documents and considerations that I have received from many individuals and groups throughout the world.” Cardinal Michael went on to add: “Human fraternity is not limited to a specific religion; we are brothers and sisters because we belong to the same human family. The document is based on faith and the belief in God as the A headline appeared in the Liverpool Echo when creator of the universe and everything that is contained Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald MAf moved to his within it.” new home in the city last year. Much in the document resonates with the Catenian ethos of faith, family and friendship, as it underlines the Soon after, he was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis, importance of the family. The Cardinal quoted: “To doubt so how privileged Catenians were to have the UK’s newest its important role is one of the most threatening evils of cardinal give a presentation in October via Zoom. The our era.” subject chosen, given the word’s familiarity to Catenians, was ‘fraternity’, which for those watching and listening He went on to recount: “The two religious leaders stress has now taken on a whole new dimension. the need to recognise God as the source of the gift of life, and that deviation from religious teaching and manipulation Fraternity in this case referred to an examination of the of religion can lead to violence and war. Accordingly, they document co-signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmad make a strong appeal to stop using religion to incite hatred, al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. In an enthralling, violence, extremism and blind fanaticism, and to refrain captivating delivery, Cardinal Michael reported that the from using the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile, document came about almost by chance during a meeting terrorism, and oppression.” He appealed to the western between the Pope and the Imam, when relations between media to be more balanced in its reporting of such outrages. the two religions were not at their best. Hospitality developed into friendship and progressed towards In conclusion, the Cardinal said that a committee of purposeful cooperation. application has now been formed, which brings together Muslims, Christians, a Rabbi, the Orthodox Director The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace General of UNESCO, a Nobel Peace Laureate, the and Living Together, to give its full title, was signed by the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches Pope and the Imam on 4 February 2019. Cardinal Michael and others, so that together the work goes on. opened his presentation by first referencing the Pope’s encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti on fraternity and social The Cardinal’s eye-opening presentation gave an insight friendship. In it, Pope Francis writes: to how much work goes on to develop peace and harmony throughout the world, though so little is known about it. ‘In the preparation of Laudato Si, I had a source of inspiration in my brother Bartholomew, the Orthodox A recording of the presentation can be obtained by Patriarch, who has spoken forcefully of our need to contacting Peter Leatherland: [email protected] care for creation.
20 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 FEATURE POLISHING UP THEIR ACT Six Epsom Circle Brothers used the lockdown to give their parish church a sparkling floor
“We give the floor in St Joseph’s a polish Once all the chairs are removed from the church, the every two years, but this year it was a bit easier. Brothers apply up to eight coats of polish to the floor. Instead of moving the usual 565 seats, social This year, the Epsom six were able to rattle around the job in no time. distancing means 350 of the chairs had already been removed,” explained John Flood “We found a positive aspect of Covid, as fewer chairs made the task much less onerous than usual,” said John. “So we only had to work around 215 chairs, which St Joseph’s has an unusual layout, as in the centre aisle had been arranged in small groups to accommodate there is a full immersion font. parishoners for social distancing.” This was the brainchild of Canon Bill, who came to Epsom John said that the choice of chairs, as opposed to in 1992, charged with the task of building a large new the more usual pews, was a godsend. church and deanery centre. “Our parish priest Canon Bill Davern furnished the Vince Yearley church with chairs, which meant substantial areas like the Narathex and the Lady Chapel can be used for additional seating during special occasions. This means St Joseph’s can accommodate up to 800 people.”
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 21 FEATURE CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP FORMATION PROGRAMME Applications invited from sixth form students
Government leaders are easy targets for our Lord Alton of Liverpool is one of many who have long criticisms, however justified these may be. recognised the need for a greater preparation of potential leaders. When he founded The Christian Heritage Centre But we cannot escape the fact that leaders charity, he dovetailed his desire for such a preparation do not grow on trees. with the charity’s objectives. They emerge from our very own society, and their The Centre is now delighted to announce the launch of its shortcomings to some extent reflect our own collective first Christian leadership formation course. It has partnered failures in educating and forming our young people. with St Mary’s University, Twickenham and the Catholic Union of Great Britain to offer a course consisting of three As Catholics, we have a duty to provide a solid philosophical residential modules delivered over a nine-month period. and theological formation for those whom we wish to see Organisations such as Alliance Defending Freedom and safeguarding and promoting a Christian society. We cannot Catholic Voices, besides other independent, Catholic expect future government ministers and legislators to academics, are also contributing to the course, so that implement ethically coherent laws that distinguish between participants will receive a variety of top-quality input from morally licit surgery and invasive operations, genuine experts in different fields. rights and the demands of lobbyists, if we have not given them the framework for such judgements. “In an increasingly fast-moving and complex world, where decision-makers have to grapple with ethical challenges, which they feel ill-equipped to deal with, a course which provides formation, maps and signposts will be greatly welcomed by many,” noted Lord Alton.
22 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 The Centre is now welcoming applications for the course from lower sixth form students. Applications remain open until the end of March, when 15 students will be selected on the basis of their personal statements, recommendations from their school, academic grades and references. The students who will be offered places will be motivated by their faith to help shape and create a society founded on costs of all the participants, which come to £1,400 for all Christian values, and driven towards public life by a love three modules per student. The Catenian National Youth of God and of neighbour. Group have generously sponsored one of the places on the course, and indeed were the first to do so! Similar The successful applicants will gather at the charity’s sponsorship has been offered by other foundations and Theodore House in Lancashire at the end of July for organisations, but the last few places are yet to be covered. the first, five-day residential. Two shorter residentials will follow in London, during the October half-term and The charity will therefore not only be very grateful for any the Easter break of their last year of school. further support it receives towards meeting the costs of the course, but particularly for prayers offered for the course’s Each residential will have a particular focus. The first will success. Please signpost your local Catholic secondary consider the prerequisite ‘Philosophical foundations for the schools and lower sixth students to our details below! common good’; the second will offer input on ‘Human life and ethical considerations’, and third will move to ‘Applied For more information about the course and the information political leadership’. Interspersed with the lectures on these and application pack, visit www.christianheritagecentre. different themes will be workshops on practical skills such com/clf or contact [email protected] as public speaking, policy making, political virtues and Stefan Kaminski statesmanship. Learning and team-building activities, Director as well as social time, will complete a daily routine framed The Christian Heritage Centre by communal meals, prayer and liturgy. It has always been the charity’s desire to make the opportunity for such formation accessible to any student, independent of their economic means. For this reason, the charity continues to seek sponsorship to cover the
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 23 FEATURE DIGNITY IN POVERTY How Harrow Circle is caring for the local community
Early in the first lockdown of 2020, Harrow Many Brothers have been extremely generous, donating Circle identified the need to help local Catholic the money they would otherwise have spent on Circle dinners to the charity. Harrow’s treasurer set up a schools which were quietly providing assistance JustGiving website to simplify donation via the link to struggling families with children in their https://tinyurl.com/HC85HLF. At the time of writing, classes. the Circle was more than two-thirds of its way to its JustGiving target of £3,000. Many Catenians live in relatively affluent parts of Hugh Dinan, president of Harrow Circle, says: “Brothers northwest London, but under the surface there is a real are very happy to support local families in practical ways and increasing need. Many families are endeavouring in this time of increasing economic difficulty. Knowing that to scrape by, often with both parents working hard but in the support is targeted to those in most need and getting difficult economic circumstances, with low paid jobs, zero feedback from the schools is very helpful.” hours contracts, or stressed by the threat of redundancy. In order to utilise Gift Aid, all monies have to be donated In August and September, 13,000 workers in Northwood, directly to a registered charity. This was felt to be too Pinner and Ruislip were furloughed (equivalent to just limiting and, in any event, the Circle realised that school under 30% of those eligible for employment according heads were the best judges regarding their pupils and to HM Revenue & Customs). In late September, national the families in greatest need. The modest cost of running news reported that that 37% of the working population in the JustGiving account was felt to more than offset the Hounslow (close to Heathrow airport) were saving in work for the Circle treasurer. also furloughed. A short questionnaire was sent to each school head to And so, following a survey of local parish priests and ascertain how the first tranche of donated money had been Catholic schools in the Harrow area, specific needs were used. Below is a summary of their responses to six simple identified and the Circle decided that the president’s charity questions. Their replies make for sobering reading. for 2020-21 would be ‘Helping struggling families’ in local Catholic schools. Seeing the extent of the need and with the decision made to focus donations on the five Catholic primary schools in the Circle’s area, fundraising began in earnest.
24 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 How much of our initial contribution have you used? One school has been running a foodbank for parents 100% for a long time, while others are currently setting them up, reflecting the growing need for help. Running a What type of support have you offered families? foodbank has real value, matching community needs Access to supermarket & CARITAS vouchers. Help with with available food to satisfy dietary requirements and rent arrears and uniform. Helping family under threat of tastes. One recipient commented that: “During the first eviction. Supply of home IT equipment for remote learning. lockdown we could not get hold of pasta at all with lots How many families have you helped? of demand. Now we have loads and no one wants pasta!” More than 20 families and 30 children. Giving supermarket food vouchers (bought with Harrow Circle’s funds or donated directly by CARITAS) allows an How useful was our financial assistance? individual to protect their privacy and maintain their dignity. One comment: ‘Made a huge positive difference The comment from one school head was that: “Dignity in helping us to support our most vulnerable families.’ poverty is so very important to struggling families.” Are you receiving financial support from At the Circle’s October meeting, David O’Farrell, head of other charities and businesses? If so, who? St Bernadette’s School in Kenton, one of the supported Yes, CARITAS Westminster and Catholic schools, was invited to speak via Zoom about the issues Children’s Society Crisis fund. encountered and how these have changed during the Would you like to receive further funding? Covid crisis. You can listen to him using the link Yes please! https://youtu.be/Lf86EKYo1UY. Meanwhile, Hugh says that the support will continue: “We are about to do another distribution to these same schools, £300 to each.”
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JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 25 MISCELLANY THE FINAL WORD
Catenian Sudoku Pub Quiz
1. Who did Matt Hancock replace as health secretary in 2018? 2. Which Northumberland town has a name meaning ‘To walk at a leisurely pace’? 3. Although best known for I Can See Clearly Now, which other song was the only UK number one for the late Johnny Nash? 4. In which US sitcom was Dr John Dorian the central character? 5. Which theatrical dame, and mother of the actress Rachael Stirling, died in September 2020 aged 82? 6. John Thaw played which TV detective? 7. Kathmandu is the capital of which country? 8. Which country has the most bikes per person? 9. How many lego bricks are there in the world to the nearest billion? 10. How old was the oldest person ever alleged to have been? Sudoku puzzle kindly created by Des Boksan-Cullen Answers on page 28 © Catenian Publications Limited. Answers on page 28
26 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Children’s Jokes Catena Cryptic No 16 Jan 2021
Q: What time is it when you have to go to the dentist? A: Tooth hurty. Q: How do you talk to giants? A: Use big words. Q: What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A: A stick. Q: What creature is smarter than a talking parrot? A: A spelling bee. Q: How do you make an artichoke? A: You strangle it. Q: Why didn’t the duck pay for her lip gloss? A: She wanted to put it on her bill.
