Most Reverend Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane has been formally appointed to the Board of Caritas Australia and will begin his tenure this week.
Archbishop Coleridge was ordained a priest in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne in 1974. He has served as the Archbishop of Brisbane since 2012 and was president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for two terms from 2018 until earlier this year.
“Caritas Australia welcomes Archbishop Coleridge with a sense of gratitude that someone with his depth of experience will grace us with his guidance and wisdom. I personally look forward to being able to work closely with him as we journey towards our vision of a world where all may thrive,” said Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia’s CEO.
"Archbishop Coleridge will be instrumental in building on the successes of our past and supporting us as we continue to implement our ten-year strategic vision.”
During his time as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Coleridge oversaw the Fifth Plenary Council discussions in July 2022 which brought First Australians’ recognition and identity to the forefront of discussions.
Archbishop Coleridge will begin his tenure on the Board on November 22, 2022, when he will lead the Caritas Australia staff and volunteers in a Blessing of the organisation’s new Sydney office in Mascot.
“I am delighted to be welcomed onto the Caritas Australia Board,” said Archbishop Coleridge.
“Project Compassion has always been close to my heart, and I’ve always appreciated the way that Caritas Australia helps to unite our Church community through our shared faith, and to strengthen our connection with dioceses, parishes and schools across the country.”
“This year has proved to be very challenging for communities worldwide, with war, political upheaval, famine and an increasing number of natural disasters. Through these times of darkness, we make our own the words of the Psalm: ‘my God in whom I trust’ (Psalm 91).
“Caritas Australia provides the Catholic community in Australia the opportunity to put the Gospel into action through compassion and generosity. Over the past few years, the great compassion of Catholic people in Australia has been humbling and heart-warming. That’s why, I look forward to being part of Caritas Australia’s future.”
Contact: Jessica Stone jessica.stone@caritas.org.au
