Circle 388 of the Catenian Association
Who we are
An international association of Catholic friends, with groups (called Circles) throughout the UK and overseas.
We support each other in our faith and family life and we build friendships between members across all the circles of the association.
Our main aim is not to be another burden on our already busy and hectic lives, but rather to be an oasis within our lives. It is where we can come together each month to support each other through prayer and friendship.
Although we do collect monies for charities it is not our main focus.
We are not an action group but members will often discuss the issues of the day with each other coming from a common foundation in faith and belief.
The monthly meeting is the central part of Catenian life. Built around this, each circle will organise other events, throughout the year, giving more chances to pray and socialise together.
Adur Valley meets on the first Wednesday of each month.
Circle meetings are divided into four parts.
Before the meeting starts, the members gather and catch up with each other.
Everyone including circle members, Catenian visitors and guests sign the register.
The Registrar will help you sign in the right place.
When we come together we pray for each other, our families and the world at large.
We also remember the deceased members of the circle and their families.
Prayers are lead by the President.
All reports are given by the circle officers, this includes a welfare report on members who are unwell, as well as the widows and widowers of past members.
Notices of events and visits to other circles are also advertised.
Socialising in Adur Valley circle is centred around a meal. This is where friendships are fostered. The chat is always lively and jovial, the private dining room is never quiet.
A Bright New Future
Traditionally the association has been open only to male Catholics. Although this is still the norm, things are starting to change and Adur Valley Circle has decided that we wish to invite ladies to join our circle as Circle (Social) Members.
Adur Valley Circle welcomes all adult Catholics to our Circle. Although the association is not yet ready to enrol female members, our Circle welcomes ladies to join us.
Your Journey
The four steps to membership
Step 1
To see if our mission and ethos is suitable for you, we invite you to attend 3 monthly meetings. There is no commitment, if you are not convinced that what we offer is right for you, we would sadly say goodbye.
Step 2
If you like what you have seen, we need you to make a formal application to join. Men will be joining the Catenian Association as a member of Adur Valley Circle, ladies will be joining Adur Valley Circle only.
Step 3
The Circle Council will discuss with you to plan the best circle meeting in which you will be enrolled. This is the formal procedure where you are enrolled into the circle. You make a promise to attend monthly meetings where possible, pay your annual subs, pray for the fellow members and promote the Catenians.
Step 4
As a Catenian, you are part of a family where you are encouraged and supported to grow your faith, foster family values and make friends all around the world.
As well as your own circle visits, we will visit other circles in the province where a warm welcome is guaranteed.
You are bound to have questions, and the best way to answer them is to visit us. This might seem daunting but you will very soon find, that you will be made to feel welcome and enjoy the company of other Catholics who have had the same apprehension as you are having.
Here are some common questions and answers to get you started on your journey to becoming a Catenian.
When men join, they are joing the Association and therefore the cost includes paying subs to the Association as well as the circle.
Ladies joining are joining as members of Adur Valley circle, so their subs are to the circle only.
For 2024/25
Members of the Association £140
Lady (Social) Members of the Circle £40
Yes.
Part of the enrolment procedure is for you to declare that you are a Catholic.
Part of the enrolment procedure requires you to declare that you will attend the monthly meetings unless prevented from doing so.
In practice this means that, of course, we would love everyone in the circle to be at every meeting, but we realise that this is not always possible, because of other commitments to work, family or ill health.
All we ask is that you give 48 hours notice so that we are not charged for your dinner.
Partners are welcome to attend our social events and this includes the monthly dinner. Partners do not have to be Catholic to be invited, but obviously they cannot join the circle or association.
Some social events are also open to the whole family, so children and grandchildren are welcome too.
Contact us
Where we meet
When we meet