Quotes about the New Year Compiled by David Bates, Colchester Circle
Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Across Whispering ‘it will be happier’. 6 Worthless sounding chickens? (7) 7 Following loss of leading Kon-Tiki crew member (5) ― Alfred Lord Tennyson 9 Honest business get-together (4) For last year’s words belong to last year’s language 10 Illuminating talk concerning facial feature (7,3) And next year’s words await another voice. 11 When egg producer hosted a union celebration? (3,5) ― TS Eliot, Four Quartets 13 Regrets headless birds (6) 15 A very busy home for workers (4) Any new beginning is forged from the shards of the 17 Allow access (5) past, not from the abandonment of the past. 18 Adverts backing art movement (4) ― Craig D Lounsbrough 19 Southern Goths manage to help write a book (6) To the old, long life and treasure; to the young, 20 Neanderthals not near jumpy pony (8) all health and pleasure. 23 Ban a mobile being used by this type of snowman (10) ― Ben Jonson 26 Females lose their head...it’s a sign (4) 27 Board put forward a motion (5) The best is yet to come. 28 Models easily targeted (7) ― Frank Sinatra You are never too old to set another Down goal or to dream a new dream. 1 Promises to give assurances (10) ― CS Lewis 2 Party of males surround the French prison (6) 3 Is thus sung predominately by a male chorister? (4) 4 Get down here for bargains? (8) 5 Amaze with shortened trick (4) 6 Heard to be part of the cessation of fighting (5) 8 Stored a different sort of potato (7) 12 Breaks in animals providing wild meats (5) 14 Lusty and full of vitality, unlike the aristocracy (3-7) 16 People in uniform (7) ADVERTISE 17 Adult insect sent in for one who’s not there (8) 21 Contests races (6) 22 The bread maker requires to do this by all accounts? (5) HERE 24 Hordes unstable bombs that have lost [email protected] part of their casing (4) 25 Camp on the lower slopes of Everest (4)
Answers on page 28
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 27 MISCELLANY
Cryptic 16 Jan 2021 Christmas Cryptic 2020 Solutions Solutions Across 6 Poultry, 7 After, 9 Fair, 10 Lantern jaw, 11 Hen night, Across 13 Egrets, 15 Hive, 17 Admit, 18 Dada, 19 Ghosts, 1 Drummers drumming, 10 Bidets, 13/61 Partridge in a 20 Shetland, 23 Abominable, 26 Omen, 27 Table, pear tree, 14 Giant, 15/43/24 Twelve Days of Christmas, 28 Sitters 16 Dishonest, 17 Insignia, 18 Door, 20 Recognised, 22 Calling birds, 26 Bikini, 27 Lido, 29 Harpoon, Down 32 Otis, 33 Summer, 34 Turtle doves, 35 Accompanied, 1 Guarantees, 2 Stalag, 3 Hymn, 4 Basement, 5 Stun, 37 Almond, 39 Earl, 41 Granary, 42 Also, 44 Men, 6 Peace, 8 Roasted, 12 Tames, 14 Red-blooded, 47 Geese a-laying, 49 In any event, 51 Hand, 16 Inhabit, 17 Absentee, 21 Events, 22 Needs, 24 Mobs, 53 Ganglion, 54 Stipulate, 57 Pipers piping, 58 Learn, 25 Base 59 Exam, 60 Anglia
Down 2 Realise, 3 Matchbox, 4 Egg on, 5 Swans a-swimming, 6 Ruth, 7 Mating call, 8 Icehill, 9 Giving in, Pub Quiz 10 Bad language, 11 Dryad, 12 Too good to be true, Answers 19 Advise well, 21 Nails, 23 Improved, 25 Anticorrelation, 1. Jeremy Hunt 2. Amble 3. Tears On My Pillow 28 Double chin, 30 Astounds, 31 At your last gasp, 4. Scrubs 5. Diana Rigg 6. Inspector Morse 7. Nepal 36 Port Augusta, 38 Dusty, 40 Long-tongue, 45 Daintier, 8. Netherlands 9. 400 billion 10. 122 46 Sveltest, 48 Ill-wind, 50 Nitrate, 52 Dwell, 55 Panda, 56 Plan
Sudoku Solution Christmas Quick 2020 Solutions
Across 1 Christmas present, 10 Search, 13 Gems, 14 Poker, 15 Crème caramel, 16 Collector, 17 Fugitive, 18 Tito, 20 Undervalue, 22 Illustration, 24 Ate, 26 Stadia, 27 Easy, 29 Avocado, 32 Gaga, 33 Rommel, 34 Rectilinear, 35 Table tennis, 37 Salmon, 39 Chef, 41 Iguanas, Sudoku puzzle 42 Esau, 43 Decree, 44 Ash, 47 Prepossessed, kindly created 49 Saleswoman, 51 Aqua, 53 Alluvium, 54 Messenger, by Des Boksan-Cullen 57 Paddling pool, 58 Often, 59 Orgy, 60 Newton, © Catenian 61 Stretcher-bearers Publications Limited. Down 2 Hoedown, 3 Insulted, 4 Topic, 5 Acknowledgment, 6 Pure, 7 Exclusives, 8 Ezekiel, 9 Teeniest, 10 Space travel, 11 Adapt, 12 Chests of drawers, 19 Menageries, 21 Voter, 23 Technics, 25 Trafalgar Square, 28 Stewardess, 30 Tail lamp, 31 Stamp collector, 36 Translation, 38 Needs, 40 Quadruplet, 45 Realigns, 46 Downpour, 48 Saviour, 50 Avenger, 52 Audit, 55 Sense, 56 Noah ADVERTISE HERE [email protected] If you have a budding comedian or poet in your Circle, please contact Catena and send in your ideas for this section of the magazine.
28 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 CLASSIFIED
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JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 29 FEATURE STATEMENT ABOUT DATA PROTECTION From the directors of The Catenian Association Limited (TCAL)
To all members of the Catenian Association Brothers, we feel it is essential that we now report back to all members regarding a potential issue, and subsequent complaint by a Brother, regarding our Directory. This resulted in a complaint being made to the Office of the Information Commissioner (ICO) regarding data security. The ICO has now concluded their investigation and I am pleased to report that they have found no fault with our systems and processes. The ICO commented as follows ; ‘In response to the concerns raised, the ICO is satisfied that TCAL complied with its data protection obligations. Article 5(1)(f) of the GDPR requires that organisations ‘On 13 May 2020, TCAL wrote to the complainant, have in place “appropriate technical and organisational confirming that the portal had been accessed by 441 measures” to ensure the security of the personal data that people, all of whom were members. TCAL stated that they process. The complaint raised concerns that TCAL it was unable to confirm precisely what these members does not have measures in place that could prevent the had viewed, and offered to contact them to find out personal data available via its portal from deliberately further details. My view is that TCAL had fulfilled its being disclosed by those who do have access to it. In GDPR obligations in relation to the members concerns particular, the complaint raised concerns that files stored about the use of his personal data at this point, when it in PDF and Excel formats potentially allowed the was clear that the only people who may have accessed the passwords to be removed from files and therefore information were members and who were therefore entitled potentially allowing them to be disclosed by a user. to access it. As his personal data had only been accessed However, in the ICO’s view, it is not reasonably feasible by those were entitled to do so, and there was nothing to in this instance for TCAL to be able to prevent indicate any misuse of personal data, TCAL could have all potential further disclosure of data. Most software confirmed this to him at this point. However, TCAL offered programs have some functionality for a user with access to to individually contact each user to request further remove a password. If not, there are still other ways that a information about their use of any personal data. In my user could further disclose personal data that TCAL could view, there was no requirement under the GDPR for not reasonably prevent, such as by copying it from the TCAL to offer to do this, and TCAL doing so demonstrated file or by taking screenshots. Making data available to additional steps it was taking to reassure the member that individuals who have a legitimate need to use it will almost his personal data had been processed in accordance with always present a risk that they could deliberately disclose the GDPR. Based on the above, the ICO is satisfied that it. The ICO’s view is that in this instance appropriate TCAL has complied with its data protection obligations in technical measures would be in relation to ensuring relation to the concerns raised.’ that the personal data was only made available to those who were authorised to do so. In this case, requiring We wish to thank the ICO for a thorough investigation two passwords to access documents available by the of this matter and are grateful to them for confirming portal is likely to provide an appropriate level of security. that The Catenian Association is complying with all of the requirements of GDPR legislation. May we remind ‘We are also satisfied that TCAL provided an appropriate all members that they have an obligation to assist us response to concerns about personal data. Firstly, by observing the protocols set out on our website. before reinstating the directory on the TCAL portal, the organisation asked the member concerned whether he wanted his personal data to be removed. TCAL also looked into his request for a guarantee that his personal data had not been used inappropriately.
