Food, Ladies and Vocations

Not necessarily in that order, of course!

Last month's Catenian meeting, held on Thursday 22 November at Goffs Park hotel, was doubly special (well in this scribe's humble opinion anyway).  Not only was it followed by a buffet at which members were joined by wives and widows, but we were also privileged that our Circle chaplain Fr Terry Martin joined us to receive a donation made by the Province towards vocations work in the diocese.

Bro Provincial President looking
delighted with his win in the raffle!
With him is his lovely wife Mary

Crawley Circle holds a meal at which the ladies join the gentlemen four times a year; this has in the past always been after a regular Circle meeting, but recently we have decided to try making two of the occasions a weekend lunch at a local pub or restaurant.  One such lunch was held in September and was voted a success.  On this occasion we met, as traditional, after the meeting, with the ladies enjoying wine and soft drinks whilst the gentlemen were about their Brotherly business.  These meals are greatly enjoyed by all and, as the Other Half of a Catenian Brother, I appreciate both meeting up with the other ladies and also feeling included in the life of the Circle.  Occasions like this reflect that the activities of the Catenian Association are so much wider and more inclusive than just the monthly meetings, central though those are.

I believe our Circle is unusual in having its own Chaplain.  Fr Terry Martin was an obvious choice as he has been a priest in the parishes of both Crawley and Horsham, where most of our Brothers live and worship.  He is currently Vocations Director for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton and lives in Crawley.  These personal connections and the longstanding interest of the Catenian Association in supporting vocations work mean that Fr Terry is doubly valued by our Circle.

Bro Provincial President and
Fr Terry with our donation
towards vocations work

After Goffs Park had provided us with their usual tasty standard of catering, we were pleased to host a presentation made by another special guest - Provincial President Joe Fackler (of Seaford Circle), who we were delighted to welcome along together with his equally special wife Mary.  On behalf of the Province, Bro Provincial President Joe gave Fr Terry a cheque for £1,000 to support his dedicated and enthusiastic vocations work.

All in all an evening that was sociable, enjoyable and meaningful all in one!  The fun will continue this week when we have our Circle Christmas dinner... get those glad rags out again...