Annual Mass for Deceased Brothers

The Mass for Deceased Brothers was held on Sunday 23 February at Chilworth Abbey and was conducted by Fr Dunstan. In his Homily, Fr Dunstan spoke about the importance of the work of our deceased brothers in building up our Circle. He raised the issue of whether their wives should also be remembered at the Mass.

At the lunch, Fr Dunstan started by saying that currently there were more people alive today, than who were dead. After this attention grabbing statement, he then said that Google and other research mechanisms disproved that statement and, in fact, more people were dead than were currently alive and that would always be the case. 

He then observed that there were more dead brothers than current living ones. This was obviously somewhat of a guess as we currently pray for 40 odd dead brothers and the Guildford Circle is 60+ strong. Nevertheless, it will inevitably and sadly be  true. He also spoke about there only being 1,000 religious bodies, excluding diocesan priests, in England and Wales, many fewer than had lived. Fr Dunstan then spoke about them being like the Jedi and the smaller they got, the more powerful they became.

Following Mass, the party of over 40 brothers, ladies and widows, made their way to Guildford Golf Club for lunch. As you will see from the photographs, it was a very enjoyable occasion.

Fr Dunstan addressing the diners

A Captive Audience!

Fr Dunstan making his attention grabbing statement!

Bro. President, Andy Fogell, creating some humour!

Thanks from Bro. President to all for their support!

Cats and Dogs

On Friday 14th February, nine brothers and ladies plus two dogs, embarked on a three mile walk. It commenced at the house of Hazel Foulks in Sandy Lane, Farnham and continued around Frensham Little Pond. The weather, according to Bro. Dave Caush, was fine but the conditions were rather muddy. The intrepid walkers included Maureen Shortland who in spite of her medical condition, put on a brave face and kept up with the pack!

Bro. Dave had planned the walk to return via the local ford in order to remove the mud from everyone's boots not to mention the dogs! The group then drove to Tilford where they were joined by Hazel for an enjoyable lunch at The Duke of Cambridge Pub.

Front from left: Barbara Dale; Michael & Maureen Shortland; Patricia McHugh; Brian Jenkins. Rear from left: Tony Clark; Martin McHugh; Steve Rowden; Dave Caush

A Cat's Dog!

February 2020 Circle Meeting

The 725th meeting of the Guildford Catenian Circle took place on 5th February at Guildford Golf Club. There were 48 Guildford Brothers in attendance together with 2 Visiting Brothers: Bro. David Walsh of Epsom Circle and Bro. Chris Devereau also of Epsom and formerly a member of Guildford Circle. There were also 2 Visiting Gentlemen; Laurence Kelly and Jason Saliba. 

On this occasion there were no visiting Clergy and Guildford's Deacon Bro. Paul Page-Tickell assumed the Eclesiastical duties. Before Grace was said, Bro. PP-T posed the question as to whether the 'Amen' should be said after Grace before Meal. He made the case that to do so effectively terminated the prayer and that the 'Amen' should only be said following Grace after Meal in order to have continuity from the blessing of the food before it is eaten to the thanks expressed in Grace after Meal. From memory, there were no comments made by any of the brothers to refute this and after a modest amount of research, I could find nothing to substantiate it.

Following the meeting which commenced promptly at 7.30 pm, 52 diners made their way, via the bar, to the restaurant. Later after dinner, Bro. Marketing Officer, Daniel Lintott, gave a presentation on Catenian awareness.

Serendipity! An unattended pint!

New style table mats!

Don't fret Visiting Gentleman Laurence, you can sit next to me!

Shall I or shall I not say Amen after Grace before Meal?

Here goes!

He didn't say Amen!

He didn't say Amen!

I always say amen after Grace before Meal!

No, the Amen is only said after Grace after Meal!

Who cares!!

I could have sworn I had a full glass!

Bro. President welcoming everyone including Visiting Brothers and Visiting Gentlemen

Response from Visiting Bro. David Walsh

Top Table with Bro. David Walsh also 'Prodical' Bro. Chris Devereau

Tucking in!

Hurry up, I think Grace after Meal is imminent!

Grace after Meal. AMEN!

It was then time for Marketing Officer Bro. Daniel Lintott to make a visual presentation on Raising awareness of the Catenian Association 

The Presentation!

The Intention!

The Expectation!

The Situation!

The Solution!

Consideration!

Dealcoholisation!

I'll drink to that!

As discussed during the February meeting, some brothers are not receiving the email 'alert' informing them that there is a new posting on the Blog. Every posting displays a box on top right hand side above which are the words: 'Follow Guildford Catenians Blog by Email'. 

Those brothers wishing to receive an email should enter their email address in the box. That is assuming, of course, those brothers log onto the Guildford website in the first place! www.guildfordcatenians.org.uk

Click on Blog 3rd in from left in menu at top of page

Enter email address in box

Finally, for those who are receiving the email please remember it is only an 'alert'. The best viewing of the Blog is online as the email version generally distorts the layout and the quality isn't as good. 

In addition, the newly upgraded blog provides the opportunity to access many other aspects of Catenian life such as photographs, membership and events/calendar.