If you have any news, articles or photos you would like to contribute please Email: Contact Us Bromley Catenians
Annual Deceased Mass
The photo below shows Sally and Caroline our lovely musicians helping us to celebrate at the Annual Deceased Mass for our members and families in November this year.
Visit to Cork 600th Meeting: October 2023
Brother Duncan Aitkins with wife Marian and Brother John Power with wife Val visited the Cork Circle on 14th October 2023 to celebrate their Circle's 600th meeting and attended the Catenian Memory Mass at Holy Family.
A commemorative scroll was presented to Brother Peter Rogers President of the Cork Circle by Brother Duncan and John. Cork circle have confirmed it will be displayed at all their Circle Meetings.
Photographs by Paul Abbott
Bromley Circle welcomed a new member Ales Vochyan to join the Catenians.
In the photo below Ales is welcomed by Peter Coward Provincial President, and Joe Duffy, Circle President and past GBNC President Roger Lillie. More information can be found in the October 2023 Newsletter.
Marian and Duncan joined Blackheath Tea Party
Marian and Duncan joined Blackheath Tea Party kindly hosted by Carlyn Galvin and her daughter Sarah. It was a glorious hot day in July 2023 within the grounds of Carlyn’s beautiful house in Ightham near Sevenoaks.
CLERGY LUNCH MAY 2023
CERTIFICATE of CELEBRATION: BROTHER RoGER LILLIE
Brother Roger Lillie was presented with a Certificate in recognition of his tenure as the GBNC National President from 2022 to 2023. This special accolade was bestowed upon him by the Bromley Circle. The presentation took place during the AGM held in Sheffield in 2023, with Brother Duncan Aitkins having the privilege of presenting the certificate to Brother Roger Lillie.
THE CATENIan bursary fund
Every year the Fund supports young Catholics from all over the world who volunteer to do something wonderful and help those less fortunate than themselves. Whether this is on an individual project, or with others – or even if you are planning to travel to Lourdes or on the Jumbulance to help an assisted pilgrim.
Click here for a link to The Catenian Bursary website with the full list of acceptance criteria plus useful tips on how to successfully pitch your project.
Click here for a link to The Catenian Bursary website with the full list of acceptance criteria plus useful tips on how to successfully pitch your project.
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Click on the link to see details and winners from the 2022 Public Speaking Competition: Public Speaking Competition 2022.
The 2023 National Final will be held on 10th September 2023 at the Manchester Conference Centre with the first speech at 1.30pm.
The 2023 National Final will be held on 10th September 2023 at the Manchester Conference Centre with the first speech at 1.30pm.
Hastings & Bexhill Circle: Citation of Excellence
Bro. Duncan from Bromley Circle presenting Bro. Nigel Feast, Circle President of Hastings & Bexhill Circle, with a Citation of Excellence on the Circle’s Centenary celebrations.
"Thank you to you and to your Brothers and Fr. Victor for joining our lunch. It was a surprise and a delight for us all to receive the very special framed citation. It will be valued. Thank you for the generous thought and gift"
"Thank you to you and to your Brothers and Fr. Victor for joining our lunch. It was a surprise and a delight for us all to receive the very special framed citation. It will be valued. Thank you for the generous thought and gift"
Photos FROM Various Catenian Events over the years
SILVER JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF DIACONATE: Brother DEACON Duncan
Dear Brothers,
I am writing to thank all those Brothers and their Ladies for joining me on my Silver Jubilee on Tuesday evening at St Joseph’s. It was good to have you there supporting me and my family. Some of you were there from the beginning 25 years ago and it seems a very long time since those days. We were blessed with a beautiful Mass and singing with the choir including, Maddie, my granddaughter’s solo despite Fr Kevin’s slight intervention.
My grateful thanks to you all, as these celebrations are enhanced by others who come and participate and it was good to welcome a number of ex-Catenians, after all our faith is open to all and it is our Baptism that joins us together at the end of the day. Many of you probably unexpectedly found yourself in the middle of a history lesson, which was an interesting insight into the early years of the Church and illuminating on the birth of the diaconate not to mention an insight into the contents of the Koran and the influence of St Ephrem, (some study material there!!)
It was also wonderful to renew friendships with many old friends from the parish many names failed me that night but, I was humbled that they cared to come and support me after all those years of absence.
