The Catenians are an association of Catholic laymen who meet monthly to pray together and benefit from each other’s company. Nowadays our meetings are conducted by ZOOM in line with social distancing regulations.

The Association was founded in Manchester in 1908 at the instigation of Bishop Casartelli 4th Bishop of Salford. One of the founder members was John O’Donnell, grandfather of Hugh O’Donnell a member of Shrewsbury Parish. Shrewsbury Circle, as we are known, was established in 1935 and is the 113th Circle in the Association. In November 2021 we will celebrate our 1000th meeting when we fervently hope it will be a proper get together! The aim at its foundation was to give mutual support to Catholic business and professional men who, at that time, experienced significant levels of discrimination in jobs and other spheres of life. Thankfully that is no longer an issue but the fostering of brotherly love and social bonds amongst members, or brothers as they are called, remains as important as ever. The four pillars of Catenian life are aptly described as: Faith, Family, Friendship and Fun.

The needs of wives, children and widows are not neglected. We are strongly connected to family, our parish, the clergy ,the youth and those less fortunate than ourselves. Hence our motto: STRENGTHENING FAMILY LIFE THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND FAITH.

There is a strong ethos of fundraising for good causes. We have raised funds for the house of Discernment for example, as well as the local hospice.

Nationally the Association has set up a Bursary Fund which provides cash grants to young Catholics to assist with their expenses when working on volunteer project as well a helping on Lourdes Pilgrimages.

The Catenian Association is a worldwide organisation and, although the majority of members live in the UK, there are Circles as far away as Australia, Africa and significant growth of new Circles in Goa and other parts of India.

Writing in our magazine on the occasion of our centenary Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster made the following comment: “The Catenians have a very special place in the Catholic Community in this country. Not only does the Association offer the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, but is also a source of encouragement when difficulties and problem arise. In many places they are also a source of assistance to the clergy”

We are continually endeavouring to attract new members to the Shrewsbury Circle which covers the whole of the County. Interested men may visit the Circle as “observers “before committing themselves to joining. Our Membership Officer is Mike Hennessey Tel no 01691 624864 who would be pleased to hear from you.