What is the Catenian Association?

                             

                                                                                         

 

 

                                                                 

The Catenian Association is an international organisation of Catholic business and professional men who meet socially, at least once a month, at local branches or "Circles".

Members refer to each other as "Brothers", reflecting the mutual support and sharing of common values found within the Association.

The Association is non-political, non-secret, and is not a fund-raising agent or Catholic action pressure group.  Many Catenians, as individuals, have a prominent role in their local parishes and dioceses, as well as in major Catholic lay organisations. They are also active in the service of the Church and the civic community, both locally and nationally.

The Association's name is derived from the Latin catena (a chain) with the Circles representing the links in the chain.  The Catenian emblem depicts a cross at the centre surrounded by a continuous circuit of links.

History of the Association

The Association was founded in 1908 in Manchester as "The Chums' Benevolent Association". Two years later it adopted the present title of "The Catenian Association".  Circles are grouped into areas called Provinces and there are over 300 Circles throughout Great Britain, Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe with over 10000 members.

Aims of the Association

The Association exists primarily to foster brotherly love among its members and to develop social bonds between them and their families.  The Association aims to advance the interests of members and to assist young Catholics in the choice or pursuit of a career, and to promote and support benevolent and bursary funds for members and their families.         

Benefits of joining the Catenians

Joining the Catenian Association enables you to:

  • meet other Catholic businessmen with similar values.
  • become part of a close community offering lifelong support and friendship.
  • mix with other Catholic leaders in business, commerce, public service, the professions and politics.
  • be part of a group that gives support and assistance to each other and to their families.
  • provide your family with opportunities for friendship and social activity.
  • be welcomed at any of the Circles whilst on vacation or business.

How to join

New members are most welcome, and membership criteria are as follows:

The Association is "proudly Catholic" and its membership is comprised of men who are practising members of the Roman Catholic Church.

To gain the full benefit of being a member, it is desirable that you have a sound business or professional status or, if retired, have a similar background.

Potential new members should be sponsored and recommended by an existing member of the Catenian Association.