Circle_charity

Oxford Circle Presidents Charity – Presentation to Oxford Branch of Parkinsons Disease UK.

At the start of his Presidential year for the 2022-2023 year, Bro George Steele said it was an easy decision for me to make, when considering which charity to support for the year. With three of our brothers suffering from Parkinsons Disease, he decided to support the local Oxford branch of Parkinson’s Disease UK.

Said Bro George, “I am very grateful for the support offered by both Circle brothers and their wives, through their monthly coffee mornings, as well as events held throughout the year.”

As a result of their generosity, both financially and giving of their time he was able to hand over a cheque for £1200 to branch Acting Chair, Martin Cowell. He was accompanied by one of Oxford Circle brothers, Philip Pryse, and a member of the Oxford Branch, who hold regular meetings, for those suffering from the disease.

The picture shows President George Steele, Oxford Catenian Circle Handing Over a Cheque for £1200 to Martin Cowell Acting Chair, Parkinson’s UK, Oxford Branch.


Oxford Catenians Support World Youth Day Pilgrims.

Three altar servers from the parish of Our Lady & St Edmund in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, have been supported by Oxford Catenians and the Association Faith & Youth Group to travel to Portugal to attend the World Youth Day (August 2023).

A request was made by a parishioner to the Circle to support the three and in conversation with Fr Jamie McGrath, Parish Priest, a decision to supplement a donation from the parish was made that ensured all three would be able to travel.
The Circle contacted the Faith & Youth Group Chair, Bro Mike Keenan who facilitated a donation which was matched by the Circle.
“This is a concrete example of how we Catenians support Catholic Youth.” Said Past Circle President, Pat Mulqueen who presented the cheques to the three altar servers after Sunday Mass.
Said Fr Jamie, “The Oxford Circle have supported the parish in many ways over the years, and we are very grateful for their support on this occasion.”

We look forward to hearing from the three about their experiences when they return.

Our photograph shows Brother Pat Mulqueen, Issac Lavers, Matias Kolb, Fr Jamie McGrath & Lewis Carvill after receiving their cheques.


Oxford Circle raises funds for the mental health charity, Restore.

Oxford Circle President, Pat Mulqueen, chose Restore, Oxford as his charity for 2021-2022.
Restore is an Oxfordshire mental health charity that supports people to take control of their recovery, develop skills, and lead meaningful lives. Mental illness affects one in four of us in our lifetime, but people can, and do, recover. Restore offers recovery groups, training and employment coaching to make this possible.

They are one of the longest-established, and most highly-regarded community rehabilitation services in the UK. Founded in 1977. They are part of a partnership of local mental health organisations with a commitment to helping people to recover, stay well and participate in and contribute to the life of our county. They work with anyone who feels their mental ill-health is having a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Mental health issues can include psychotic illnesses (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), depression, and anxiety disorders. Continue reading..