Sean Ryan Appointed as Caritas Community Sponsorship of Refugees National Coordinator

Sean Ryan appointed as Caritas Community Sponsorship of Refugees National Coordinator 
Sean Ryan, who led the parish pilot scheme by St Monica’s in Salford Diocese, has taken up a full-time position to expand the scheme across Catholic dioceses.

Mr Ryan, a parishioner at St Monica’s, led the 25-strong team who welcomed the first Syrian family to be resettled in the UK by a parish under the Government’s Community Sponsorship scheme. The scheme allows parishes and community groups to welcome, house and support refugee families looking to rebuild their lives in the UK.

Sean has since been employed by Caritas Salford to support the scheme’s uptake by parishes in the North-West. His new national role will involve working with the Home Office, Local Authorities and Catholic dioceses to enable many more Syrian families to be resettled, harnessing the love, talents and commitment of parish communities. 

The role will be funded by Caritas Salford and Caritas Social Action Network, the domestic social action agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. The Church of England is currently advertising for an equivalent position and it is hoped that Sean and his opposite number will work closely.

Commenting on his appointment, Sean Ryan said, 

“This ground-breaking scheme allows us to answer the call of Pope Francis, by welcoming refugee families as people of infinite worth, loved by God, and moreover as friends, neighbours and valued members of our communities.  I am blessed beyond words to be sharing this unique journey of mission with Dioceses and parishes throughout the country.”