Please act now to protect family life

Our Catenian motto declares our determination as an organisation to "strengthen family life".  Well, family life is now under threat in a way it has never been before.  I am talking about the Government's proposed legislation to legalise same-sex marriage.  A draft bill could be published imminently so the necessity for us all to take action is urgent.

Yesterday I had the good fortune to attend, along with another member of St John's Pro Life Group, an Information Day for clergy and laity organised by SPUC.  These Days are being held around the country with the aim of informing us about the issues involved and suggesting concrete ways in which we can help the campaign against this bill.  Please do visit our Pro Life website here for more details of what we learned, but in brief some of the main points raised were:

- Gay marriage does not just affect those involved.  No man is an island.  There can be no concept of some sort of "justice" for individuals without taking into account the wider rights of all members of the community.  Gay marriage, which has no procreative potential, breaks down the many familial bonds and responsibilities which result from natural marriage, to the detriment of our social structures and of our self-identity and security as individuals;

- Marriage is not just a religious or social concept.  It is a natural reality which precedes both religion and society and upon which both (throughout the ages) have been structured. No government has the right to arbitrarily redefine it;

- Far more abortions occur outside of marriage than within it.  Therefore marriage has a foundational role in protecting the unborn child (one reason why SPUC has got so involved in this campaign);

- Despite the Government's protestations about freedom of conscience, it cannot be guaranteed under Human Rights legislation that once the equality of all sexual relationships is enshrined in law, professionals such as teachers or pastors who refuse to positively promote same sex marriage will escape monitoring, legal penalties or even the loss of their jobs, as indeed we are beginning to see already;

- What do we want our children taught in schools?  "Gay sex ed" is already creeping insidiously into curricula via an image here, a phrase there, all of which begin to create a certain mindset amongst young people.  Once same sex marriage is legalised this process will escalate;

- Civil unions already provide gay couples with the same legal protections vis-a-vis inheritance and property rights that married couples enjoy.

There are several positive actions we can take and I would suggest that, as Catenians faithful to our motto, we should seriously consider doing so.  First and foremost, lobby and/or write to your MP.  If you haven't yet signed the Coalition for Marriage petition, please do - they are aiming for a million signatures.  Consider leafleting local houses (leaflets available from SPUC here together with useful briefing notes to use when contacting MPs).  We should soon be receiving, in our parishes, postcards issued by the Bishops for parishioners to send to their MPs; could you organise a table at the back of your church where people could sign these and which could then be sent off or hand delivered en masse (to save people putting them down at home and losing them, or being unwilling/unable to pay the postage)?  Parents and grandparents might want to contact their schools.

And of course, above all, pray, pray, pray!

Thank you so very much, from myself and also per pro Bro President Edek.

Happy New Year from Bro President!

Our current Circle President, Bro Edek, would like to wish his Catenian brothers, their families and our Circle widows all the best for 2013.

'A couple of days late, for which I apologise, but I’d like to wish all members of Crawley Circle and any other Catenians reading this – in fact, all our readers! – a very Happy New Year.  Anneli and I sincerely pray that God will bless you and yours richly in 2013.

'As I write, today - 3rd January - is the Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus, that name in which lies the hope, and the only hope, of the salvation of humankind.  It is the name under whose banner the Catenian Association goes forth to witness to our Catholic values in the world, particularly those of our motto – “Strengthening family life through friendship and faith”.  You don’t need me to enumerate here the multitude of ways in which family life is under attack these days, and even friendship can often be founded on quite a superficial basis.  In fact human relationships in general suffer from the onslaught of the individualistic “me” mentality that is so prevalent these days, when it’s all about “self-fulfilment” and “what’s right for me” because (as a major cosmetic company frequently reminds us in order to sell its products) “I’m worth it”.

'The harsh truth, of course, is that in and of our sinful selves we aren’t worth it – or more accurately, we are only worth it insofar as we are God’s beloved children, created and redeemed by Him.  That’s why the “faith” component of our motto is so important; in fact, it’s what gives meaning and orientation to “family life” and “friendship”.  Only through faith in Christ are we truly given the strength to resist the many pressures towards selfishness that society brings to bear on us.  By keeping the Holy Name of Jesus before our eyes we are reorientated outwards, towards God and others, and set free from the prison of self.

