The Catenian Association                     Return to Home page
www.catenians-woking.org
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/gsivills/gscaten.html

What is the Catenian Association?

In its simplest form the Catenian Association is a group of Catholic business and professional men. They meet at least once a month for the free exchange of views and to help and encourage one another and their families in both their social and business lives. Most groups also arrange a monthly social event for their families.

The members of the Association are particularly concerned with the care of widows and children of deceased members, assistance in advising and seeking career development for members and their families, and all forms of benevolence to members in difficulty or need. Together with their families they join in the social and spiritual programme which is an integral part of Catenian life. Association members are expected to be committed to the practice of the Catholic faith, to fulfil the aims of the Association, to take part in Circle activities, and to meet a modest financial outlay.

Founded in Manchester in 1908 and now over 11,000 strong, the Catenian Association operates through more than 290 local branches (known as "Circles") in all the main population centres throughout Great Britain. In the past thirty years, it has developed overseas and there are now some thirty Circles in Ireland, Malta, Africa, Australia and Hong Kong.

Close and friendly ties are enjoyed by the Association with other Catholic organizations of a similar character throughout the English-speaking world. It is non-political and is not, except on very special occasions, a fund-raising agent or Catholic Action pressure group. Although the clergy are not eligible for membership, the Association invariably has their backing and support. Catenians are encouraged to attend the meetings, celebrations and social events of other Circles both in their own locality and when away from home.

Colchester Circle is the 194th in the Association, and with 45 members is one of the strongest in the Province of London and East Anglia. It was inaugurated in 1960. There are other Circles in Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Billericay, Brentwood, Ingatestone and Upminster. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and welcome enquiries from Catholic business and professional men who wish to share our ideals.

If you are eligible for membership and would like to know more about the Catenian Association, please write to the address below and your request will be passed on to the Circle in your area.

The Catenian Association
Head Office
8 Chesham Place
London SW1X 8HP