30 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 LETTERS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR When sending letters to appear in Catena please contact the Editor (not Head Office):James Power, Beck House, 77a King Street, Knutsford WA16 6DX. Tel: 07590 851183 Email: [email protected]
I am also a proprietor of The Liverpool Response to Athenaeum, founded in 1797 as a Cherhill’s gentleman’s club. It began to admit ICO Report women members many years ago. Mutant Llama Sir, I received a letter from the ICO dated Sir, In spring 2015, my wife and I pinned a Both the Liverpool Law Society and 5 November 2020 containing essentially the poem we had written to a noticeboard at the the Athenaeum flourish. same information as given in the statement foot of the Downs. Later, we returned to find by the directors of TCAL and I accept the The Catenians was not established until the poem below placed next to ours. ICO’s findings. The ICO’s letter to me 1908. Surely we can also move with ended with three short paragraphs the times and admit women members, Thanks for your explanation, about the under the heading ‘Next steps’. The first otherwise our future will be to wither colour of the chalk, paragraph reads: on the vine. – you’ve allayed the consternation I’ve been feeling on my walk. Whilst we have not found an infringement But it’s not the colour that’s confusing, of the GDPR in relation to the concerns Paul McCarthy I’ll tell you honestly: you have raised, it does appear that the Liverpool South Circle it’s the shape I find amusing, because TCAL website may potentially not provide a horse I cannot see! sufficient information to data subjects on What model there could have been how TCAL processes personal data. We Admission for the head, I cannot guess, have therefore written to TCAL, providing the closest thing I’ve seen, is the advice on its obligations under Articles 13 of Ladies monster from Loch Ness. and 14 of the GDPR, known as ‘the right Sir, The question of whether to admit ladies Its jaw is much too pointed, the ears to be informed’. In particular, we have to the Association as full members rumbles more like horns provided guidance on the obligations of on. The advocates say that we must move its huge eye looks quite disjointed controllers regarding privacy notices. with the times and increase membership in the pin-size head it adorns. I trust that the Directors of TCAL have or die, while the opponents contend that it The body seems peculiar, a strangely addressed the matters raised above. would fundamentally change the nature of stretched out square, the Association in exchange for a far from and I’m looking for a stomach, but can’t The remaining two paragraphs read: certain increase in membership. find one anywhere! Your complaint will be kept on file and this All four legs are there I’ll grant you, May I suggest a way out of this impasse. will help us over time to build a picture but none of them look right: Rather in the manner of the Chums a of TCAL’s information rights practices. too fat, too thin, to list just two; century ago, it is open to a group of We keep a record of all the complaints and not one a constant height. Brothers, acting with other Catholics, both raised with us about the way organisations The horse of Cherhill’s a landmark, men and women, to set up their own local process personal information. The a genuine tourist charmer; group, quite separate from the Catenian information we gather from complaints may but truth be known, chalk light or dark, Association. The advice of the local clergy form the basis for action in the future where it looks more like a mutant llama! could be sought. The group could meet appropriate. Anonymous regularly with a meeting, similar to our own, Thank you for bringing this matter to our followed by a social function such as dinner. attention. Further social functions could be organised Rob Pickford Swindon Circle Brothers may perhaps conclude from these as desired. Membership would be open to words that my complaint to the ICO was practising Catholics, both men and women. made out of a genuine concern and was in If the venture were successful, we would Christmas Greetings no way frivolous or vexatious. at least then be in a better position to decide whether to follow suit. Sir, At this time of year, we would normally send Christmas cards to our many good Phillip Roberts FCMA In 1908, the Chums took a bold step which friends across the Association. Ormskirk Circle developed into the Association as it is today. Why can’t some of us, as their Sadly, due to John’s failing health, heirs, emulate them today? this has not been possible this year. May I, through you, wish all our many Moving with friends all the best for Christmas and Christopher Cooke a happier New Year in 2021. the Times South Bucks Circle Sir, I am a past president of Liverpool Law Society. Although founded in 1827, it was Ellen and Past Grand President, not until 1989 that the first of many female John Mottram, presidents was elected. Kidderminster and District Circle
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 31 FEATURE NEWS ROUNDUP Brought to you in partnership with The Tablet
Nine More US Priest Abusers Named General News New findings in an investigation into clergy sex abuse in Exiled Archbishop Dedicates Belarus to Virgin Mary Colorado’s Catholic dioceses show substantiated claims The exiled head of Belarus’s Catholic Church has that an additional nine Catholic priests abused minors called on clergy to dedicate the country to the Virgin decades ago. The findings are in a supplemental report Mary, as a means of protection against Covid-19 and from the lead investigator, former US attorney Bob Troyer, worsening confrontation over misrule by president who continued to look into cases as more survivors Alexander Lukashenko. “In view of the worsening came forward after the release of his initial report in epidemiological situation and very dangerous October 2019. socio-political crisis in our homeland, I ask you to recite Catholics Told to Work for Christian Unity this prayer act in all churches and chapels,” Archbishop Working for Christian unity can no longer be seen as Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz said in a message from ‘optional’ by bishops, and Catholics should avoid polemics neighbouring Poland. “We will ask Mary with faith for when it comes to ecumenical dialogue, according to a new help, so her Son, the merciful Jesus, will grant our document released by the Vatican. The Pontifical Council homeland grace to forsake this coronavirus pandemic for Promoting Christian Unity has released a guidebook, and restore a longed-for peace.” known as a ‘vademecum’, offering practical Notre Dame Survives Removal of Fused Scaffolding recommendations for bishops on how to promote The reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has unity between Christians. passed a crucial test as workmen successfully removed Shadow Minister Quits in Same-sex Marriage Row hundreds of tonnes of scaffolding fused together over Labour’s shadow faith minister has quit her post after the transept by last year’s destructive blaze. The 40,000 advocating that registrars who object to same-sex scaffolding pipes, originally installed for a planned marriage should be protected by a conscience clause. restoration of the cathedral’s spire, helped stabilise Janet Daby spoke about the subject during a conversation the roof and surrounding walls after the burning tower with journalists organised by the Religion Media Centre. crashed through the transept and vault in April 2019. After being asked whether it was appropriate for registrars New Ambassador to Holy See to be sacked if they objected to same-sex marriage on the The foreign office has announced that a British diplomat grounds of their religious beliefs, Daby said: “There needs serving in South Sudan will become the next UK to be something in place that protects people of faith being ambassador to the Holy See. Chris Trott, 54, has been penalised for objecting to performing certain tasks because in Juba since 2019 as ambassador to the war-torn country of their religious beliefs.” and before that was the UK’s special representative for Catholic Agencies Deliver Aid to Tigray Sudan and South Sudan. An Africa expert, he has served Amid fears that many areas in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as ambassador to Senegal, Mali, Cape Verde and remain unsafe, Catholic humanitarian agencies and their Guinea-Bissau, along with a four-year stint in Cape partners are moving food and other supplies to locations Town as consul general. near the border of Tigray, where a month of fighting has left Christians Must Think About the Food They Eat thousands without food, medicine and other basic needs. The welfare of farm animals and why the issue should matter to Christians is the subject of a new project based at Chester University. A policy document, The Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare, calls for The Pope / The Vatican Christian churches to consider where food comes from Pope Plans Historic Visit to Iraq and ‘make sense of farmed animal welfare, especially Pope Francis is to become the first pope to visit Iraq now, as we move to establish new global trading by travelling to the country in a trip designed to show agreements and tackle urgent concerns about climate solidarity with persecuted Christians, promote peace in the change and our environment’. Middle East and foster inter-religious harmony. The Vatican announced that Francis, who turns 84 in December, is to make the historic visit on 5-8 March 2021 which will see him to travel to the city of Ur, the birthplace of Abraham, along with Baghdad, Erbil, Mosul and Qaraqosh on the Nineveh plain.
32 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Let Us Dream Bishops Warn Against Large Christmas Masses In his new book Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better The Irish bishops have urged the faithful to ‘keep Christ Future, the Pope shares a very personal vision of a fairer at the centre of Christmas’ while cautioning that it will not world in the aftermath of Covid-19. In one of the most be possible for the usual large congregations to assemble moving passages, he describes recognising that the call to for Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year. live in friendship with God and our neighbour is inseparably In an Advent message, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ bound up with care for our environment. Conference highlighted that Christmas Masses will be widely available via parish webcams and they said they Coronavirus ‘strongly encourage’ families to tune in from the ‘domestic churches’ of their living rooms and join those gathered Catholics ‘Do Not Sin’ by Receiving Vaccine in their local church in celebrating Christmas. The bishops of England and Wales have stated that Catholics do not sin if they receive a vaccine developed Pandemic Taking ‘Heavy Toll’ on the Young from cell lines from an aborted foetus. In a statement Young people are being disproportionately hit by the signed by Bishop Richard Moth, chair of the bishops’ effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey conference department of social justice, the bishops say by homelessness charity DePaul UK. The charity, which that development of a vaccine against Covid-19 presents manages supported housing and the Nightstop national ‘an important breakthrough’ in protecting others as well emergency accommodation network, surveyed 116 young as oneself from the virus. people by questionnaire and then carried out in-depth interviews. All stories have been reproduced by kind permission of The Tablet. All content correct at time of going to press.
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JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 33 MEMBERSHIP FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE And our youngest membership officer … probably
In these difficult times, here is some good news Tom is a thespian and some four years ago, when he about Tom Churchward, who became Torbay had a leading part in a Bishopsteignton Amateur Dramatic Society production, he fell in love with a young Russian Circle’s youngest Brother by a long way when girl called Sasha, who was in charge of his make-up and he was enrolled three years ago at the age of 24. who changed his life. Tom was born in Torquay and educated at St Cuthbert Sasha was brought up in Nizhny Novgorod (formerly Mayne School, where one of his head teachers was known as Gorky), an ancient university city about 420km Tim Van Kroonenburg, who is ordained as a deacon from Moscow, where she obtained her degree in teaching. and a member of Torbay Circle. She came to Bishopsteignton to visit family, and decided to study for a Master’s degree at Exeter University. Tom moved on to Duchy College, part of Plymouth University, to study for a BSc in rural business In late summer 2019, Tom and Sasha were married in the management. Returning to Torquay five years ago, Church of the Holy Angels, Torquay, with a lovely, joyful Tom joined the commercial department of Bettesworths, reception at The Berry Head Hotel at the water’s edge in a family firm of chartered surveyors. Tom’s ambition is Brixham. Tom and Sasha are about to move into their new to qualify as a chartered surveyor, so he is continuing home in Torquay. his studies through distance learning with the Tom was introduced to the Catenian Association by University College of Estate Management at Reading Barney Bettesworth, a partner at Bettesworths who University. He has recently been awarded a distinction enrolled as a Catenian in 1982. Barney is due to commence in his Masters degree in real estate. He needs to complete his second stint as president of Torbay Circle in April 2021, his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), and somewhat appropriately, Tom is to take over Barney’s which includes 96 hours of continuing professional role as membership officer, becoming probably the youngest development (CPD) per year and submitting a critical membership officer in the Association at the age of 27. summary of the technical competencies he has completed. Finally, there is a demanding interview! 34 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Ivan Butcher was given a warm welcome to Darling A Welcome Addition Range when he was installed in August. Born in Perth, Ivan attended Millen Primary School in East Victoria Park and completed his secondary education at Perth Modern School. He completed a degree in commerce at Curtin University and was admitted to the Australian Society of Accountants as a CPA. Ivan’s career in finance and accounting has seen him work in both the private and public sectors in Perth a nd Tokyo. In Japan he met Yuriko through a mutual acquaintance and they were married in Queens Gardens, East Perth in 2005. Ivan and Yuriko have two children. His interests are martial arts, music and, as a recent convert to the Catholic Church he enjoys singing in the choir. As a new member, Ivan seeks to learn from Ivan Butcher with Lou Conti and Gerard Tonks his fellow Brothers and help others on their Catenian journey.
Canning New Members Canning has continued to benefit from its strong recruitment drive with the installation of three new Brothers in September. Brendan Norris, Edgar Escobar and Evyn Webster were warmly welcomed by president Russell Godsall at the St Pius X church hall in Manning, where members enjoyed a relaxed dinner of pizza and fish and chips. The highlight of the evening was an address given by guest speaker Dan Hewitt from Gosnells parish, who gave a wonderful talk on ‘God’s love for us and our love for God’. His talk concluded with a song and guitar accompaniment assisted by talented Brother, Ken Patterson. Another welcome guest was a young man Edgar Escobar receives his membership certificate from Thornlie parish, shortly to become Deacon Nicholas.
Russell Godsall presents Brendon Norris Russell Godsall presents Evyn Webster with his certificate with his membership certificate
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 35 MEMBERSHIP MEMBER SERVICES Phil Murray, Canberra Circle, in his fourth article, asks for flexibility in the Catenian outlook
Attracting Lay Catholics Overall, membership is aging and falling. The Association needs more, especially younger, members. Including women, as suggested in my previous article, would: • lead to immediate increases through enrolment of women; • lead to increased membership among men who would not join a men-only group; and • help attract younger couples. As young families are time-poor, free time often becomes family time. New Circle types and activities with a family focus are needed to attract younger members, both men and women. Building Faith-based Friendships In September’s Catena, my article identified Our various activities bring members together so an underlying Catenian Purpose (Mission): that faith-based friendships develop (see diagram). To strengthen the lived faith of lay Catholics in the world, Activities need to be tailored to members’ needs. through faith-based friendship. This is best determined at a local (Circle) level. For To support their Purpose, Canon Law requires that lay younger members, this may include less formal (and associations: less costly) meetings, dinners and family activities. 1. Include in their statutes ‘conditions…which determine If women were accepted as members, activities could the manner of its acting, attentive, however, to the be variously for men and women, men only, women necessity or advantage of time and place.’ (Can. 304§1); only and families. and 2. ‘take care that the members of the association are duly formed to exercise the apostolate proper to the laity’ (Can. 329). Flexibility Responding to time and place requires local flexibility. Vatican II noted: ‘It will not always be a wise procedure… to transfer indiscriminately into some particular country forms that have originated in another’ (Apostolicam Actuositatem (AA), 1965, n19). Yet, we have done this repeatedly. This principle applies locally, too. No two places are the same. To realise our Purpose, methods must differ from place to place and from time to time. A one-size-fits-all model is a recipe, at best, for mediocrity. The need for flexibility is pervasive. This article focuses on the components of the Purpose of strategic importance in realising that Purpose.