'It really helps to have like-minded companions supporting us in our endeavours to live a good Catholic life.  As I mentioned earlier, as the Catenian Association we go forth under the banner of the Holy Name of Jesus.  It’s just that – a banner, not a flag, and as such is not designed to be carried alone!  As we sally forth into 2013, let’s give thanks to God for the Catenian Association and in particular for our own Province and Circle and let’s pray for each other.

'I leave you with a poem that many of you may know (famously quoted by King George VI as part of his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire) but which I think can’t be beaten as an expression of trust in God for the year ahead.'

 
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.  
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

 
 
So heart be still: 
What need our little life 
Our human life to know, 
If God hath comprehension? 
In all the dizzy strife 
Of things both high and low, 
God hideth His intention.

Social Committee Forthcoming Events

2013.
24 January. Meal with the Ladies (after Mass for Deceased Wives and Circle Meeting). Ring-around early January.
21 February. Meal at Silver Wok. Details later.
1 March. "Back to Broadway". Capitol Theatre. Details and booking open soon.
23 March. Saturday Lunch with the Ladies. Venue: Charlie Choys, Crawley. Ring-around early March.

More activities are being planned.

Circle Christmas Dinner 13th December 2012

Before the hungry masses arrive

Meeting old friends

Brothers Mike Georgeson and Peter Newell

Yvonne and Peter Frisby

Brother President sounds the trumpet to welcome the guests

Irene and David Innes

Pauline and Dennis Law

Brother Secretary drives home a point

Brother Gerry demonstrates the hand jive

Dominic Moorhouse and Margaret Brzezina

Kathryn Hayden demonstrates the orange-spotted blowy thing (I)

Kathryn Hayden demonstrates the orange-spotted blowy thing (II)

Post meal relaxation

Did Brother Roy choose his tie to set off the Benemerenti medal?

Brothers Philip Hayden and Roy Martin share a joke

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...

Visit to Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle - 16 October 2012

Our hosts welcome us to the meal

 A party of seven from Crawley Circle visited Worthing & Chanctonbury Circle on what may well be their last meeting as a circle. Because of increasing difficulty in finding people to fill the circle officer positions, they have applied to hand back their charter as a circle and revert to the status of a group.

As far as we could make out, being a group entails less work and more fun - how do we apply?

Brother President Edek tries to think of some jokes for his speech

Brothers Andrew Brzezina and Mike Newman at the end of the table

Our Provincial Counsellor Brother Gerry Lydon gets his chance to speak

Brother President Edek and Brother Andrew consider some weighty points

Clergy Night Photos - 5 October 2012

Follow the links below for a complete set of photos taken during the Clergy Night. The numbers were sadly very much down from last year for a variety of reasons, but a good time was had by all.

If you wish to download an individual photo simply right click on it and select "Save As..."

Set 1
Set 2
Set 3

The palace from the garden side

A party of twenty-two Catenians, family and friends went to visit Buckingham Palace in the afternoon, dodging the torrential rain of the morning. It should have been twenty-five but unfortunately three people were unable to attend at the last minute because of illness.

One of the very helpful staff in her smart uniform

We were not allowed to take photos inside the palace, which was a great pity because there were some amazing things to see. In addition to the State Apartments, the major attraction for this visit was the Jubilee Diamond exhibition. Next time we see a piece of jewellery in a royal portrait we'll be able to say "I've seen that one close up!"

Buy, buy, buy! In the shop after the visit

The Foley Niblick

The whole party (with the exception of Peter Frisby who took the photo)

The 31st annual playing of The Foley Niblick took place on Thursday 6th September. Twenty four players enjoyed the superb weather and most acquitted themselves well on the course. Manus McDermott was the winner of the Niblick and now stands head and shoulders above all previous winners as he has now won for the sixth time!

The Pat McDermott trophy was won by David Tillson of Brighton Circle.

John Byrne won the guests prize and Evelyn Rock won the Ladies prize.

Keen competition on the course transformed to camaraderie in the clubhouse and we were joined by another three brothers and two more guests making a total of twenty nine persons for a most enjoyable lunch.One of the guests was former Brother Mike Butler who was the first winner of"The Foley Niblick" 31 years ago.

As a vehicle for raising funds this was a conspicuous success and with donations from players and others who could not attend and then the famous "Niblick Raffle" we raised £485 for Fr Chris McGuinness in his missionary ministry. A cheque for this amount in Tim Foley's name has been sent.

