GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CATENIANS? LET'S CLEAR THINGS UP...

 

You might have already heard something about the Catenian Association—like it’s some kind of secret society. But really, it’s just a big and very open family of Catholic men who support each other like brothers (yep, that’s why we call each other "brothers"—it’s all about friendship and faith!).  

      

 

We meet locally in local groups called "Circles," which have a meeting every month including some prayers followed by a social dinner, a lot of chat,  and in the case of HasBex Catenians, a meal together. Each Circle has its own number (HasBex (Hastings & Bexhill Circle) is number 66, in homage to the famous 1066 battle), and Circles are grouped into bigger areas called Provinces. All the Catenian Circles based in East or West Sussex are grouped as ‘Province 18’ - but we tend to be less formal and simply call ourselves ‘Sussex Catenians’.There are about 300 Circles across the UK, plus quite few in places like Australia, Malta, India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, South Africa and even the Holy Land. 

 

What’s a Catenian meeting like? 

Pretty welcoming! If you’re a member of one Circle and visit another, you’ll find the same warm vibe—same kind of prayers, updates on events, a laugh or two, news, and remembering members who’ve passed away. Each Circle has a president (there is a different president each year) and a team of officers to keep things running smoothly.  

 

Some people get the wrong idea and think we’re super secretive but you will soon find that we are not. We’re just a bunch of Catholic friends who like each other and meet up socially. Most of us were not friends before we joined the Catenians but after joining we were able to find how much we had in common. As friends we look after each other and as Catholics we support our parishes, schools, and charities—like the Catenian Bursary Fund, which helps young Catholic volunteers around the world.  

 

Why no public membership list?

We’re not hiding! Most of us are happy to chat about the Catenians and invite you along to see what we do. In these days of data protection rules and GDPR, we just don’t publish a full list—but members do get a directory to help with visits and keeping in touch.  

 

Who can join?

Practising Catholic men (18+), but their families are super welcome at social events too! The ladies of our Circle (as do the ladies of many other Circles) have their own get-togethers and if we are lucky, we get invited to some of these…  

 

Fun fact:

J.R.R. Tolkien was a Catenian! He was president of the Oxford Circle back in the 1940s and even gave a toast in *Anglo-Saxon* at one dinner. There are and have been many ‘celebrity’  Catenians over the past century but when we meet up we are just a lot of friends getting together.

 

Why join? 

It’s like having a ready-made group of Catholic friends who’ve got your back—whether it’s helping out in tough times, sharing a meal, or just being there for a chat and bit of support when you need it. No matter your job or background, if you’re a practising Catholic guy, you’re welcome.  

 

Fancy checking it out?  

The members of HasBex Catenians are active in most local parishes, and any priest can introduce you. You might even spot a few familiar faces! Want to know more? Come along to one of our meals or socials—we’d love to meet you.