Catenians

The Catenian Association is primarily a social organisation for practising Catholic men, their wives and families. It allows Catholics to get to know better those with whom they might normally only exchange the sign of peace or acknowledge with a nod as they leave mass or pass in the street.

Catenians meet once a month over dinner and, on four occasions throughout the year, are joined by their ladies. Other social events, involving wives and families, are organised. Members, with their wives on Ladies evenings, are encouraged to visit other Circles. There are around 300 Circles throughout the world and, in addition to your local Chelmsford Mid-Essex Circle, other nearby Circles include Billericay, Brentwood and Southend.

In addition to socialising, Catenians support their Benevolent and Children's Fund and their Bursary Fund. The former provides financial support to members in difficulty or need, and the latter supports young Catholics prepared to do unpaid charitable work overseas (It also supports young helpers on pilgrimages to Lourdes.). Catenians also support the local charity chosen annually by the Circle President.

There are additional opportunities to attend mass. These include President's Sunday, masses for deceased members and the annual mass for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The clergy, including the bishop, are invited to attend our social evenings once a year.

If you would like more information on the Catenian Association, please contact Roger Sclater on 01245 469458 or Steven Webb on 01245 603156.