Questions about the Catenian Association

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the Catenian association. Some even claim it is a 'secret' organisation. Some of this confusion comes from the tradition of the Association and it's organisation. There is a tradition of referring to other members of circle as 'brothers' for example. This is based on the idea of expressing our Christian brothership, but can sound archaic or anacronistic to today's mind. Although the term 'brothers' is not used so much today it does not change the support and friendship we offer to members of the Circle (and wider circles).

What is a Catenian Circle?

The Association is organised into local 'circles' which meet at least once a month for a circle meeting. This is usually followed by a meal and a chance to socialise. Each circle has a number (Kenilworth is circle 202) and the circles are grouped together into 'provinces' (Kenilworth Circle is in Province 6). In Great Britain, there are currently 300 local Circles grouped into 21 Provinces. Thre are also Catenian circles in Australia, Malta, India, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Bangladesh and the Holy Land (Nazareth Circle is number 373).

What happens at a Catenian meeting?

Circles encourage visits from members of other circles and, as each circle meeting is held on a fixed date (for example Kenilworth meets on the third Wednesday of each month) it is easy to plan visits. Because each circle follows the same structure (with prayers for circle and the world, information about activities and events shared) it is easy for a visitor from another circle to feel at home and part of the Circle. The prayers are structured and mostly the same across Circles (with some variation for local need) and we make a point of including prayers for deceased members of the Circle.

What is this 'President' stuff?

Each circle appoints a president and other 'officers' to help run and lead the circle's activities (one of the officers helps co-ordinate social events for example). Each province has a provincial 'president' and there is a president for each national council (for example the GB national president). Because each circle tries to encourage all to participate the role of president passes on each year which leads to 'past presidents' and 'presidents elect'. Kenilworth circle officers include. President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Officer, Chamberlain, Registrar (with the vital role of making sure our meal is organised with the hotel), Marshal and Charity officer.

So what about all that 'using their influence' stuff? Well, as the Catenian Association is based on a shared faith and a principle of mutual support, 'a Catholic network of support and friendship' we do try to help each other. This certainly would not lead to anything unjust. There are many examples of how Catenians show the same support for their communities, parish, school and charities. For example the Catenian Bursary fund. Every year the Bursary Fund supports young Catholics from all over the world who volunteer to do something wonderful and help those less fortunate than themselves.

If the Catenians is not a secret society why do you not publish a list of members?

Most Catenians will be happy to talk about their circle and even invite visitors along to see what we do. In any parish a member of clergy will also be pleased to introduce you to a Catenian. We don't keep our membership secret, but we also do not publish a list of all members to the public but we do have a directory of members and circles (shared with members) to encourage visits and fellowship. The directory of circles is publicly available on the national Catenian website.

But it's only for men

Membership is only open to practising Catholic men. Their families are included in the social events and some of the monthly meetings and meals are for all. From time to time ladies of the circle choose to meet together at Chesford Grange for a seperate ladies meal at the same time. There are also some social events organised by the ladies for the ladies.

I heard Tolkein was a Catenian

J R R Tolkein was the president of the Oxford Circle of the Association. "The opening of the Oxford Circle in October 1944 was notable, at least with hindsight, for the initiation of Frank Pakenham (later Lord Longford) and Professor J.R.R. Tolkien, the Founder Vice-President. In the light of the current interest in Tolkien's work, one would have wished for a recording of the speeches at the second annual dinner of the Oxford Circle, February 1945, when Tolkien proposed the toast to Provincial Council 'in a most amusing way which included an actual toast in Anglo-Saxon'. He was a member of the Association until 1956." Source: The Catenian Association 1908-1983 by Peter Lane (page 153)

But what about a pledge to support one another?

This is actually true, as Catenains we do undertake to provide "practical support in times of difficulty or need." This could take the form of a friend to check-in with you when things are difficult, support getting to hospital appointments, sharing meals and fellowship and friendly advice. When you join you gain a ready-made network of Catholic friends.

Becoming a member

Membership is by invitation. This suggests it is exclusive, however membership is open to all practising Catholic laymen aged 18 and over (and to Permanent Deacons). There are no restrictions based on occupation, race or income. It as been presented by some as an organisation solely for influential professionals but that is not the case. Being a Catenian is all about joining a welcoming and supportive group of friends. If you are interested in joining us we will invite you to one of our monthly meals or a social event so you can get to know us and and experience what being a Catenian is all about.

Kenilworth Catenian brothers play an active part in the parishes of Coventry, Kenilworth and Warwick and any member of the clergy will be happy to introduce you. You may recognise some of us from your parish. If you would like to explore becoming a brother of the Kenilworth Catenian Circle
Ask a Catenian >

The latest information about events and a chance to see what we do and have done is available on our Facebook page, (but don't tell people, we are meant to be a 'secret society' after all)