Thank you for the cards and gifts with my grateful thanks; and you may wonder why there were two cakes!! A very generous parishioner from my current parish prepared a wonderful cake again completely unexpectedly which was a generous gesture which made me feel very unworthy!! Maddie however, made her mark; and is now considering a transfer request from the choir!!
God bless you all.
Duncan Below are some photos from Brother Duncan's Silver Jubilee Anniversary of his Diaconate
I am writing to thank all those Brothers and their Ladies for joining me on my Silver Jubilee on Tuesday evening at St Joseph’s. It was good to have you there supporting me and my family. Some of you were there from the beginning 25 years ago and it seems a very long time since those days. We were blessed with a beautiful Mass and singing with the choir including, Maddie, my granddaughter’s solo despite Fr Kevin’s slight intervention.
My grateful thanks to you all, as these celebrations are enhanced by others who come and participate and it was good to welcome a number of ex-Catenians, after all our faith is open to all and it is our Baptism that joins us together at the end of the day. Many of you probably unexpectedly found yourself in the middle of a history lesson, which was an interesting insight into the early years of the Church and illuminating on the birth of the diaconate not to mention an insight into the contents of the Koran and the influence of St Ephrem, (some study material there!!)
It was also wonderful to renew friendships with many old friends from the parish many names failed me that night but, I was humbled that they cared to come and support me after all those years of absence.
Thank you for the cards and gifts with my grateful thanks; and you may wonder why there were two cakes!! A very generous parishioner from my current parish prepared a wonderful cake again completely unexpectedly which was a generous gesture which made me feel very unworthy!! Maddie however, made her mark; and is now considering a transfer request from the choir!!
God bless you all.
Duncan Below are some photos from Brother Duncan's Silver Jubilee Anniversary of his Diaconate
FROM THE ARCHIVES...
Below is a photo of members of Bromley Circle in the late 1960’s at a 5-a-side football Provincial competition with Bernard Gillespie at middle of the back row - winners of the competition!
IN REMEMBRANCE - BROTHER JOHN RAYNER
It is a very sad time to announce the passing of a past Grand President Brother John Rayer of Swanley Circle in Province 7 and Kent Catenians.
John brought the Annual Conference to London in 2012 in his presidential year and has been devoted ever since to developing new Catenian Circles in India.
He fell ill in January this year with MND and sadly his illness worsened and he passed away on Friday 9th July 2022.
His legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
John brought the Annual Conference to London in 2012 in his presidential year and has been devoted ever since to developing new Catenian Circles in India.
He fell ill in January this year with MND and sadly his illness worsened and he passed away on Friday 9th July 2022.
His legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
Westerham BrewerY: Friday 1st July 2022
Photo of Val, Gill, John and Tom on their visit to the Westerham Brewery on a Friday evening.
Look out for further details of future events; and please let the Circle know, if you know of a venue which may be suitable.
Look out for further details of future events; and please let the Circle know, if you know of a venue which may be suitable.
Kirkham Cup Competition at Swale Circle on 14th June 2022
The photo below is of Brother Joe taking part in the Kirkham Cup Competition at Swale Circle on 14th June 2022 where he represented Bromley Circle at this Provincial Speaking competition, together with a photograph of all the Speakers.
It was an excellent talk by Joe and pipped to the post by Sevenoaks Circle, who will host the competition in 2023.
It was an excellent talk by Joe and pipped to the post by Sevenoaks Circle, who will host the competition in 2023.
Prayer for the Queen
From David Baldam, GB National Secretary:
As we are all aware Her Majesty the Queen will celebrate her 70th Jubilee in June. To recognise this momentous occasion as an Association, and on behalf of David Arundale GB National President, and Roger Lillie GB National President Elect, we would like to ask all Circles to include a special prayer for the Queen in their opening prayers at their June meeting. Please find below the prayer that has been specially composed by John Hamilton, immediate past President of Brooklands Circle and an ordained deacon.
Prayer for HM the Queen:
Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift to our nation and the Commonwealth, of your anointed servant Elizabeth our Queen:
for her 70 years of inspirational, loyal and devoted service;
for her public witness to her Christian Faith; and
for her humble acceptance of duty in good times and bad.
We implore your blessing upon her in these her later years, for good health, courage and wisdom, through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever, Amen.
