High calibre practising Roman Catholic "Visiting Gentlemen" enhance Southend on Sea Catenian Circle's Dinner

 We had an excellent Catenian meeting last night. It was great to meet up with the brothers after a month and catch up on how everyone has been. We meet every month at the Park View Suite, who always do us proud with a wonderful dinner, and last night was certainly no exception, with a sumptuous three course meal, brushcetta, followed by roast lamb and chocolate souffle with mint ice-cream.

Lots of visiting gentlemen from  Chelmsford's Catenian Circle and Steve Webb was also present, director of Brentwood Catholic Children's Society.

Steve Webb with Archbishop Vincent Nichols

Brentwood Catholic Children's Society provides counseling for children and young adults up to the age of eighteen, regardless of their beliefs, together with their families, who could be experiencing emotional difficulties.It was started in 1984 by Mgr. John Armitage, much beloved priest of our diocese, who, following the closure of the Children’s Homes in Basildon, adopted the role of Director of the Catholic Children’s Society (Brentwood Diocese) and together with his staff, moved to Anchor House, Barking, where they worked from a cupboard. Of course, space was at a premium in the early organisation, but this soon changed as in 1985 the Society moved to Cardinal Wiseman School, E17, where they work in the comparatively spacious surroundings of a disused toilet room. Today, having celebrated their 20th anniversary, the Society works from Childcare House, Rayleigh. The BCCS receive no national or local statutory funding of any kind. Neither do they draw from diocesan funds. They raise all their own finance with the unstinting help of supporters and benefactors.

Brother Steve gave an after dinner speech which was really well received (I'm trying to get a transcript from him so you can all benefit from his wisdom!). I was personally most impressed with Steve's seamless synthesis of Catholic theology, community, and the work he is in charge of at the BCCS. He articulated beautifully the immense positive and practical effect our being Catholic has on our society. This practical dimension to our faith seems particularly pertinent given the constant urging of our new Holy Father to turn away from consumerism and to care for the less well off members of our communities.

I was particularly blessed to be joined by a great friend, Paul Healy, who I hope will join the brotherhood in due course. As I had invited a 'visiting gentleman' I was fortunate to sit on the table with all the visitors, who, as it turned out, were all known to me! The result was a great evening of fraternal discussion in an environment where no one has to consider compromising their Catholic position.

Brother President Paul Abbott writes:

High Calibre Practising Roman Catholic "Visiting Gentlemen"

 Enhance Southend on Sea Catenian Circle's Dinner: June 2013: Deo gratias

See attached: Three digital photos, entitled thus:

"New Boys on the Block", "Enraptured by scintillating speech" & "Speaker Steve Webb enlightens our minds"

Dear Southendian Brothers & visitors,

It was a pleasure last night to host the post-Meeting Dinner at which Brother Steve Webb (Chelmsford/Mid Essex Catenian Circle & Director of Brentwood Catholic Children's Society) was our enthusiastic and challenging guest speaker.

The flavour of the evening was greatly enhanced by the presence of such high calibre "visiting gentlemen". We trust that they enjoyed the fellowship, and friendly banter. Southend Catenian Circle hopes to see them all again shortly. But always remember: "Many are called, but few are chosen".

Our new Membership Officer, Francis McGhee enjoys my unreserved congratulations on his youthful enthusiasm in this exacting role; which is essential for the healthy, balanced development of Southend on Sea Catenian Circle as we contemplate and celebrate the hundredth year of our existence. Onwards and Upwards: Here's to the next hundred years! May The Holy Spirit be our eternal guide. AMEN.

Floreat Catena!

All best fraternal wishes,

God bless,

Paul F Abbott: President: Southend on Sea Catenian Circle XIX:

Inaugurated in November 1913.

If you would like to know more about the Catenian Association, please click on this link.