36 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Strengthening Lived Faith (Formation) Implications Through faith-based friendships, we encounter Christ in To realise our Purpose in each locality: each other, learning from each other and becoming ‘better’ • Circles need the flexibility to experiment. in living out our faith in our lives – formed ‘to exercise the Emphasis must shift from compliance to flexibility; apostolate proper to the laity’ (Can. 329). • we need to do more to form and support members This positive method has shortcomings: sharing lived faith for their lay vocations in the world. experiences is left to chance; and potential benefits are limited to members’ knowledge and experience. Needed Such change will demand new forms of Governance – improvements include: to be explored in a subsequent Catena article. 1. issuing members with a handbook outlining (AA, 1965, n31a,b&c): Phil Murray BA (Econ), MA (Theol Stud) Phil is membership officer of Canberra Circle and author a. the Church’s teaching on the laity; of Friends for Life: Catenians in the 21st Century, 2018. b. the Church’s social teaching as His career included ten years as a senior manager in the basis for improving society; and the Church’s national peak body that supports its social welfare services throughout Australia. c. how Catenian services help members live out their faith in their lives. 2. increasing the focus in dinner talks on: faith topics; local issues of concern or injustice; and members’ lived faith experience. Dinner table discussion could explore a topic’s relevance to members’ lives. 3. encouraging members to participate in programmes that help them identify their spiritual gifts and how God calls them to use their gifts for others’ benefit: ‘each member of the lay faithful should always be fully aware of being a ‘member of the Church’ yet entrusted with a unique task which cannot be done by another and which is to be fulfilled for the good of all’ (Pope St John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 1988, n28).
Vern Scanlan, Ralph Fitzpatrick, ADVERTISE Glenn Dhue, Bob Burns and Lou Daily HERE New Brother Welcomed [email protected] Glenn Dhue was recently installed at a formal meeting and dinner of Dianella Circle. He was a little overwhelmed to be installed at such a large gathering on this special night. After the dinner, Peter Kora gave an entertaining talk full of good humour about his early days in the travel business.
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 37 MILESTONE 100 NOT OUT Celebrating Leicester’s centenary in a time of Covid
This year we supported LAMP, a local mental health charity, providing funding for the publication of their 30-year history. This was reported in an earlier edition of Catena and the publication can be found at ld.php (dmu.ac.uk). We held our Mass for deceased Brothers in early November, thanks to Father Gabriel at St Wilfrid’s in Coalville, who is used to hosting Zoom Mass. The Circle joined in the celebrations by co-hosting and performing the readings and responses. It was nice to have a Mass where the congregation was able to join in with the priest. It was both moving and celebratory. We hosted our centenary meeting via Zoom with 46 attendees. It was a marvellous evening with notable 2020 was a year where there were high visitors: Past Grand President, Jim Kelly of Chesterfield hopes for a lavish celebration: the Grand and Mansfield Circles, paid tribute and spoke of the Hotel was booked for November. Who knew support he had received from Leicester during his long association with the Circle. He noted that we what the year had in store for us? were fortunate to have had three generations from one Even in late summer, hopes were kindled that we may family, the Astills, who have all served the Association well. be able to join together with our Brothers, wives, families Eddie O’Donnell, GB national president, congratulated the and friends to celebrate 100 years since Leicester Circle and said it was an amazing milestone in the life of Circle’s formation. the Circle. To finish, Robin Graham, president of Province 15, congratulated the Circle on behalf of the Province and Sadly, these plans were finally shelved with hopes to hold proposed a toast which was warmly received. them in 2021, when we may see the national landscape at such a point where large groups can safely meet again. To finish 2020, we held a ‘carols with Catenians’ event via Zoom and with some clever hosting and Having to put not just our 100-year celebrations on hold, organisation, and the support of St Mary’s folk group, but all physical activities, meant not just hosting our a good evening was had with readings, performances meetings by Zoom, as so many Circles have done, but also and video presentations that conveyed the yuletide finding a way to hold some of our other activities virtually spirit. It was a great way to prepare for Christmas in order to stay connected and so that our centenary did with friends and family. not just pass us by. As difficult a year that 2020 has been, Leicester Circle Early in our centenary year, we began meeting via Zoom. have had some joyous occasions that we can be grateful For our traditional joint meeting with Kenilworth in June, for. We look forward to sharing more time together in the the oldest joint meeting in the Association, we used an coming year. adapted Zoom protocol for the first time. As always, it was a great opportunity to meet Brothers further afield within the Association and to reconnect from the safety of our own homes. Remember that Leicester has been subject to the longest-running Covid restrictions in the UK.
38 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 AROUND THE CIRCLES ZOOMING ALL OVER THE WORLD
In Osterley & District Circle, a number of members relished the idea of making these virtual visits, and to date they have collectively visited more than 195 Circles and Groups, and made 350 individual visits. At the time of writing, Mariusz has made 102 visits, Anthony Phillips 90, Chris Richards, provincial membership officer, and David Arundale, GBNC vice president, around 50, and president Anson Foster has amassed 25. All of the above have visited all the Provinces in Great Britain, Province 21 in Australia, Malta, Ireland, Africa, and Areas 30 and 31 in India and Bangladesh. Province 20 was ahead of everyone and has returned to face-to-face meetings. Also joining on many occasions was the late When the world went into lockdown in March, Peter Callaghan, president of Province 17, Iain O’Hare, a unique opportunity arose in the life of Catenians. Manchester No 1 president, Mark Carter and Warren Members were now able to visit Circles far and Edwardes, London Charterhouse, and Justin Park, Harrogate. wide from the comfort of their own homes. Marius says: “We were most grateful for the warm welcomes that we have received. The pre- and post-meeting A number of Circles took to Zoom and other online chats have been great and informative, and we have learnt conference platforms to enable meetings to continue, a lot about the Association’s future. and invited members from other Circles to join them. “Catenians in India have been a revelation. Having a much A page was set up by Association secretary David Lloyd younger average age, they have a different perspective. to make a contact member available to all. But not many They are very much into networking and actively helping Circles have uploaded their details. The contact person fellow Catenians and their families. The rest of us seem to would be the controller, ensuring the security of the have similar problems with recruiting, a diminishing base meeting and leaving the president to concentrate on his of possible new members, and trying to accommodate role. While many took the professional route of having changes that have taken place in society during the last unlimited Zoom time, others used the free version which decade. reduced the length of each session. Each Circle has managed the meetings in its own way. “With extended lockdowns, we are unsure of the future. Will Circles go back to face-to-face or hybrid meetings? Mariusz Twomey from Osterley & District Circle says that Who knows? Will visits be allowed?” it’s been great to see so many Circles welcome Brothers who are ‘permanent apologies’ for a variety of reasons, He continues: “We trust that the opportunities to especially those living abroad and in poor health. Sadly, continue meeting up over the internet can continue. some members are not computer-literate and so have They have allowed distant Brothers and indeed local not been able to join in. Brothers with disabilities to attend their meetings, that has been great. Maybe we can expect ‘in Province’ He says: “For the Brothers who have over the years visiting to be face-to-face, but outside visiting to be made many visits locally, across Provinces, around their via Zoom, maybe quarterly. The opportunity is there own country, and accompanied national presidents further and Circles must consider logistics and what can afield, online meetings have given us all the opportunity be achieved.” to renew friendships.” I have written this in memoery of Peter Callaghan. I will He adds: “It was really great for members to see so many miss him Zooming around the world. May he rest in peace. who they have met over the years and never expected to see face-to-face again, not only in the UK but further afield. Mariusz Twomey It has been a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships and exchange notes.”
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 39 AROUND THE CIRCLES
The first minister with Stephen Lake at Pen-Y-Bont’s 500th meeting
Casserole Night Still a Social Event Winner In a year in which many social activities have been cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions, it was pleasing that Joondalup Circle’s annual casserole night could be held in October. Pen-Y-Bont’s This event, initiated by Liwara Circle, originated under the label of ‘Guess who’s coming to dinner’, and carried 600th Meeting on when Joondalup was inaugurated in February 2005, Pen-Y-Bont Circle celebrated their 600th meeting by with many Liwara Brothers forming the nucleus of the welcoming 51 visitors via Zoom. These are unusual new northern suburbs Circle. times, but it was still good to see old friends and make The evening was hosted in the homes of Barry and new acquaintances. The meeting was well organised Elizabeth Webb in Craigie, Paul and Josie Bellini by Circle president James Tomlin Reeves, and we were in Woodvale and Jenny Rea in Wanneroo and was joined by his father, Tony, who was formerly a president. thoroughly enjoyed by hosts and guests alike, with These landmark meetings are all about the history excellent meals, drinks, sharing of life’s experiences of the Circle and the continuation of a great tradition. and learning more about each other. The very first meeting was organised on 22 November 1966 to accommodate the grand president Sydney Quick. The original 25 were doctors, teachers, engineers and managers. Pen-Y-Bont Circle has continued to meet every last Wednesday of the month since that date. All deceased Brothers are honoured at every meeting and remembered with a prayer. We were proud to have two founder members present, Dennis Gafney and John Connor: both have been presidents. In fact, since joining the Association, John has continually held office of some sort at Circle and provincial level, covering nearly all positions. John was president at the 400th and 500th meetings, and he has attended over 100 meetings this year, including Mike Rushack (centre) with Liwara Circle Zoom meetings with India, Australia and Bangladesh. elder statesmen Des Wright and John Rayner To John, the Association means family. He said: “The company and friendship I have found over the last 54 years, especially during the Covid crisis, Warm Welcome have been a great comfort.” In the chat room after the Zoom meeting there were to New Brother some great stories of passed Brothers and memories New Liwara brother Mike Rushack was enrolled of the Circle. Let’s continue to add to these memories in Liwara Circle in the presence of five members and continue these traditions of a great Circle. of the clergy at the annual clergy night at the Chris Evans Croatian House in Gwelup in November. 40 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 AROUND THE CIRCLES CHORLEY CIRCLE’S SANTA
On 6 December, John dressed as Santa to deliver a Circle gift and card to Pat Case CBE, all the while observing social distancing rules. Except for attending medical appointments, Pat has not been away from home since the March lockdown, and would have dearly loved to have entertained John and his wife, Mary, with her usual generous hospitality. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus rules, they had to politely decline on this occasion. Meanwhile, other Brothers delivered gifts to widows during December. So, when delivering a gift, does a Brother dress as Santa each time? John says: “Christmas festive dress is encouraged at our normal annual Christmas meal, but the decision to go as Santa when I visited Mrs Case was a bit of a one-off due to Covid-19. The costume had been used a few days earlier as part of a three-mile Santa dash (stroll) to help raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice, and will feature again on Christmas Day when Santa visits (at a social distance) Westwood Residential Care Home, Chorley, the home of my 99-year-old aunt, Mary Hanson. Like many other residents, Mary has not had a face-to-face visit since Santa, alias John Holland, delivering early March. Visiting via the window or separated ‘pod’ has a Circle gift and card to Mrs Pat Case CBE proved to be challenging, but better than doing nothing as it has helped residents to preserve some memory.” We look forward to traditions at Christmas, What does John think it means to the widows to receive whether it’s the date the decorations go up, these visits and gifts? who gets to pull a cracker first, or which board “The gifts have always been well received and much game comes out of the cupboard. appreciated, but this year even more so as the effects of lockdown during these long winter nights are all the At Chorley Circle, one of the festive customs is delivering more difficult to endure.” gifts to Circle widows. This year, despite Covid-19, Finally, does he think that the visits have a particular Brothers were determined to keep this tradition alive. resonance this year given the pandemic and what that John Holland says: “Chorley Circle has been giving gifts has meant for lots of people? for over 30 years, normally at our Christmas party to which “Absolutely. While our widows do have family members, our widows are invited as our guests. Any widows who some are in other parts of the country, and some of the are not able to attend have the gifts delivered by one of widows are regular attendees at Circle events and they the Chorley Brothers.” have missed seeing each other and reminiscing. Some At the moment, eight widows are receiving gifts but until have found the technology challenging but do enjoy a few years ago that number was 12. “Our oldest widow, speaking to family and friends over the telephone, and Margaret Rigby BEM, was 105 when she died earlier keeping in contact with the Circle.” this year.”