As we are all aware Her Majesty the Queen will celebrate her 70th Jubilee in June. To recognise this momentous occasion as an Association, and on behalf of David Arundale GB National President, and Roger Lillie GB National President Elect, we would like to ask all Circles to include a special prayer for the Queen in their opening prayers at their June meeting. Please find below the prayer that has been specially composed by John Hamilton, immediate past President of Brooklands Circle and an ordained deacon.
Prayer for HM the Queen:
Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift to our nation and the Commonwealth, of your anointed servant Elizabeth our Queen:
for her 70 years of inspirational, loyal and devoted service;
for her public witness to her Christian Faith; and
for her humble acceptance of duty in good times and bad.
We implore your blessing upon her in these her later years, for good health, courage and wisdom, through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever, Amen.
STAND WITH UKRAINE
Mark Ralph well known ex-parishioner of St Joseph’s Church, Bromley and a good friend of many Bromley Circle Brothers has organised a ‘gofundme’ project to bring as many refugees out of Ukraine. You can read more about this on page 2 of the March Newsletter.
If you would like to help visit: Go Fund Me: Help us deliver Ukrainians to safety in W Europe
If you would like to help visit: Go Fund Me: Help us deliver Ukrainians to safety in W Europe
Brother Phil Kenton has had an email from his nephew who is a diplomat based in Brussels, who is now attached to the NATO Embassy to work on the Ukraine situation. His Lithuanian wife is volunteering at the Midi railway station welcoming displaced people, some of who hope to reach the UK. If you come across prospective hosts who need to demonstrate to the government that they know the people they want to sponsor, I can put them in touch with her so that contact can be established.
Please contact Duncan who can put you in touch with Phil.
Please contact Duncan who can put you in touch with Phil.
|
CATENA
Catena is the official magazine of the Catenian Association. With around 10,000 readers in print and online the magazine keeps Catenians around the world informed and in touch. If your email address is registered with head office then details of how to access Catena online will be sent to you. If you have not received an invitation, please contact me. The On-line version is very good indeed and well worth subscribing and very easy to read on screen with Flickread. |
Shop at smile.amazon.co.uk and they'll donate to Catenian Association Bursary Fund, at no cost to you: When you do your shopping with Amazon, there is now a way, at no expense to yourselves or to the Charity, a small contribution can be triggered giving benefit to the Catenian Bursary Fund, courtesy of the Amazon Smile foundation.
Amazon Smile is a website operated by Amazon with exactly the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Bursary Fund. You just need to log on: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1081143-0 to register and agree to shop for the Fund’s benefit.
If you are already an Amazon customer you will find it is very simple. If not you will need to register with Amazon. When you are on the Amazon Smile site ensure you search and select "Catenian Association Bursary Fund". Ensure this is mentioned each time you shop. You will get an initial e mail confirming you are giving the Fund the benefit.
July 2022 Update: Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited recently received a quarterly donation of £142.35 from AmazonSmile, thanks to customers shopping with AmazonSmile (details above). To date, Amazon has donated a total of £1,487.08 to Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited.
Amazon Smile is a website operated by Amazon with exactly the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Bursary Fund. You just need to log on: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1081143-0 to register and agree to shop for the Fund’s benefit.
If you are already an Amazon customer you will find it is very simple. If not you will need to register with Amazon. When you are on the Amazon Smile site ensure you search and select "Catenian Association Bursary Fund". Ensure this is mentioned each time you shop. You will get an initial e mail confirming you are giving the Fund the benefit.
July 2022 Update: Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited recently received a quarterly donation of £142.35 from AmazonSmile, thanks to customers shopping with AmazonSmile (details above). To date, Amazon has donated a total of £1,487.08 to Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited.
50 YEARS CELEBRATIONS
Celebrating Brother Willie Britto (ex Norwood) and now Beckenham Circle celebrating his 50 years of Catenian membership held at City of London Circle in February 2022.
Past Grand President Joe McNally presented Willie with his scroll and Duncan and Mike Nestor (ex Norwood Circle) in the photo.
Read more about this celebration on page 3 of the March Newsletter.
Celebrating Brother Willie Britto (ex Norwood) and now Beckenham Circle celebrating his 50 years of Catenian membership held at City of London Circle in February 2022.
Past Grand President Joe McNally presented Willie with his scroll and Duncan and Mike Nestor (ex Norwood Circle) in the photo.
Read more about this celebration on page 3 of the March Newsletter.
