Caritas Diocese of Salford has announced the appointment of Patrick O’Dowd as its next Director, to succeed Mark Wiggin, who retires after 11 years of service in July 2021.
Mr Dowd is a graduate of Manchester University and a post-graduate of the Cass Business School, London. Since February 2020, he has been seconded to Caritas from the Diocese of Salford where he has served since 2009 as the Director of Administration and Personnel.
Bishop John Arnold, chair of trustees, said,
‘I am grateful for the service and leadership of Mark Wiggin who has helped to establish Caritas in the heart of the Diocese. I welcome the appointment of Patrick O’Dowd whose knowledge, commitment and values will take forward the charity’s mission in the coming years.’
Patrick O’Dowd said,
‘I am deeply humbled and greatly privileged to have been asked to lead Caritas Diocese of Salford, especially at this time of great change within our communities. Caritas Salford has a distinguished reputation of supporting people experiencing crisis and challenges in their lives. As we emerge from the pandemic, the work of Caritas Salford has never been more needed. I’m delighted to be working with Bishop John, the trustees and our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters to develop both our practical response for those in need and expand our engagement with parishes and wider society to promote the dignity of all people and the common good.’
Mark Wiggin, outgoing Director of Caritas Salford, said:
‘It has been a privilege to serve in Caritas Salford over these many years. There have been some significant challenges and many new developments over my time as Director and I leave my role with Caritas at an exciting time of change and new opportunities. I wish Patrick every success in this next phase in the life of Caritas.’
A new strategic plan for Caritas Salford will see the charity re-focus its efforts on delivering essential services to support those in need, fostering social action in parishes and schools and expanding its work to advocate for those experiencing challenges across the local communities in the diocese.
Caritas Diocese of Salford is the principal charity of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford, which covers Greater Manchester and East Lancashire from Didsbury to Clitheroe. The charity believes all people should be free from poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. Its purpose is to help the most vulnerable children, young people and adults in local communities to transform their lives and fulfil their potential.
