Meet the people
John Coleby
The Director, John Coleby, leads a team of 2 Outreach Co-ordinators and many volunteers, some of whom take on significant organisational roles in this work with families in the Diocese.
John joined us in September 2010. Previously he was Director of Care Service for Jewish Care and CEO of SweetTree Home Care Services in North London. Prior to this he was a manager in Camden Social Services and he started his career as a Probation Officer. John is a qualified social worker with fifteen years experience of leadership and management in the public, private and charitable sectors in health and social care.
John is an active member of the Parish of St Mary’s in East Finchley. In his spare time he loves sport, literature and the arts, and is currently undertaking a part time MA in Biblical Studies at Heythrop College.
Gail Williams (West London co-ordinator)
I have been a mainstream Catechist within my parish for 8 years and a SJPC volunteer since 2006, working at including adults and children not only in accessing the Sacraments but also in accessing spiritual life in their own communities. I joined the Outreach Team in January 2010 and look forward to working with families within the West.
I have 2 boys and enjoy reading and cooking in my spare time.
Sue Day (Hertfordshire co-ordinator)
I joined St Josephs in September 2006 having worked as a parish youthworker for 12 years in Barnet church. I am also a qualified counsellor.
I am enjoying working at St Joseph's meeting and getting to know families.
I am a busy mum with 5 boys.
I love travelling, cooking and going to london.
Sheila Isaac
I work to support the integration of people with learning disabilities and their families into full parish life, including access to the sacraments.
I am a mainstream catechist with over 10 years’ experience and am currently working with other Dioceses in producing a nationwide resource for sacramental preparation for people with learning disabilities, specifically designed for catechists who want to work in this field.
I am particularly interested in raising awareness of the issues surrounding people with learning disabilities and their inclusion into society. I have been instrumental in extending the social clubs and outings for our St Joseph families and in speaking to church groups about our work.
At various times, I have been a member of my parish’s Pastoral Council and Chair of Governors at my local Catholic Primary School.
Libby Biberian
I joined SJPC team in 2001 after I completed the Sacramental preparation course at the recommendation of my parish. In my parish I assist families with LDs who wish to be prepared for the Sacraments and I encourage inclusion. My work also entails co-ordinating Saturday Clubs for LDs in parish communities. I am instrumental in building on these communities which is challenging and rewarding. I like working for SJPC as a volunteer and I enjoy it immensely.
Gerald McEnery
I am an outreach volunteer worker in East London who assists the present Area Co-ordinator,as well as accompanying people with Learning Difficulty in Sacramental preparation and helping parishes to be alert to the special gifts of these people. Currently I have particular responsibility for co-ordinating our twice yearly residential weekends for families of people with LD held in Southwell House. I help arrange social events and special Masses and prayer days in parishers. Once a year we usually go to Our Lady's shrine in Aylesford in Kent. I would like to remove the isolation of so many of our families and put the gifts of people with LD more centre stage in the Church.
And many volunteers...
...in the parishes of the Diocese. Look at our photo galleries to see them in action.