Simply put, the Catenian Association is an international brotherhood of Catholic men who meet socially, at least once a month, at local branches or 'Circles'.
Members refer to each other as 'brothers', reflecting the mutual support and sharing of common values that is found within the Association.
The Association's name is derived from the Latin word 'Catena' (a chain) with the Circles being the links in the chain. The emblem denotes a continuous chain of links surrounding a cross.
The Association was founded in 1908 in Manchester and there are now over 10,000 members in the United Kingdom, Australia, Africa, Malta, Ireland and India.
Many Catenians have a prominent role in their local parishes and diocese, as well as major Catholic organisations. They are also active in the service of the Church and civic community, both locally and nationally.
The Association is non-political and is not a fundraising agent or Catholic action pressure group.