Source: Catholic Outlook, September 2016
The Castle Hill Circle of The Catenian Association celebrated its 30th anniversary with a dinner on 23 August 2016 at the Hills Lodge Hotel.
The Catenian Association is an international fraternity of Catholic laymen founded in 1908. First established in Australia in 1971, more than 900 Australians are now Catenians and are formed into 31 circles, 10 of which are in the greater Sydney area. Castle Hill Circle is one of the three circles in the Diocese of Parramatta.
The anniversary dinner was attended by 50 Catenians and their wives, including visitors from other circles in the Sydney area, two of whom were founding members of the association in Australia.
Special guests were Very Rev Wim Hoekstra EV, Rev Mick O’Callaghan and Rev Michael Gathuku. The Catenian Australian National President, George Kazs, travelled from Canberra to join the celebration.
A founding member of the circle, Rob Butler, was the occasional speaker. Mr Butler presented an informative address in which he discussed historical evidence and controversies about the birthplace, family and public life of Jesus.
In congratulating the circle on its 30th anniversary, the National President said that for 30 years Castle Hill Circle had offered Catenians and their families opportunities to develop friendships, share experiences and even have some fun.
Like all circles, it had done this by meeting each month to pray, plan social and outreach activities, and doing what Jesus and his disciples so often did – share a meal together.
Mr Kazs said the regular social events with members and their wives had widened and strengthened the friendships that they had formed as Catenians and enriched their family lives.
“Over the years, your circle has made a sustained and significant contribution to the pastoral ministry of the Church in the Diocese of Parramatta, not only by addressing the spiritual and social needs of Catholic laymen, but also by strengthening family life within your parish communities.”
The Castle Hill Circle usually meets from 6.45pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the St Joseph’s Conference Centre, 64 MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills. Further information tel 0418 430 464.