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 41 AROUND THE CIRCLES MIKE AND MO’S STORY The value of volunteering
This is the setting from which the original four people from the parish began their ministry. Two members of the newly formed St Vincent de Paul at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish came to see us and asked about our interests. We have always been keen walkers, so we arranged for them to call fortnightly and walk with Mike. One of the St Vincent de Paul members was a Catenian, like Mike. A second group was formed to take Mike out on the other week. A few weeks later they amalgamated, making six volunteers in all. Every Tuesday morning for over four years, come sun, rain or snow, at least three people have collected Mike for an outing. At first, these were five-mile hikes, but as the illness progressed, Mike became unable to manage stiles, so adjustments were made to visit country parks or plan routes without stiles. At the beginning of 2020, Mike had to be supported to walk, but undeterred, the volunteers took it in turns to link to him. After the coronavirus lockdown, Mike lost his ability to weight-bear on his legs. While the local authorities were getting a wheelchair and In November 2015, a parish priest noticed access improved, one of our number used his contacts to Maureen Crossley’s distress at Mass and borrow a chair locally. Later, we found a way to support emailed that evening offering parish support. Mike to reach the pavement from our home, which has steps at the back and front. Another member of the group Here is Mike and Mo’s story. negotiated with a local hotel to borrow a stair-climber Mike and I were married in October 1970. He was wheelchair and it is a great success. We now have our own diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2010 at the age of wheelchair and hope to source a stair-climber of our own. 62, after a successful professional career. I made the Without these weekly excursions, Mike would be early decision that unless it became impossible, he would housebound. He enjoys the company of these friends end his days in our own home. Mike is gentle and calm, enormously and they assure me they enjoy it too. although we have had our moments, such as when he went for a walk on his own in Lourdes and was found How does this help me, the full-time carer? I can relax for 10km away in another town after a major police search. two or three hours every week, diarise seeing my friends Sometimes carers need a break from the stress and or just have a lie down, safe in the knowledge that my constant attention of emotional care. husband is cared for and safe in the hands of these burley angels! May God bless them and the many other Catholic charity workers, or volunteer helpers, tirelessly offering their skills and patience, year in, year out, to support those in need, humbly, quietly but with commitment and resolve.
42 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 AROUND THE CIRCLES PILGRIMAGE TO MARKENFIELD Remembering those who gave their lives for the Catholic faith
Thomas died in poverty in Flanders and Richard was hung, drawn and quartered. Both were attainted and had their lands confiscated by the Crown. In 1761, Markenfield was bought by Fletcher Norton (created Baron Grantley of Markenfield in 1782), a distant descendant of Richard, but it was only in the 1980s that the seventh Lord Grantley and his wife Lady Deirdre restored the house and came to live there. For many years, Hambleton Catenians have celebrated the anniversary of the Rising with a torchlit procession to the Hall with their banner of the Five Wounds to hear Mass in the chapel. In November, they had to settle for a virtual pilgrimage. Robert Moore OH celebrated Mass from his home in Darlington with Zoom, providing a backdrop of the chapel and the Circle’s banner. Though it is an ancient Catholic chapel, Anglicans can, by Catholic invitation, worship there (it is an ecclesiastical peculiar). In the beautiful order of service which he had prepared for the Mass of Martyrs of the North, Robert listed the Markenfield, near Ripon, is mentioned in the martyrs from the north who sacrificed their lives for the Domesday Book. From the 14th to the 16th Catholic faith. In the past, Lady Deirdre has joined the Circle for Mass and helped with the readings; sadly, century, it was the home of the Markenfield on this occasion she was unable to do so. Lionel family; today it is a medieval manor, moated, Cartwright-Terry and Judith Bailey read the lessons and fortified and one of the last inhabited of its kind. Bernadette Wood sang the psalm. President John Gough led the intercessions, praying for those who suffer for their In October 1536, one of a number of uprisings protesting faith, for a greater awareness of our Christian identity, against Henry VIII’s break with Rome occurred at and for all who have departed this life, especially Catenian Markenfield. A banner was adopted displaying the five brethren and their families. wounds of Christ’s crucifixion and the protest came to be called the Pilgrimage of Grace. In his homily, Robert said that the Rising of the North opposed religious changes which threatened an In 1569, an insurrection known as the Rising of the alternative way of life. This Mass highlighted life-changing North took place, at the head of which were the Earls experiences on a grand scale: the theme was ‘life-changing of Northumberland and Westmorland. The object was to reconciliation’. He drew examples from the readings: re-establish the religion of their ancestors and to release Esther 4:17, and Stephen (Acts 7:55-60), and from the Scottish queen from her unjust imprisonment. They Palestrina, whose Ave Maria we heard during Mass. occupied and sacked the cathedral at Durham, tore up Most poignantly, he referred to the community of Coventry English translations of the Bible and Reformation prayer suffering the bombing raid which left them traumatised, books, and celebrated Mass. They were led by Richard but they recovered and returned to a semblance of normality. ‘Old’ Norton who had a gold crucifix round his neck and Their community spirit transformed despair into hope. carried a banner of the Five Wounds. The words ‘Father forgive’ written on the walls of the On 20 November they gathered at Markenfield, the ruined cathedral, omitting the word ‘them’, invited home of Richard’s nephew, Thomas Markenfield V. everyone to share in responsibility for a broken world. After hearing Mass in the chapel, they marched to Ripon From the Rising of the North, he invited pilgrims to learn Cathedral, again burning books and celebrating Mass. the power to transform suffering into a new vision of peace They were aiming for Tutbury Castle, where Mary was and reconciliation, and concluded by reminding Catenians imprisoned. By December, however, they realised their of their vision: ‘strengthening family life through friendship cause was lost and fled into exile. and faith’. JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 43 IN MEMORIAM
ALBERT NIVEN BULLIVANT When a close friend from schooldays, PETER ROCHFORD Stan Lindsay, suggested that Albert and There was a profound Jean would enjoy the Catenians, he was Peter was born on sense of loss when dubious, but agreed to visit. Stan was 3 July 1939 and died Newcastle upon right, Albert signed the Newcastle Circle on 19 August 2020. Tyne Circle learned roll in January 1967 and joined the Council He was born in of the death of Albert shortly afterwards. He served there until Leicester, the only Bullivant on 16 May. the end. His attendance was assiduous: child of Cyril and In the best possible he rarely missed a Circle or Council Emily. Soon after sense, he was a meeting, and with Jean, he enjoyed the war was declared, fixture, one of the social life of the Circle. His contribution the family moved to rocks upon which the to the life and success of the Circle was Coventry, where Cyril Circle depended, as summed up by director immeasurable, but it was only in 1988 that found employment in the war industries. Brendan Leer at the presentation of Albert’s he was finally persuaded to be president. It must have been a difficult time to bring up 50-year scroll in 2017. Brendan described With his usual thoroughness, he and Jean a family: Coventry was bombed 41 times. Albert as “renowned for his loyalty, attended every one of the 17 dinner dances Their home in Gregory Avenue was commitment and generosity”. in Province 5, and he visited a prodigious skirted by the railway line running between His deep-rooted faith was central to all number of Circles. Much later, when he Coventry and Leamington Spa and this of those. received his 50-year scroll in 2017, the inspired his lifelong interest in railways. Born in Newcastle in September 1929, he venue was packed to capacity, a mark of As a youngster, he would cycle to Coventry, grew up through the Depression in one of the respect of the Province. Nuneaton and Rugby to collect train those steepest of streets running down to Jean became an entrepreneur in her own numbers. the Tyne. Kicking a ball there gave him his right in 1985 when she set up her floristry Peter was a committed altar server love of football and an admiration for skill – business. Not long afterwards, Albert joined as a child and had a great respect for without skill, games ended with chasing the her. His wry comment was that it took him the priesthood. At the age of 11 he ball flat out down the street. Albert’s love of too long to appreciate the advantages of was sent away to St Wilfrid’s College sport, particularly football and cricket, was moving bouquets of flowers instead of (sometimes known as Cotton College), fostered at St Cuthbert’s Grammar School, truckloads of potatoes. On his Saturday the junior seminary for the archdiocese where he excelled at maths; his affection afternoons off, he attended St James’s of Birmingham, where he gained a sound for the school never wavered. Like many Park, where his season tickets brought education. pupils of his time, family circumstances him that mixture of joy and exasperation so Cotton was known for its sport, especially dictated that he left early to take a job, familiar to all Newcastle United supporters. rugby and cricket. However, these sports not surprisingly, with a firm of accountants. The business flourished until they retired had little appeal for Peter, who contributed Two Alberts were there already, so because 21 years later. of his middle name, Niven, he became David to the sporting life of the school through It is the measure of the man that his in the office. He enjoyed his employment, running. His lean frame and dexterity led unselfish commitment to the Circle which was interrupted by national service in to him acquiring the nickname ‘Snake continued undiminished, as did his care 1948 in Celle, near the then Russian Zone Rochford’. for others, manifested in his daily visits to of Germany. He never forgot the devastation Peter briefly discerned a vocation to the a neighbour suffering from dementia even of that flattened town. priesthood in a pre-seminary year at when walking that short distance became Grove Park in Birmingham, before he Introduced as David by an office colleague a sore trial. His self-deprecating humour, decided he could best serve the Church to his wife, Jean, he remained David for his enjoyment of a celebration, and his as a committed lay man. The education their 60 years of marriage. In December appreciation of friendship never deserted he received at Cotton was enough to earn 2019, the inscription on the cake for their him. Unsurprisingly, his two anchors, faith him a place at the University of Manchester diamond wedding anniversary was for and love for his family, held firm right to to read physics. After a spell there, he Jean and David/Albert. He and Jean the last. had four much-loved daughters, Louise, entered the world of work at Courtaulds in Caroline, Maria and Lisa, and two their labs, initially in Coventry, then later grandsons, William and Henry, of May he rest in peace on in Derby. In the 1970s, he made a bold whom he was particularly proud. decision to change career and retrained as a computer programmer, eventually moving As the family grew up, Albert branched to Allied Breweries. into self-employment, running his own business as a fruit and vegetable merchant. One evening, something happened that His business spanned Northumberland was to change his life for ever. Peter went and Durham, and he developed an with a group of friends to a party at the encyclopaedic knowledge of the highways local nurses’ home in Coventry. There he and byways. In pre-satnav days he was a met Anne Rickard, who had come from welcome passenger when visiting far-flung Ireland to train as a nurse. From this Circles. unlikely beginning, love grew and they were married in August 1963. They settled down to married life, first in Coventry and then moved to Derby in 1966.