We would like to pay tribute to the generosity of all those who contributed to this majestic sum. They were superb, particularly in these times of financial austerity.

Objet trouvé

Brother President Edek came across the following the other day. It shows our distinguished Brother Secretary in his heyday:

Blessings to all readers, from Lourdes

The Grotto, peaceful and prayerful at midnight - the best time to visit

Together with our daughter Aila, who has been written about elsewhere on this blog, I was privileged to be part of the Arundel & Brighton Pilgrimage to Lourdes this summer: where all Catenians, especially Crawley Circle, and blog readers were remembered in prayer.  It was a truly amazing experience and I would warmly encourage anyone and everyone to go, whether as a helper or able pilgrim (or, of course, a "VIP" as the sick or disabled are known).  The care, the consideration, the fellowship and the spirituality cannot really be described - if you can, do go and experience it for yourself.  I cannot thank enough the amazing helpers of all ages, who anticipated Aila's every need and who enabled her to have a week that was not only spiritual and healing but also great fun!

At the Lourdes Family Group
fancy dress party, Bishop
Kieran proves that a holy week
can also be a fun one!

Whilst Aila did not "pick up her mat and walk", the growth in her confidence and happiness after a very difficult year were nothing short of miraculous - thank you, Our Lady of Lourdes!  She is now in a much better place psychologically from which to tackle the autumn term, which swill see her not only back in education but at a new college, now as a wheelchair user.  We are thankful also that the building work on our disabled house adaptations is coming on apace and hopefully should be finished in about three weeks' time.  There are still expenses to be incurred with decorating and equipping the new spaces (and the newly modified old ones) but we are so very grateful to everyone who has supported us and Aila's Fund in any way and enabled this life-changing work to happen.  This includes the Crawley Catenian Circle both as an official Group and as individuals.  Thank you and God bless.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory, 

do not forget the sorrows of this earth. 

Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering,

struggling against difficulties,

with their lips constantly pressed against life's bitter cup.

Have pity on those who love each other and are separated.

Have pity on our rebellious hearts.

Have pity on our weak faith.

Have pity on those we love.

Have pity on those who weep,

on those who pray,

on those who fear.

Grant hope and peace to all.

AMEN

Visit to Nymans Gardens 13 August

I would like to take the liberty of adding a few words to Bro Mark's excellent set of photos below in order to celebrate a lovely trip out. With apologies, I haven't much erudite to say about all the historical and horticultural details that our guide Valerie entertained us with - they were excellent, and very interestingly presented, but unfortunately I don't trust myself to report them accurately.  Perhaps someone else can help!

I would, however, encourage any readers who get the opportunity of a guided tour of Nymans Gardens to jump at the chance.  Perhaps - like Bro Edek and myself and probably most of us who went along on Monday - you have visited Nymans many times before, but it is a different experience when you have someone explaining the background of the place to you.  Everything came alive with quite another significance, even beyond the obvious natural beauty we had enjoyed so many times before.  Well done and thank you Valerie!

During our stroll around the Gardens we learned a great deal about the horticultural approach of Nymans' gardeners both past and present and about the architectural history of the house (which in my ignorance I had always supposed to be a genuine medieval/Elizabethan structure!!).  We were shown how the present Head Gardener is trying to restore the Garden to something closer to its original vision, which has required some pulling up and thinning out but all to very good effect.  The afternoon was mostly dry although our little group did blossom forth with a display of umbrellas once or twice (well this was an English country garden in the summer, after all.)  Wide views across the Weald provided a stunning backdrop to our walk. 

We finished up with tea and excellent cakes in Nyman's cafe.  All in all a very pleasant afternoon - "time well spent" indeed.  Thank you National Trust, Nymans and Bro Mark!

Setting out, full of energy

Brother Peter shows his sensitive side

Our excellent guide Valerie

Ooh! Come and feel... it really is spongy!

Valerie shows us "The Puddle", which hopefully will be restored
to a lily-bearing garden pond once a troublesome leak is dealt with

A welcome break and a chance to enjoy the scenery

A house that was not all it seemed

Amazingly, Nymans'  extensive beds of annuals
are all planted out in one day!  The choice of date
is determined by the lunar calendar, which in turn
determines the height of the water table

The umbrellas blossom