Very few know who we are!
They may have seen our name on Parish publications or heard it mentioned. Most will probably imagine us to be some sort of exclusive club or prayer group - and probably very serious. In some ways we are a little bit of both. The reality is far less daunting and a great deal more fun.

General
We are a non-political international brotherhood of like-minded Catholic business and professional men who meet socially, at least once a month, at local branches, or "Circles". Members refer to each other as "brothers", reflecting the sharing of common values that are found within the Association. We also have a commitment to help each other in times of difficulty or need and to develop a bond of friendship. We are not a fundraising agent or Catholic action pressure group.

Our Circle
The City of Winchester Circle, number 163, was founded on the 6th November 1952. It currently has around 50 members and meets on the first Thursday of the month (except December) at 7.15pm, at the Royal Hotell in Winchester. The members are mainly from the parishes of Winchester, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Andover and Romsey. Winchester is bounded on one side by Basinstoke Circle (meets third Monday) and on the other by Southampton Circle (meets first Monday).

The Meeting
The meeting starts and ends with short prayers. Reports are heard from the circle's Secretary and Treasurer, Membership and Provincial Officers with the Welfare Officer reporting on the health of members unable to attend. The Vice President (the Circles social organiser) reports on forthcoming events and appraises events recently held. Everyone present, including Brothers visiting from other circles, are encouraged to participate as appropriate. When the formal aspect of the meeting is completed, the President invites contributions from anyone present, on any subject, "for the benefit of the Circle and our Brotherhood". With the meeting over everyone moves to the bar before sitting for dinner.

Dinner After Meetings
Winchester Circle is a "dining Circle", that is we enjoy dinner together immediately following our meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend, as not to would impair the close social bond that we enjoy with our fellow "Brothers". However, every month some will be unable to attend the meeting whilst others will leave before dinner. Very occasionally brothers too late for the meeting will just attend dinner.

Dinner is currently a formal affair of three courses with coffee and table wine, with options available for vegetarian and other diets. After dinner it is customary for Brother President to speak on a subject of his choice. This varies considerably from year to year, reflecting the background and interests of the President of the day. On occasions there will be a guest speaker or a talk by a member or visitor - and always humorous repartee from someone! The evening normally concludes around 10.30pm.

Visiting
Members are encouraged to visit other Circles in the area and, as Catenians, are free to attend any meeting held anywhere in the world - and contribute to those meetings. A visit to another Circle can pleasurably fill an empty evening. Usually, the Circle President will make a visit to a different Circle each month accompanied by other members.

Wives and Families
As a social organisation all activities, other than meetings, include members wives. Ladies are also invited to attend some dinners after meetings, which are known as "Ladies Nights". As might be expected most members and their wives have developed lifelong friendships within the "Association". Each year there is at least one event specifically for children and others which children can attend. Widows of deceased Catenians are invited to all social events and, if required, transport can be provided.

Church Activities
Many Catenians have a prominent role in their local parishes and diocese, as well as major Catholic lay organisations. They are also active in the service of the Church and civic community both locally and nationally. We regard this as important, especially with the increasing need for the involvement of laity in the life of the Church.

Charity
The "Catenian Association" is a registered charitable organisation and enjoys the benefits and tax relief of such. All members contribute, through their annual subscriptions and fund raising, to the "Benevolence Fund", the proceeds of which are used solely for the benefit of members who fall on hard times or bad health. The procedure for applying for and obtaining financial assistance is made available to all members.

The "Association" is not involved in any other charitable work. However, it is common practice for individual Circle Presidents to promote their own charitable cause during their year in office. In addition, financial and other assistance is given, in special cases and at the discretion of the Council, to the sons and daughters of members, following a recommendation from the membership.

Publications
Every member receives a Directory of the Association, usually in June each year. The Directory lists all the Circles and the members of each. It also contains the rules of the Association.

Each month a magazine called Catena is mailed free to all members, in this country and overseas. It contains articles and photographs of Circle / member activities and achievement's and a very popular "Letters" page.

Once a year the Circle produces a calendar showing the main events and listing the officers, members and widows of deceased brothers and their telephone numbers. After each Circle meeting minutes of that meeting are mailed to every member.