Hail to all, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation

This being the blogsite of an organisation dedicated (as I love to repeat) to "strengthening family life through friendship and faith", we cannot let the Solemnity of the Annunciation go by without a mention!  This day marks the beginning of the Incarnation and of our final, definitive salvation - and that salvation takes place within the context of a family, the Holy Family.  What clearer indication do we need of God's will, not only that the family (based on the marriage of a man and a woman) should be the foundation of our society and of our growth as individual Christians, but that "family" is the context in which we should see the Church and all Christian organisations?

So - to my brothers and sisters in Christ, a very Happy Feast Day!

View from the Verandah

View from the verandah

While Anneli holds the fort so well, your Editor is busy doing nothing in the Queensland outback - the little town of Springsure to be exact - waiting for his daughter to produce his second grandchild.

The first thing that happened here after we arrived was a race meeting organized by the local Catholic church for the whole community - yes, real horses, not battery powered ones! Everyone in the area attended and they were all dressed up to the nines - the women as for a wedding, the men in smart Akubra hats.

I think it must be the friendliest place on earth. Everyone knows my daughter, who is the local physio, and I can't go anywhere without getting into conversation with someone.

The cliff at the right of the hills in the distance is called The Virgin's Rock, because there is a rock formation which looks exactly like the Madonna and child. As you'll have gathered the Catholic presence is strong here.

Thinking of you all!

Kind hospitality from Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle

Three members of Crawley Circle and two ladies enjoyed a night out at the Windsor Hotel in Worthing yesterday, courtesy of Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle.  Bro Mike Newman, Bro Peter Mullarky, Anne Mullarky and Bro Edek and myself were treated to generous hospitality and had a very pleasant evening indeed.  We were delighted that Bro Philip Gidman, a member of course of Crawley Circle as well as of Worthing & Chanctonbury, and Mrs Arleen Gidman were also present.

Each year Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle hosts a "Ladies' Night" meeting and dinner to which all the incoming Presidents of the Province are invited.  It's an excellent way for those about to take on the office to swap notes, receive advice and generally be bolstered up!  As outgoing Worthing & Chanctonbury President Bro Neville de Moraes pointed out in his Welcome to visiting brothers and guests, it's also a nice opportunity for incoming Presidents' wives to get to know a few faces and names from other Circles.

One of those poised to take up his Presidency was Bro Joe Fackler of Seaford Circle, who will be stepping up to the plate as Provincial President.  I don't know if he's at all daunted at the prospect but he seemed very relaxed as he responded to Bro Neville on behalf of visiting brothers and guests; he'll evidently be taking the upcoming year in his stride!

The only slightly negative note sounded during a fabulous evening came when Past President Bro Philip Gidman stood up to present the New Members' Cup for the past year (won by Hastings with three new members).  Crawley Circle had come joint second with Arundel, both achieving two new members.  Bro Philip drew a contrast between these figures and those achieved in neighbouring Provinces such as West London.  Figures in the north of the country tended to be higher generally than in the south-east and demonstrated that the Catenian Association is not - as it can sometimes be tempting to think in this part of the country - on the decline, but still very much a relevant and attractive organisation for modern men and their families.  It was time, Bro Philip suggested, to think seriously about how we can "up the ante" in our Province during the year ahead and get some fresh faces on board.

There's a challenge, not only for our new Presidents but for all Catenians and - as Bro Neville pointed out - their ladies too!  I'm sure it's one we can rise to.  Let's see how many more people we can introduce to the sort of friendly, generous and thoroughly Catholic fellowship that the five of us enjoyed last night.  Thank you very much Worthing & Chanctonbury.

Aila's Fund - little ways to help that make a big difference

As I have mentioned before, your VP (now soon to be President - gulp!) has a 16 year old daughter suffering from a disabling neurological condition, meaning that major house adaptations have to be made consisting of an extension to provide her with a downstairs bedroom and bathroom/WC.  Edek and I are looking at needing to raise £16,000+ towards this and have already been shown much kindness, generosity and support which is hugely appreciated.

There are a couple of ways in which anyone who would like to help can do so - small things but they are of enormous help.  Firstly, we have launched a "Buy A Brick" scheme.  For £5 you can buy one brick, for £12 three, for £20 five and then multiples thereof.  A very concrete way to be a part of Aila's future!

Secondly, we have silicone wristbands which are available for £1 each (plus 58p postage for up to five bands).  They come in red, blue, pink, teal and purple and in two sizes (the smaller size being most suitable for children and young teenagers).  Charity wristbands such as these are very popular and widely worn so do consider perhaps getting one or two for the cool young members of your family (or for the cool more mature ones come to that)!

Bricks and bracelets can both be purchased over at http://stjohnsprolife.blogspot.co.uk/p/ailas-fund.html where there is a "donate" button, or give me a ring on 01403 241859.

On Aila's behalf, thank you so very much.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Happy feast day to all Catenians of Irish descent - I'm sure you'll be celebrating tonight as only the Irish know how!  Particularly remembering Louise and Roy Martin who, as talented musicians, are hosting a St Patrick's Night evening of music and song in St John's Church hall in Horsham.  All proceeds will go to AVOCA, a charity which helps South Americans improve the quality of their lives through social and environmental projects.  I'm sure Crawley is going to see its share of festivities too!

St Patrick, pray for us.