44 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Peter was conscious that he was an only Tony went to Birmingham University BOB BURNS child and he and Anne sadly could not have and after graduating went into a teaching children of their own. Throughout his life he career, starting at the Salesian College Bob Burns of Epsom kept in touch with distant relatives in Britain in Farnborough, where he was a great Circle has died, and Canada. admirer of the Salesian priests and aged 91. While living in St Alban’s parish, Brothers. Tony was only the second lay As a teacher in Chaddesden, Peter became friends with master there. London’s East End in Don Woodward, a Catenian who worked From Farnborough, Tony and his growing the late 1950s, Bob’s for Rolls Royce. He became a Catenian in family moved to Brighton, where he was most infamous pupils 1968 and was an enthusiastic member of head of science at the newly formed were ‘the twins’, Derby and Loughborough Circles. Peter Cardinal Newman School. From there, he Ronnie and Reggie was president of Derby Circle twice and of and his family moved to Kenilworth, where Kray. Loughborough Circle four times. He was a Tony became deputy head at the Cardinal Bob, whose real name was John, was a provincial councillor for more than 20 years Wiseman School in Coventry. The next member of Sacred Heart parish, Cobham between the two and served as provincial move was to Lancaster, where Tony was for over 30 years. president between 1986 and 1987. Through headmaster of Our Lady’s High School. Fellow parishioner and Catenian the Association he found the social and Jennifer has been very moved by the Jim Begley takes up Bob’s story. spiritual support he required. letters and cards of support and love ‘It was only after his wife Eileen died that from parents and former pupils. Peter and Anne retired in 1999 but I really got to know Bob. They were a very kept themselves busy. They were both Tony had a heart attack and had to take close couple and did not have any children, eucharistic ministers. In addition to his early retirement, but he was honoured to so when Bob was widowed, he became Catenian activities, Peter was a director receive the award of Knight of St Gregory a recluse. of Erewash Community Transport for for his services to Catholic education. ‘Although he had many friends from his more than 30 years, and a governor of He and Jennifer were blessed with five teaching days and his past pupils kept Redhill Primary School, an outstanding, children, six grandchildren and three great up with him, Bob needed male company oversubscribed school in Ockbrook. grandchildren. Soon after Tony’s heart to help him through his depression. It Anne sadly died in October 2018. attack, they moved to Strawberry Hill was suggested that he should join the Peter will be missed by Derby and to be near two of their children. Catenians and I talked him through the Loughborough Circles, especially for Tony was a Catenian for 48 years: first details. Pat Boylan, Paul Jukes and I took his wicked sense of humour. with Brighton Regency, then Kenilworth, him to our Circle meetings. He had friends followed by North Lancashire where he in Weybridge who also suggested he May he rest in peace was president, then Kingston and finally should join Weybridge Circle. We chatted Richmond and Twickenham. All the Circles through his options and suggested that he TONY BRYANT were different, but each contributed to the should join Epsom Circle and become a faith and fellowship of all, and eased the joint member of Weybridge, which he did. Edward Anthony passing of every move. Some Catenians ‘The Catenians worked well for Bob and Bryant, known as will remember Tony’s after-dinner talks on he enjoyed the male and female company. Tony, passed away wine, and his wine tastings – sometimes A few years later he was at a ladies’ black on 8 September with nibbles of food to go with a particular tie event in Weybridge when he collapsed after spending three wine. Some will remember his culinary with a heart attack. The paramedics took months in a nursing efforts at dinner parties and treasure hunts. him to Frimley Park Hospital and they home near his home Others will remember his love of singing, reckon his heart had been stopped for in Strawberry Hill. including a memorable Messiah at the about half an hour when he arrived. They Tony was born on Salesian College. have a very good cardiac department and 20 July 1938 in the He will be greatly missed. The Requiem resuscitated him and after several weeks small seaside town of Dawlish, Devon, the Mass was in September at St James he made a good recovery. The evening this younger son of Albert and Mary and brother Church, Twickenham. Due to Covid happened, Weybridge phoned me to let me of Alan, formerly of Reigate Circle. restrictions, only close family could attend. know how ill Bob was and to ask if I could He was hospitalised with polio at the age There was no singing, even though Tony take over his ongoing care. Norma and I of seven, but made a good recovery thanks had chosen his favourite six hymns. regularly visited him in hospital and that to the prompt diagnosis of his local GP However, the organist played them quietly. was when I called him “miracle man”. and the expertise of medical staff at the ‘Against all the odds, he survived and Exeter Royal Infirmary. He went to the local May he rest in peace eventually he started visiting again. Over Dawlish Infant School where, at the age of the past couple of years, his health started five he met Jennifer, who became his wife to deteriorate and his visiting became less of 61 years. They celebrated their diamond frequent. wedding anniversary on the Feast of the ‘He was taken into hospital and died on Assumption last year. Monday 12 October, aged 91.’
May he rest in peace
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 45 IN MEMORIAM
JIM ALLANSON Jim is survived by Diana, their children, Colin and Brenda excelled on the dance Ruth and Matthew, and five grandchildren. floor and often led the way at dinner It was with great Our thoughts and prayers for them include dances. They were recognised for the sadness that Reigate his brother, Mark, another long-time warmth of their hospitality when hosting Circle heard that Jim member of Reigate Circle. an event: for this reason, the 1992 Allanson had finally provincial weekend in Nottingham was succumbed to motor particularly memorable. neurone disease, the May he rest in peace Quietly and often in a private way, he debilitating effects of devoted his time to helping others: taking which he had had to COLIN BROOKS elderly soldiers to Armistice Day parades, cope with for almost Upminster Circle was teaching disabled children to swim, two years. He was greatly saddened by donating to and working at a food bank, 84 and old enough to have childhood the passing of its most and offering lifts to lost souls at bus stops memories of the Doodlebug flying bombs senior Brother, Colin and empty stations. in the later stages of the war. Brooks, on 12 August, Colin was a warm-hearted person who Although very much a Surrey lad, raised who had 49 years was much respected. He would sit in the in Banstead and educated at Whitgift, he membership in the same place for Sunday Mass at his parish soon left a local firm of estate agents to Association. church of St Joseph’s: he was a man of join the head office of Hillier Parker, May Colin was someone comfortable habits. and Rowden with its major interests in who contributed to all Throughout his life he enjoyed watching commercial property across the UK. He the activities in his life. His upright physical and participating in sport: he played tennis, became one of the younger of its partners bearing, no doubt borne from national squash, basketball, and golf at several in 1968, responsible for the north of service in the Irish Guards, was matched clubs within Province 2, and even curling England. He joined Reigate Circle in 1984 by his exemplary and morally upright in Scotland. Standing on the touchline at and was president in 1993, by which time attitude to life. he had retired from London commuting and Campion School, he watched his sons Born in 1938, Colin was evacuated to set up his own small property development play rugby union. the north of England in the latter stages company. He had a distinctive laugh and, when of the war. He embarked on a career in required, a booming voice. He imparted He retired young enough to take up a life assurance, where he excelled. He good counsel and helpful advice. At one number of active pursuits. Long-time went through the regional ranks of Scottish Circle meeting, he stood up to say: “Brother readers of Catena may recall he featured Mutual before ending his working days president, we are all here as Brothers, not on its 1991 cover when he cycled a solo as its national mortgage development only to enjoy each other’s company, but pilgrimage of 750 miles to visit the shrine manager. of his patron saint, James, at Santiago also to hear what the Circle officers have He was proudly Catholic, and this di Compostela. The following year he to say. This can only happen if their voices encompassed the love of his family. raised £13,000 for the Redhill YMCA are sufficiently audible to the rest of us. So, With his wife, Brenda, he enjoyed three by cycling 970 miles from Land’s End to may I ask that all speak up.” A lesson was children and seven grandchildren. John O’Groats. This was just the start of learned for many meetings to follow! his support of this East Surrey YMCA for Their social life was enhanced by Colin’s Colin’s deep faith and reliance on the good some 22 years until retiring in 2014. As Catenian involvement. Having been a Lord gave him the strength required at mentioned in a more recent Catena, he Circle president in 1977-78, his input into difficult times, such as when he had health was one of its ‘tres amigos’, as the three Provincial Council was much appreciated issues. Likewise, his natural cheerfulness Catenian trustees were affectionately and he became the 1992-93 provincial let him look on the bright side, even though known. He did not always cycle alone: president. He was a member of the there were tough times. His acceptance on the third occasion he cycled from the Lions as well as an enthusiastic Knight of the divine will, that his end was near, Mediterranean back to Reigate, it was on Commander with Star of the Knights of reflected his Christian ideals. the Holy Sepulchre, with whom he went a tandem with Diana, his wife of 56 years. His wife Brenda, sons Dominic and on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Colin They were often seen on the tandem, Anthony, daughter Anna, and the extended was also a Freeman of the City of London. as recently as last year. family, can all be comforted by the happy Among Jim’s other interests were In all his associations, Colin was a memories which they share of him. beekeeping and the tender care of contributor. He will be remembered for a 1938 Morris 8 two-seater tourer. his generosity of heart, especially when it came to buying a round of drinks, his May he rest in peace His Circle will remember him most, general bonhomie and his kind manner however, for his lovely, joyful personality, to anyone who had the good fortune to which made one feel instantly at ease be in his company. and in his confidence. Jim and Diana recognised they coped with the loss of seven-year-old son, Joseph, with faith, prayer and much support.
