The Diocese of Westminster has appointed John Coleby as the new director of Caritas Diocese of Westminster.
Caritas Diocese of Westminster has been established to enable the Catholic community in the diocese to identify and respond in charity to all forms of poverty and social exclusion.
John Coleby has had a varied career, spanning over 20 years, working in the government, private and voluntary sectors with a focus on social care services. His qualifications include a Masters in both Biblical Studies and Social Work. John has also acted as an academic tutor for Social Work at Middlesex University.
Since 2010 John has been Director of the St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, providing operational leadership of services for people with learning disabilities in the Diocese of Westminster. He will take up the directorship of Caritas Westminster on 1 May 2013 while continuing his responsibilities at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre.
John is an active member of his local parish and has for the last 18 years acted as a volunteer at the East Finchley & Muswell Hill Churches Soup Kitchen.
The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said: “I am delighted to welcome John Coleby as the new Director of Caritas here in the Diocese of Westminster. I wish to thank Jackie Tominey for her excellent work as we have awaited the appointment of our new Director. Caritas works with and through our parishes to reach out to and care for the most vulnerable in our community and will inspire and enable Catholic social action throughout the diocese. He brings with him many years of invaluable experience and expertise to a role that lies at the heart of the Gospel – faith in action through love of God and love of neighbour.”
John Coleby said: “Caritas Diocese of Westminster is an organisation that is very close to my heart because it is rooted in the belief that each and every person is of inestimable dignity and worth. I firmly believe in its objectives to alleviate social and economic deprivation and, as the Director of Caritas Westminster, I am looking forward to working closely with parishes, diocesan agencies and Catholic charities to carry out this pastoral mission of the Church.”
