Maidstone Circle 136 of The Catenian Association
The Catenian Association was founded in Manchester in 1908 and Maidstone Circle was inaugurated in 1948. We celebrated our 60th anniversary on Friday 18th July 2008.
Maidstone Circle invites practising Catholic men, married or single, to come along and meet the “Catenians” on the second Monday of every month except August, at the Russell Hotel, Boxley Road, ME14 2AE. You are assured of a warm welcome at 8.30 pm., following our meeting when we have a simple 2-course, low cost meal, good conversation and a glass of wine.
This is an opportunity to meet like minded Catholic men from all walks of life. There is no obligation to join the association nor is there any pressure to do so. Just give Dennis Edwardes a ring please on 01622 720830 to let us know to expect you and enjoy a relaxing evening with us!
As part of its Centenary celebrations in 2008-09 The Catenians set up a charity in partnership with CAFOD, "GIVE WATER, LIFE AND HOPE" to provide clean water in Africa, especially in Zimbabwe. In December 2009 our Grand President handed over a £250,000 "cheque" to Cafod. Money was raised by Circles around the world and Maidstone Circle raised £1,100.
WHAT IS THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION?
The Catenian Association is a brotherhood of over 10,000 practising Catholic men. The Catholic faith and the family are the bedrocks of the Association. There are 300 Circles or Groups in Africa, Australia, Ireland, Malta and the UK and plans for further development.
The Catenian motto is:
“Strengthening family life through friendship and faith”
The Association gives an opportunity to:
• Meet other Catholic men with similar values
• Become part of a community offering lifelong support and friendship
• Be part of a group that helps each other and their families in all aspects of life
• Provide families with opportunities for friendship and social activity.
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
1. What do Catenians do?
They provide a social network which helps Catholic lay men live out their various vocations as husband, father, friend, work colleague, committed Christian and active Catholic.
2. How is this help offered?
Help is offered to members and their families through practical and spiritual support; by steadfast friendship in times of trouble; by financial help when needed and through prayer. This support continues with ongoing concern for a deceased member’s widow and dependants.
3. On what is this support based?
Support is based on lasting friendships, built upon the firm foundation of a shared faith.
4. How is this friendship developed?
Friendship is developed by meeting monthly in the local Circle or Group followed by a meal or other refreshments; by providing a varied social programme in which wives and families may be fully involved. Catenians may attend Circle or Group meetings anywhere in the UK and abroad.
5. Is the Catenian Association a new organisation?
As mentioned above, it was founded in Manchester in 1908 by the Bishop of Salford who called for the Catholic laity to use their various talents to take a leading role in all aspects of society.
6. Is the Catenian Association still relevant today?
In today’s frantic, competitive and secular environment it offers an oasis of calm where social and spiritual refreshment can be enjoyed to redress the work/life balance for all the family.
7. Is the Catenian Association dedicated to Catholic action?
No, but members are active Catholics who, because of their beliefs and values, play a proactive role in their parishes and in the wider communities where they live and work. They actively promote the Christian viewpoint on moral issues in an increasingly secular society.
8. Do Catenians do anything for other people?
Yes. Catenians help young Catholics through its Bursary Fund and by giving career advice; working and praying actively for vocations to the priesthood and religious life; raising money for a wide range of charities in particular the Catenian Centenary appeal Give Water Life & Hope working with CAFOD and Caritas to provide clean water and sanitation in Zimbabwe.
9. Who can join?
Membership is open to practising Catholic laymen. There are no limitations based on occupation, income or race. Wives of members are not required to be Catholic: many are not and enjoy Catenian life to the full. For more information visit: www.thecatenians.com
10. What does Maidstone Circle do?
Maidstone Circle is one of 18 in Kent and the South London area. In common with all Catenian Circles it has a regular monthly meeting. The Circle meets at the Russell Hotel, Boxley Road, Maidstone every second Monday of the month except in August. After every meeting members and visitors have a simple meal at the Russell, good conversation and a glass of wine.
Maidstone Brothers are active in the local community and parishes. There are presently 31 members. The Circle has a comprehensive social programme and participates in the events of other local Circles in the Medway Towns, Swale, Ashford, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
The Maidstone Circle Social Programme can be viewed here and St Francis’ Parishioners are very welcome to come along to our events. These cater for the young and old consisting of Masses for special occasions, family days, quizzes, clergy evenings, ladies’ evenings, pub meals, dinners, children’s activity days, visits to the continent, the theatre and shows. There are Catenian weekends and functions in the UK and abroad.
Please contact our Vice President, John Greenrod 01622 738072 for details of any event you would like to come to. There is no obligation to join the association.
However, for those who are interested now or in the future, applications for Membership of Maidstone Circle are always welcome from practising Catholic men, married or single over 21 years from all walks of life. There are no limitations on occupation or nationality. Wives of members are not required to be Catholic; many are not and enjoy Catenian life to the full.
To enquire about joining the Catenians, please contact Membership Officer, Dennis Edwardes, Tel. 01622 720830. Dennis can usually be contacted after the 10.00 am Mass on Sundays at Nettlestead.
Our current President, Michael Cowles may also be contacted at Nettlestead or Tel. 01622 813765.