Some photos from the archives!
Photo Eastbourne Conference Ball
|
Photo Hereford Provincial Weekend
Photo Droitwich Visit
|
Brother Duncan as Provincial President during his Presidency in 2012-13 visiting Blackheath Circle and making presentations to various Brothers of the Circle for their outstanding service to Province 7.
|
|
|
Visit of Provincial President to Bromley Circle in 2019 to commemorate Trafalgar Day 21st October 2019
President Chris Cava handing over small ‘tack’ to Provincial President Brother Michael Reidy
NB: (Sailors would eat hard tack, a biscuit made from flour, water and salt, and stews thickened with water. In contrast, captains and officers would eat freshly baked bread, meat from live chickens and pigs, and had supplements such as spices, flour, sugar, butter, canned milk and alcohol.)
President Chris Cava handing over small ‘tack’ to Provincial President Brother Michael Reidy
NB: (Sailors would eat hard tack, a biscuit made from flour, water and salt, and stews thickened with water. In contrast, captains and officers would eat freshly baked bread, meat from live chickens and pigs, and had supplements such as spices, flour, sugar, butter, canned milk and alcohol.)
|
|
Memorial Mass for deceased Brothers and their families
November 2021
November 2021
Novena to Our Lady of Good Remedy
We can use this prayer for anyone who needs help, or is sick, ill or in any other difficulty (click on the file to the right): |
| ||
Little Amal: The Walk - July to November 2021
One little girl. One BIG hope.
One little girl. One BIG hope.
To see Amal's journey and for more information click here: The Journey - The Walk
Little Amal, a young refugee, has embarked on a remarkable journey – an epic voyage that is taking her across Turkey, across Europe. To find her mother. To get back to school. To start a new life. Will the world let her? Can she achieve what now seems more impossible than ever?
In 2021, from the Syria-Turkey border all the way to the UK, The Walk is bringing together celebrated artists, major cultural institutions, community groups and humanitarian organisations, creating one of the most innovative and adventurous public artworks ever attempted.
At the heart of The Walk is ‘Little Amal’, a 3.5 metre-tall puppet of a young refugee girl, created by the acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company. Representing all displaced children, many separated from their families, Little Amal is travelling over 8,000km embodying the urgent message “Don’t forget about us”.
Little Amal welcomed at Westminster Cathedral: Click on the file below to see Amal's visit to Westminster Cathedral
In 2021, from the Syria-Turkey border all the way to the UK, The Walk is bringing together celebrated artists, major cultural institutions, community groups and humanitarian organisations, creating one of the most innovative and adventurous public artworks ever attempted.
At the heart of The Walk is ‘Little Amal’, a 3.5 metre-tall puppet of a young refugee girl, created by the acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company. Representing all displaced children, many separated from their families, Little Amal is travelling over 8,000km embodying the urgent message “Don’t forget about us”.
Little Amal welcomed at Westminster Cathedral: Click on the file below to see Amal's visit to Westminster Cathedral
.Clergy Lunch Photos: 22 September 2021
Brother Duncan hosted Bromley Circle's Clergy Lunch at The Chancery Beckenham with 5 Clergy from Bromley Deanery and Bromley Brothers and their Ladies. For more information on the event read the latest Bromley Circle Newsletter
Brother Duncan hosted Bromley Circle's Clergy Lunch at The Chancery Beckenham with 5 Clergy from Bromley Deanery and Bromley Brothers and their Ladies. For more information on the event read the latest Bromley Circle Newsletter
In the foreground Fr Arbo on his return from the States:
Brother Duncan and Fr James Periero and Bother Tom:
Brother Duncan having presented flowers to all our Ladies who had graced us with their presence:
Brother Duncan with Gill May and Bridget Daley
|
it was a pleasure to have Mary Jackson join us with her husband George having travelled from Meopham in Kent
|
|
|
|
Brother Duncan with Gill May, Bridget Daley and his better half Marian
|
Brother Duncan with Fr Bryan Well and Bryan's good lady Teresa
|
Brother Duncan with Mary and John Dutton his SVP visitors; turned out they knew many Catenians having been neighbours to Gill and Tom May previously, and Mary knew Fr Bryan Wells as she was school Secretary of Bishop Challoner school, Beckenham, where Fr Bryan had taught some years ago. It was good to have them with us. Duncan
September 2021:
Brother Duncan presenting Brother Peter Matthews, President of Wallasey Circle together with Margaret, his good lady, a special citation of Excellence on the Circle’s great achievement on reaching their 100 years membership in the Association.
