Q & A
When and where did the Catenian Association start?
The Catenian Association was founded in Manchester in 1908 (initially called the ‘Chums’) to provide mutual support for Catholic men who found it difficult at that time to progress in business because of their faith. This is no longer a problem, but the importance of sharing experiences and meeting people socially remains.
How is the Catenian Association structured ?
The members belong to Circles, which are largely autonomous, electing their own officers. Each Circle elects a representative to sit on an area council (Province). The Provincial Council elects its own officers and has the responsibility of monitoring the welfare of the Circles in its area and of creating new Circles. Each Provincial Council elects a representative to sit on the Association National Council. The National Council, along with the Australian National Council and representatives of other developing groups make up the governing body which makes the rules, run the headquarters office in Coventry, take care of the Association’s Charitable funds and publish our monthly magazine.
How do l join?
For ALL the information you are likely to require, please go to our “Interested in Joining” page.
Is it a secret society?
NO. Our meetings are open to potential members and invited guests. We are not the Catholic version of the Freemasons. The rules and aims of the Catenian Association are available to the public. Meeting places are known public buildings and typically a hotel or golf club. Members are encouraged to speak openly about the Catenian Association.
Is it a Political Action group?
NO. The Association is totally non-political, neither is it a fund raising agent for the Catholic Church or a Catholic action pressure group. Members are encouraged instead, as individuals, to be active citizens with many Catenians playing a prominent role in their local parishes and dioceses, as well as on other major Catholic lay organisations. Others meanwhile go quietly about their daily lives offering their time and skills to the Church and the wider community as and when they can.
What happens at a Circle meeting ?
The meeting starts with prayers. As in any association there are some administrative procedures; minutes of the last meeting, discussing and voting on financial matters, welfare reports, election of officers, news and correspondence. There are ceremonies for enrolling new Catenians and the annual installation of the President and other officers. In addition social matters and are discussed and plans laid for future events.
Why do you call each other Brother ?
This is historical but also acknowledges the brotherly love between each other and the support each gives. It has no connection with any Trade Union.
Isn’t ritual out of place in modern society ?
We don’t think so. The small amount of ritual is a shared experience that binds the members together and ensures the good conduct of the meeting.
Are Catenians expected to prefer fellow Catenians at the expense of others in business?
Absolutely not. That would be a misuse of membership and Catenians are not permitted to canvass other members or use the members Directory for that purpose.
Why don’t you have women members ?
When the Association was formed the position of women in society was very different from today and so the Association was opened solely to men. As times have changed wives and families have come to play a major role in all our activities. Our Circle, like many others has a very active ladies social side, which is organised by wives and widows of Brothers.
