Tom Allan is now the new Chair of the Steering Group for SPARK Social Justice: the Diocese of Leeds’ Justice and Peace Commission’s initiative for younger people.
Tom Allan was a sixth former at St Mary’s Catholic Academy in Menston when he first involved himself with the SPARK project, which, with financial support from Porticus, was started six years ago to harness the passion that younger people have for issues of social justice through their Catholic faith.
When COVID meant lockdowns, Tom was part of a small team carrying the project forward by making and sharing videos. When he left school for Sheffield University, he was happy to be invited to join the SPARK Project Steering Group. His involvement has helped shape how the project has progressed and the approach taken to engaging with people under 30 years of age who, although perhaps not regular Mass attenders, still regard themselves as believers and culturally Catholic.
After University, Tom returned to the Diocese last Summer to take up his first job and is a member of St Joseph’s Parish in Pudsey. At the SPARK Steering Group meeting on 4 December Tom took over as Chair, replacing the outgoing Chair, Marg Siberry of St Benedict’s Parish in Garforth, who said:
‘I am delighted that Tom agreed to take on the role of Chair. If we want to work with people under 30 then it just makes sense to have someone in that age group as Chair of the group that steers the project. We have a wonderful group of people – with a wide variety of experiences, skills and networks – so Tom will have plenty of support as we continue to take the project forward.’
Tom confessed to being ‘still a little taken aback’ to be approached to take on the role, but says it is something he has ‘great pride’ in doing:
‘I have been truly inspired by the work coming from SPARK and I’m excited to help lead and deliver this. The work of the project wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic project coordinator, Kathy Shaw, and the rest of the steering group who have enabled this project to overcome challenges and celebrate its successes. SPARK is in a place now where we’re really starting to see the momentum build, as we encounter more young adults we’re able to connect with and we’re starting to become more recognisable and reputable throughout the Leeds Diocese for positive work and inspiring results coming from the project. SPARK, and the Justice and Peace Commission as a whole, have been massively supportive of myself and other young adults and I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity. I’d also like to say a massive thank you to Marg for her leadership on the project, I’m lucky that despite stepping back from chairing, she will continue to work with us on the project’s steering group as she is a valuable asset to our team.’
Outgoing Chair Marg welcomes Tom as the new Chair of SPARK Social Justice
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