Westminster: former banker appointed as Director of Youth Ministry

Phil Ross

The Diocese of Westminster has appointed Phil Ross as the new Director for Youth Ministry. Phil has spent his entire career within the banking sector; holding board level positions at Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance, Investec Asset Finance and latterly Syscap. A 50 year-old father of two young adults: Frances who is 20 and studying Biology, and Andrew who’s 17 and doing his A Levels. Phil has been married to Ann for 22 years. Ann is a Teaching Assistant at a school close to where they live in Enfield.

The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said: "I welcome Phil Ross to the Diocese of Westminster and look forward to his work with the young people of our Diocese. He brings great gifts and dedication to his new work in the Church.

"Phil will be working closely with parishes, priests and the other diocesan agencies to ensure that the young members of our Church are supported, guided in the faith and fully part of the community of the Church."

Phil Ross said: "I was confirmed as a Catholic at Easter 20 years ago, through the RCIA programme at Ponders End parish. Since then I have immersed myself in parish life and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to support the many parish groups and to organise the community events that we host."

"Fr John Shewring asked me four years ago to develop a youth strategy for our community beyond that provided through parish sacramental programmes. I am proud of what my volunteer team and I have developed and now I see a vibrant and valuable parish youth group going from strength to strength. Seeing that this youth-led vocational activity really enriches parish life, it struck me that maybe I could help to deliver similar vibrancy elsewhere within the Diocese."

"The opportunity to work with the Westminster Youth Ministry team and to build on their success with the wide range of parish communities is the answer to my prayers."

"My new role is an exciting and unique opportunity to combine my leadership and operational skills with something that has genuinely become my passion. My energy, drive, people skills and all the things that I have learnt in business can be used for a much better purpose. I am very happy."

Three years ago the Diocese of Westminster restructured its youth provision in order to deliver greater support for parishes; helping them to identify and respond to the needs of young people. The Diocese also provides a residential and day retreat centre for young people aged 8-18.

Source: Archbishops House/CCN