46 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 HARRY EMBERY LEWIS TUCKER Mum and Dad had great joy in recent years as the grandchildren arrived: Magnificent Harry was born in It was with great Molly, Gregarious George (I wonder who April 1941 in Preston sadness that Cardiff he takes after), and Beautiful Beatrice. to Henry and Mary. Circle learned of the Dad was diagnosed with malignant He had two brothers, death of Lewis Tucker, melanoma in August; he called us all to Eric and Tony. All his a much-loved and the house to tell us and proceeded to open grandchildren knew respected member. many bottles of fizz. It was an evening of him lovingly as Haddy. The following is taken tears and laughter as Dad had been told He went to the Jesuit- from Lewis’ eulogy, he did not have long. Little did we know run Preston Catholic read by his daughter that it would be as quick as it was. College and later got Helen. his degree at night school and became During his short remaining life, Dad insisted Dad was born on 23 July 1933. He left an engineer for British Gas. on being well-dressed – he saw this as school at 15 to work at the Carlton Hotel having pride in yourself, referring to this as Harry was a keen sportsman: he played in the patisserie department – the first “standards” and “keeping yourself young”. table tennis at county level and later and last time Dad did any sort of cooking. Even in his final week, pyjamas during the became a qualified referee for the He worked for A Rose Menswear in Cardiff day were not an option. He would boss Lancashire football league. before becoming manager at the branch Mum into producing the clothes he wanted, He was a Preston North End fan, but more in Wellfield Road. Here Dad met Ann, who often pale grey slacks and a beautiful shirt recently had a season ticket for Wigan was working for her father in the butcher’s with an Irish linen hand-rolled hanky in the Rugby League and Wigan Athletic Football a few shops down. top pocket. Club. Dad caused a stir in Wellfield Road with During those final days we laughed and He met his wife June when they were his flamboyant outfits, including faux furs cried but Dad was where he wanted to be, rollerskating in Preston: he literally swept in winter. with all of us around him. Dad died on 22 her off her feet and caught her as she After six weeks, Dad proposed on October, aged 87. We had support from fell. After a long courtship, during which Valentine’s Day, Mum’s 21st birthday. City Hospice, Marie Curie and the district time June converted to Catholicism, they Mum’s parents threw a wonderful nurse team; all three were magnificent, not married at St Wilfrid’s Church in 1962. engagement party at their home. Since she only in their care for Dad, but in supporting They set up home at Leyland, where they met Dad, Mum’s life has been a constant us to care for him. Our hope is that around raised a family of four: Mike, Trish, John whirl and her feet have not touched the the time of his birthday next year, we will and Chris. Harry always enjoyed family floor. hold an event to raise money for those occasions and he had a sixth sense, three organisations and then we will be While engaged, they bought the menswear always knowing when the kettle had just asking for your support. business in Wellfield Road. They married in boiled! April 1966 at Our Lady of Lourdes, Cardiff Remember my Dad fondly, especially Along with June, he was a long-standing and moved into the flat above the shop. when you have a glass of something in parishioner of St Mary’s, Leyland. Both They had Edward and me before moving your hand. were eucharistic ministers and June sang to Heol Don. The house was a complete in the choir. They loved being part of wreck when they took it on with two small May he rest in peace St Mary’s drama group and took part in children, and the renovation could not have pantomimes, church plays and revues, been achieved without the family’s help. where Harry played a wide variety of JOHN ALBERTINI A year later, Lewis was born, and ten years characters. John Peter Albertini, on, Catherine. Mum and Dad worked hard a member of Croydon He joined South Ribble Circle in 2009 and building the business and providing for their Circle, died peacefully was president during the last Preston Guild young family. Dad joined the Catenians on 19 May, just eight year in 2012. He arranged fundraising in Cardiff, which he absolutely loved, weeks short of his drama evenings and loved quiz evenings. especially the socialising. Many events 90th birthday. Harry and June were inseparable and when were held at Heol Don, including renowned June developed dementia in 2018 and barbecues with us children running the bar. John was born in 1930 in Bloomsbury, moved to a home in Chorley, he visited her Dad was president of Cardiff Circle in London, one of four every day while he was able. Early in 2020, 1996-97 and it has to be said that it was children of Italian Harry was admitted to a nursing home and in name only, as Dad’s great friends, Chris parents who hailed from Lake Maggiore, sadly died there suddenly on 18 June. Stevens and Peter Maunder, did all the Italy. John’s father moved to England to work. Dad’s charity was Velindre Cancer work as a chef in various upmarket London Centre and the Catenians raised money May he rest in peace restaurants, becoming head chef at the towards a specialist bed. Little did we know Savoy and famous in the European culinary at the time that Dad would one day require world. their services. Dad welcomed all our boyfriends and girlfriends, and was genuinely delighted with our choices. He welcomed them all into the family and tested their capacity to drink! JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 47 IN MEMORIAM
John went to The John Fisher School in John was a fantastic legal advisor: many He only discovered he was colour-blind Purley during World War Two and the Catenians would seek his advice, pro bono, well into his career as a lithographer. immediate aftermath. He had a huge as he was known to be measured, wise This required some nimble footwork affection for the school and many happy and fair. as he side-stepped into a new career in memories of the priests and pupils there. All who knew John found him to be a education, where he evaded detection He was a keen old boy and in his younger gentleman and a gentle man, kind and by asking his students to perform any days played hooker for the old boys’ polite to everyone, regardless of who they ink-work that required colour identification. rugby team. were. He will be sorely missed by Peggy, Austin was a hugely sociable and After leaving school, John trained as a their four children and ten grandchildren, passionate man. Right to the end of his life lawyer at nightschool classes offered by and his sisters Angela and Mary. (His sister he wanted to be out meeting and chatting King’s College, London, graduating as Gloria, pre-deceased him.) to people. He loved walking in the Lakes or an LLB – a creditable achievement as the Dales, where he spent over 20 years. he was working hard for a law firm during He loved the railways and the age of steam May he rest in peace the day. John served for two years in the – he was imbued in the railways from birth, Royal Army Service Corps as a national as his father Jack spent his entire working serviceman, where he learnt to drive AUSTIN CALLAGHAN life on the railways. three-ton trucks and became a It was with great He loved drawing. His colour-blindness commissioned officer. He returned to law, sadness that made painting more difficult, but he did eventually becoming senior partner of St Helens and pursue it later in life: living in a picturesque the law firm, Stuart Hunt & Co in south Broughton-in-Craven Yorkshire idyl presented the perfect Croydon, after working for various firms Circles heard of opportunity. Austin would paint the houses in central London. the death of Austin of the locals, and hang the finished works John married Margaret Brennan Callaghan on in the gallery he jointly ran, before casually (Peggy to her friends) in 1961 and their 7 October. Austin inviting the unsuspecting neighbour in for happy marriage lasted 59 years. joined Broughton-in- a drink and a tour of the gallery. He Craven Circle in 1992 They brought up two sons and two enjoyed extracting money from those he and transferred to St Helens Circle in 2003, daughters in the Croydon area. John was considered were born on the “wrong side of when he returned to the town following an active father, encouraging discipline the Pennines”. his time in Yorkshire. He was president and hard work in his children, setting them Austin’s happiest years were the near 30 of St Helens in 2007. high standards. A son and daughter have he spent with Lorna. She invariably made followed in their father’s footsteps, joining The Circle is grateful to the family for their the right decision for him, whether it was the legal profession. He took great pride agreement to base this tribute to Austin on ridding him of the Bobby Charlton in his ten grandchildren, insisting that they his eulogy. comb-over, or convincing him to return refer to him in Italian as ‘Nonno’. Austin was born in Liverpool in 1932. to St Helens. It was a move he resisted, Perhaps unsurprisingly, given his Italian He attended West Park Grammar School but which turned out to be for the best. He background, John was an enthusiast of in St Helens, and developed a lasting was revived by new friends and old from classical music and opera. He often went relationship with the town. West Park, the Catenians and Probus, to the opera with a friend who had a box His father served in and survived both and he thrived in the new family of which at Covent Garden. World Wars, and Austin too proved to be a he’d become a part by marrying Lorna. He loved being part of such a large family John, in his quiet way, was staunchly remarkable survivor. He suffered diphtheria including her children, foster children, their committed to his Catholic faith. He was at an age when most did not survive, partners and all the grandchildren. It was a strong supporter of the Association of fought hard against the paralysis caused his and Lorna’s great desire to see their Lawyers for the Defence of the Unborn and by post-polio syndrome, and later survived two families merge as one. This led to the a school governor of a local Catholic prep a stroke unscathed. He smoked 60 a day mammoth family weekends away, events school. He contributed to many charitable for 40 years, which left him with severely which he and Lorna cherished. causes during his lifetime and passed this reduced lung capacity. He ate four ‘proper’ on to the children. Every Christmas Day, meals a day, and enjoyed the odd glass We will all miss Austin and will keep John would take them to help deliver meals of Merlot, leading to late onset diabetes, him in our prayers. on wheels to the vulnerable and lonely. and even this year, when his heart failed, he ploughed on resiliently until the failure An enthusiastic supporter of the Catenians, May he rest in peace of a third major organ turned out to be John joined in 1958 and became president something even Austin couldn’t resist. in 1991. He attended meetings and social events regularly. John appreciated when Austin overcame several difficulties during a president’s Sunday Mass was held at the his working life. Though never diagnosed, London Oratory, with the ‘bells and smells’ he was dyslexic – after years of misdialling, accompanying a Latin service. He visited the ability to store numbers within the other Circles, and particularly enjoyed the telephone was a huge advantage. He was legal night at The City of London Circle. more or less guaranteed to get through to At a black tie dinner in 2019, John was one of his children, though not necessarily presented with a 60-year scroll by David the one he intended! Arundale, director, Province 19, before Peggy and a full turn-out of the Circle.