Brother Duncan presenting Brother Peter Matthews, President of Wallasey Circle together with Margaret, his good lady, a special citation of Excellence on the Circle’s great achievement on reaching their 100 years membership in the Association.
September 2021:
Duncan attended Tranmere Rovers at home after a visit to Wallasey Circle’s centenary celebration. Read more about this in the September Newsletter.
Duncan attended Tranmere Rovers at home after a visit to Wallasey Circle’s centenary celebration. Read more about this in the September Newsletter.
Ian Taylor's 50th Anniversary with Maidstone Circle - August 2021
Members from Bromley Circle visited Maidstone Circle Monday 9th August to celebrate Ian Taylor's 50th Anniversary of his membership with Maidstone Circle. Duncan presented Ian with a Citation of Excellence.
Members from Bromley Circle visited Maidstone Circle Monday 9th August to celebrate Ian Taylor's 50th Anniversary of his membership with Maidstone Circle. Duncan presented Ian with a Citation of Excellence.
Duncan Aitkins awarded an MA in Catholic Social Teaching - July 2021
In July Duncan attended St Mary’s University, Twickenham on his graduation with an MA in Catholic Social Teaching. Read more about this in the August 2021 Newsletter.
In July Duncan attended St Mary’s University, Twickenham on his graduation with an MA in Catholic Social Teaching. Read more about this in the August 2021 Newsletter.
Julia and Barry Mellish 50th Wedding Anniversary - July 2021
Congratulations to Julia and Barry as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2021
Congratulations to Julia and Barry as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2021
corona virus
Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others. The latest advice and information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
From member of the Stanford hospital board. This is their feedback on Corona virus:
The new Coronavirus may not show sign of infection for many days. How can one know if he/she is infected? By the time they have fever and/or cough and go to the hospital, the lung is usually 50% Fibrosis and it's too late.
Taiwan experts provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning:
Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stiffness or tightness, etc., it proves there is no Fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicates no infection. In critical time, please self-check every morning in an environment with clean air.
Serious excellent advice by Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases:
Everyone should ensure your mouth & throat are moist, never dry. Take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. Why? Even if the virus gets into your mouth, drinking water or other liquids will wash them down through your throat and into the stomach. Once there, your stomach acid will kill all the virus. If you don't drink enough water more regularly, the virus can enter your windpipe and into the lungs. That's very dangerous.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - CORONAVIRUS:
THE SYMPTOMS:
SHARE WITH FAMILY and FRIENDS
From member of the Stanford hospital board. This is their feedback on Corona virus:
The new Coronavirus may not show sign of infection for many days. How can one know if he/she is infected? By the time they have fever and/or cough and go to the hospital, the lung is usually 50% Fibrosis and it's too late.
Taiwan experts provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning:
Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stiffness or tightness, etc., it proves there is no Fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicates no infection. In critical time, please self-check every morning in an environment with clean air.
Serious excellent advice by Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases:
Everyone should ensure your mouth & throat are moist, never dry. Take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. Why? Even if the virus gets into your mouth, drinking water or other liquids will wash them down through your throat and into the stomach. Once there, your stomach acid will kill all the virus. If you don't drink enough water more regularly, the virus can enter your windpipe and into the lungs. That's very dangerous.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - CORONAVIRUS:
- If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold 2.
- Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
- This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.
- If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
- If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours - so if you come into contact with any metal surface - wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
- On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
- Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
- Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but - a lot can happen during that time - you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
- You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
- Can't emphasis enough - drink plenty of water!
THE SYMPTOMS:
- 1. It will first infect the throat, so you'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days
- The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
- With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
- The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you're drowning. It's imperative you then seek immediate attention.
SHARE WITH FAMILY and FRIENDS
Our past President Chris Cava and his good lady Mary being presented with gifts from the circle to recognise their Presidentila Year 2017-2018.
Visit of National President and presentations of 50 year and 40 year Certificates to Brotheres Roy Parker and Joe Duffy.
Presentations of 50 year Scroll to Roy Parker, 40 Year Scroll to Joe Duffy and presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to National President Peter Rogers
Letter from Phil Brown, National Vice President to Brother President John
FROM THE ARCHIVES
