Building Faith and Friendship to Foster a Supportive Catholic Community
Building Faith and Friendship to Foster a Supportive Catholic Community
The Ormskirk Catenians Association Circle is devoted to nurturing faith and friendship within a welcoming Catholic community, encouraging mutual support and spiritual growth among members.
…there was Bro. Bernard Carter of St Helen’s Circle. In 1977 he was asked by Provincial Circle to consider whether a new Circle might be established in Ormskirk. His first step was to contact a number of potentially interested gentlemen. He invited them to attend an exploratory meeting, to be held in the old Conservative Club in Prescot Road.
Some seven gentlemen responded, and at the meeting Bernard outlined the history and objects of the Association, and explained what he was hoping to achieve. His proposals were well received. It was decided that there should be monthly meetings, followed by dinner, and that these should be held in the first instance at the Hayfield restaurant.
With the support of existing brothers from other circles it was not long before we were able to meet the requirement of having fifteen new members to enrol, and so the proposal for a new Circle was accepted. It was decided that Bernard Carter should be the first President, and that Bro. Ron. Burrows should be the Vice President. The inaugural meeting, a grand occasion, took place at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Southport on 30th June 1978. The Grand President, presided, Bro. Patrick Stevens – a most patrician figure.
Following inauguration the Circle expanded steadily. Its meeting places changed from time to time – The Wincot Country Club; West Towers; Mossock Hall Golf Club; and then Hurlston Hall Golf Club. The Circle has always been a dining circle. At present the Circle has a membership of over 50, and although one cannot rest on one’s laurels, there is quiet confidence that the Circle will continue to prosper.
Providing supportive friendship for over 100 years, the Catenian Association has a focus on the future and the busy, modern lives of its members. The Catenians originated as a lay association of Catholic men who met to share friendship and mutual support at a time when UK society and government still actively discriminated against them.
Interested? Considering joining us? We welcome applications from all Catholic men, and you apply for membership to your local Circle or Group. Find your nearest Circle and use the response form to get in touch so we can have a real person tell you, face-to-face, and with absolutely no obligation, just what it means to be a Catenian and how being a member will benefit both you and your family. You might as well find out. What’s to lose?