48 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 VINCENT MCGUINESS Vin was an energetic and enthusiastic Betty was aged 30 and Gerard was 31 secretary of the Circle, with a knack when they married, and they raised a family Vincent McGuiness of persuading Brothers, wives, other of six children, Mary, Tim, Sue, Lucy, Gay was born on 22 parishioners and guests to join in the fun: and Pip, who were all under the age of January 1941 in for example, Brothers dressing up in tutus eight before they called it a day. Gateshead, the and taking traditional women’s roles at the Gerard and Betty purchased their war youngest of three many concerts he produced and directed. service home in Scarborough, which is children. When Vin, as Vin will be remembered for his sense of one of the few old houses still left on he was affectionately fun and humour, his infectious smile, his the street. Gerard was dedicated to the known, was three warmth, his welcoming personality and upkeep and beautification of this house. years old, his family his ability to chat with anyone. He was a He was an enthusiastic do-it-yourself man, moved to Yorkshire, special, generous man, willing to go the affectionately given the name ‘the world’s returning to Gateshead when he was 13. extra mile for others, a wonderful husband, most practical man’. In 1969 he built a He attended St Cuthbert’s Grammar School brother, son and father-in-law and just the beach house with his own hands, where in Newcastle before qualifying as an art best of dads and grandads. the family spent every school holiday for teacher at St Mary’s College, Twickenham, He was guided by his strong, practical faith the following 20 years, swimming, fishing, in 1961. He had a lifetime love of learning, throughout his life and at his death, which playing in the creek and sharing a bike obtaining a BPhil at Newcastle University was a great consolation to both him and between the six of them. and an MA (guidance and counselling) his family. Vin died peacefully on 25 August Gerard was grandfather to Matt, Chris, at Durham University, aged 40 and 45 after a long illness. We will love him and Rose, Gerard, Angus, Hugo, Zoe, Georgie respectively. He taught art, PE and maths miss him forever. and Robert and great grandfather to at St John Fisher and Joseph Swan, where Will, Ivy and Coen. He loved all his he was also a head of year. grandchildren and great grandchildren May he rest in peace For many years, he was secretary of the dearly, instilling in them a passion for the NASUWT (Gateshead) and ran a youth arts and encouraging them to pursue with club twice a week. Vin had a passion for GERARD BRENNAN love an uncompromising work ethic basketball: he managed several school City of Perth Circle and attitude. teams and became a qualified basketball were saddened by Gerard will be remembered as a kind, coach and referee, doing both until the passing of their generous, inspirational man, devoted to retirement. long-standing Brother his family, his Church, poetry, football and As one of his teaching friends recently Gerard (Gerry) caring for others. He was deeply loved and wrote to Vin’s wife, Margaret: “Vin had a Brennan, who died will be missed so much. unique style of relating to his colleagues peacefully at home on and young people and could always raise 5 October 2020, just a the level of enjoyment for everyone with week before his 95th May he rest in peace whom he came into contact.” birthday. Gerry was a His family and many friends would agree member of the Circle for 40 years. A large CORNELIS SCHAPER with that sentiment. He met Margaret number of Catenians from City of Perth Bouvard Circle through the Young Christian Workers when Circle and Province 20 joined with family members, partners they were both 17, they married at 22 and friends to celebrate the life of Gerry and friends extend and were happily together for a further 57 at a Requiem Mass held at the Holy Spirit sincere condolences years. They were blessed with two lovely Catholic Church in City Beach. to the family of Con daughters, Andrea and Stephanie, and five Gerry was born on 11 October 1925 into Schaper on their sad wonderful grandchildren, in whom Vin took a large family. He was the sixth child and loss. Con passed a great delight. He entertained them all: fourth son and was followed by five more away peacefully, as young children, with his Ronnie Rabbit boys. The three oldest boys, Mick, John surrounded by his stories, trips to the park and sweet treats and Jeff looked after the dairy farm at Rosa family on 9 October and, as teenagers, with his mad jokes and Brook near Margaret River, while their 2020. He joined City good advice. His daughters would often call father Patrick, who was a teacher, lived of Mandurah Circle in October 2002 and on him and Margaret to solve a babysitting closer to his work with his wife Lucy and was a founder member of Bouvard when or other crisis at short notice and they younger children. This left Gerard as the the Circle was inaugurated in February would think nothing of packing a bag, oldest boy at home to step up and give 2005, serving as president in 2006-07, jumping in the car and arriving at their front his mother a hand to raise those five 2010-11 and 2013-14, and as provincial doors in London in super-quick time. boys, and that’s exactly what he did. councillor from 2017 to 2020. Vin moved with Margaret and his daughters Lucy and Patrick were devout Catholics Con was the devoted, loving husband of to Ponteland in 1982, becoming immersed and Gerard was devoted to his faith Lynne (deceased) and cherished father in parish life at St Matthew’s: he was a throughout his life. and father-in-law of Peter and Sue, Steven, eucharistic minister, a reader, a counter, Gerard was only 14 years of age when Andrew and Sharon and Theresa; the loved a Vincentian and a Catenian. He and the Second World War began, and was grandad of Dane and Jani, Jordan, Dakoda, Margaret forged many close and fun old enough to serve in the Royal Australian Ellen and Joshua and great grandad of friendships in the parish, Newcastle upon Air Force towards the end of the war. After Scarlett and Taj. He was a special friend Tyne Circle and beyond. the war, he became a schoolteacher. At and companion to Olga Reid. college, he met Betty and so started a love that endured for more than six decades. JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 49 IN MEMORIAM
A large gathering of Catenians from City MICHAEL WALSH Mike is remembered for his sharp wit, his of Mandurah and Bouvard Circles and fund of jokes and his ability to attract new Province 20 attended a Requiem Mass City of Winchester Brothers into the Circle. Circle was shocked to in October to celebrate the life of Con at Mike leaves a hole which will prove difficult learn that Mike was St Damien’s Catholic Church in Dawesville, to fill. He will be a hard act to follow. where he served as an acolyte. taken into hospital needing an operation Con was born on 17 March 1937 at Tilburg and that he died on May he rest in peace in the Netherlands, the first of ten children the morning of 10 (seven boys and three girls) to Johanna August. The turnout and Theodorus Schaper. He was educated DONALD INKSTER of Brothers from at Do Bosco Primary School and St Denis Don was born in London in 1925, the Province 11 to stand Commercial High School and was in his third of five children. Together with his in the guard of honour at the crematorium, 17th year when his parents decided to elder brothers Lawrence and Alan, he when they could not attend the service leave Holland for Western Australia to seek attended Emmanuel School, and he went owing to the Covid-19 precautions, is better opportunities for their large family on to be awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in evidence of the regard felt for Mike around as Europe recovered from the Second economics. He served in the Royal Army the Province. World War. Pay Corps (RAPC) during the early part of Mike Walsh was born on 6 January 1948 in The family spent some time at the World War Two, Bournemouth in the county of Hampshire, Northam Army Camp until Con and his and was stationed in Jerusalem and as it was at the time. He delighted in father obtained work with Mills & Ware at Athens. He and Francoise married in 1951, informing everyone, indicating his love of Fremantle and the family moved to East and they had two children, Susan and detail, that Bournemouth was placed in Fremantle. Con worked for Mills & Ware for Nicholas. Sue sadly passed away in 2010. Dorset only in 1974. about two years and for the remainder of He was a great enthusiast of the steam his working life was employed in a variety After school, Mike went to university in railway, and was also passionate about of industries as accountant, secretary and Newcastle and later accepted a post with the theatre organ. He wrote a book, Union in management roles. IBM. He married Jenny in 1969, having Cinemas Ritz, charting the history of known her since his schooldays. They went In 1958 at a St Patrick’s parish dance in the days of ornate, luxuriously furnished on to have four children – Rob, Tammy, Fremantle, he met a young girl, Lynne, theatres where films sat side by side with Tony and Phil – and to be happily married destined to become his wife. They were live music performances. He also became for 51 years. Mike spent his whole career married at St Patrick’s Catholic Church heavily involved in the world of the church at IBM, first in London and finally at the in 1961 and lived in Fremantle for a organ, travelling to hear concerts given in laboratories at Hursley, as a technical few years before moving to Kardinya, the world’s great cathedrals, and becoming author working as part of a team writing where they stayed for 30 years raising firm friends with many of the leading user manuals for CICS. The manuals and their four children. During these years international concert organists. the system are vast, the application being Con was active in the parish and school In June 1991, Don joined Kingston used all over the world to support airline communities, serving for 23 years on the Circle and although he never held office, booking systems to some of the biggest school board. companionship and friendship were very internet applications. His manuals are important to him, and he and his wife After they retired to Mandurah in 1999, therefore all over the world. made many longstanding friendships Con joined the Catenian Association Mike was a family man and a servant to through the Kingston Catenians, many and became an acolyte at Our Lady’s his local community, parish and schools. of whom attended Francoise’s annual Assumption Catholic Church and a He served as school governor to several summer parties over many years. He volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul schools, giving of his time freely and retained his links with the RAPC and Society. When St Damien’s parish in being a practical person, readily offering regularly attended their reunions, normally Dawesville was formed, Con continued assistance in all sorts of situations. held at Knightsbridge Barracks. He was as an acolyte. He became responsible made a freeman of the City of London for training other acolytes, served on the Mike joined City of Winchester Circle in in 1981, and later became a member liturgical ministry and as a member of 1996 and put in a great deal of effort, of the Guild. the parish pastoral council. Sadly, Lynne being secretary for three years and passed away in 2011. president twice before moving on to roles He suffered a stroke in early 2015, and in Province 11: he was secretary for two in June of that year Francoise, his wife Con was blessed with a wonderful sense years and at the time of his death he was of 64 years, died suddenly, meaning he of humour, a deep faith, commitment to his acting membership officer. His last post had to move into a nursing home. He Church, unconditional love of his family, was an example of his seeing the need passed away quietly in January 2018, selfless energy and a willingness to for something to be done and generously leaving behind his son Nick, his much- serve others. offering to fill the gap. The number of posts loved daughter in law Sally, and his three he filled was proof of his keenness for grandchildren, Sophie, Georgina and May he rest in peace Catenianism, and this was passed on to Philippa, who he referred to as his “three his sons: Rob was recently president of rays of sunshine”. Banbury Circle and Tony is president of Sutton Coldfield Circle. May he rest in peace
50 CATENA • JANUARY 2021 Please keep the following deceased Brothers and their families in your prayers
July 09 Con Schaper 12 Alan Boxall 24 Gabriel Leeming Bouvard Circle Medway Towns Circle Northampton Circle 11 John Peecock 12 Pat Johnson Purley Circle Abergavenny Circle August 24 Nick Filbee 17 Johnnie Rodrigues 13 John Hudson Isle of Wight Circle Panjim Circle Yarm Circle November 16 Joe Jackson September Middlesbrough Circle 22 Jim Wilkinson 01 Philip Crook Guernsey Circle Southampton Circle 18 Robin Bullock Leicester, South Circle 30 Maurice Naylor 01 Brian O’Boyle Kirby Muxloe Circle Billericay Circle 20 Brian Cantillon 03 Bernard Loveland Birkenhead Circle October Westmorland Circle 22 Tony Ockenden 08 Tommy Crnkovic Bedford Circle Harare North, Zimbabwe Circle 11 Terence Nagle Guildford Circle 23 Lew Collett West Middlesex Circle
May we remind contributors that obituaries should not exceed 600 words, this is to allow as many obituaries to be included as possible. Please send obituaries by email, as contributions sent by post can be difficult to process and check: [email protected] May we remind all contributors to ensure obituaries have been checked with family members before sending to Catena. Please do not send photos of great sentimental value through the post.
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
Granddaughter of Catenian with a first class honours degree Son of Catenian (43) A versatile and solution-focused sales in international business seeks employment. Having already manager / senior account manager with 20 years’ experience gained commercial and retail experience, this candidate has and an adept facility for heading complex operations, leading many business attributes and a hands-on approach that would teams, generating sales revenue, and achieving sustained be of benefit to her employer. Full CV available upon request. success. Open to UK location. S/0920/08 Son of Catenian (47) 60-70 hours per week work ethos, Catenian (55) Experienced, innovative business development especially early morning, in customer services and catering, director / sales director / operations director seeking new could facilitate employment involving essential early morning challenge. Surrey / Kent / London. Successful record of / evening / weekend collaborative working activity in the sales strategies delivery, operational excellence and project business or office world, UK and globally.S/1120/17 management. Expertise in sport / wellbeing / education sectors, but transferable skills and wide experience. B/1220/19 Daughter of Catenian (22) Good joint honours degree in maths and art history. Birmingham based. Interested in graduate schemes in either accountancy or quantity The Catenian Association Group on surveying nationwide. Also interested in work experience LinkedIn, the business-oriented in either accountancy or quantity surveying West Midlands social networking site, exists area. D/1020/06 to assist Brothers and family members in need of careers Catenian solicitor, compliance officer. Numerate, thorough. advice or employment Finance and business problem-solver in largest law firm and opportunities. investment banks plus innovation / IP start-ups. Making things The Group provides careers and simple, simply making things happen. Total business solutions. employment related networking Certainty of results; speed; cost. B/0820/02 opportunities for Brothers and, through them, family members. Son of Catenian (21) recent history graduate from King’s Membership of the Group is closed College, London (2:1 predicted). Interested in legal training and unlisted, i.e. by approval only. contracts, the civil service, and tax audit / accountancy. The Group needs more members in Experience in teaching mathematics at secondary school order to achieve its purpose. Brothers level. Seeking full time employment in Solihull / Birmingham. are urged to open a LinkedIn account, S/0820/06 and to include in their profile as much Daughter of Catenian (22) BE in software engineering relevant information as possible regarding personal qualifications, (information technology) from Athlone Institute of Technology, skills and career experience. Ireland, seeks fulltime employment in the marketing and sales / business field. ROI preferred, but willing to relocate to UK. Brothers with a LinkedIn account can email me if they wish to join D/0820/364 the Group, and I will send them Son of Catenian (23) recently graduated with degree in an invitation. accounting and finance (2:1). Interesting CV. Based in Surrey, but open to relocation. Seeks suitable employment as trainee Andrew Neal investment analyst or similar position. S/0920/19 [email protected]
JANUARY 2021 • CATENA 51 52 CATENA • JANUARY 2021