Shaped catalyst compositions are disclosed comprising (i) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt and iron, (ii) calcium silicate and (iii) at least one clay material. Also disclosed are a process for preparing the foregoing shaped compositions and a process for hydrogenating aldehydes, ketone, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and nitro aroniate compounds using these shaped catalysts.