Stewardship

The Carmelite Spirituality Network is guided by a collaborative leadership structure that honours both the contemplative and prophetic dimensions of our Carmelite heritage. Our governance reflects the values we promote: integrity, accountability, and a commitment to discerning God’s will for our times.

Board Of Trustees

The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the Carmelite Spirituality Network, providing strategic oversight and fiduciary responsibility. The Trustees ensure that CSN remains faithful to its mission of promoting excellence in soul care ministries while maintaining sound organisational governance. They set the strategic direction of the Network, approve policies, safeguard the Carmelite charism that underpins all of CSN’s work, and ensure that resources are stewarded wisely for the benefit of members and those they serve. The Board upholds the core values of authenticity, integrity, and transparency that are foundational to our mission.

Fr. Liam Finnerty, OCD

Chair
Fr Liam is a Carmelite priest and holds degrees in Theology and Social Work from Milltown Institute, Dublin and Glasgow University, respectively. Fr Liam has many years of experience in the retreat ministry, spiritual direction, pastoral care and mentoring. He…

Julienne McLean

Member
Julienne McLean is a psychologist, Jungian analyst and spiritual director and pastoral supervisor. For many years, she has taught and run retreats on Jungian psychology and Carmelite spirituality, especially on the life and writings of St Teresa of Avila. She…

Vivien Foster, OCD

Member
Vivien is a Carmelite Secular with a particular love for the spirituality of St John of the Cross. She completed CACS Spiritual Direction Formation Programme in 2022 and has continued to accompany subsequent students and provide group facilitation. She works…

Elizabeth Sudlow

Member
After many years immersed in Carmelite spirituality and lay communities in the UK and Italy, drawing from this contemplative tradition, Lizzie offers a gentle, reflective space for both spiritual direction and pastoral supervision Through prayerful attentiveness, together we can discover…

Board Of Advisors

The Board of Advisors exercises a prophetic role within the Carmelite Spirituality Network, helping CSN to hear and heed God’s voice from within the tumult of our times. Drawing on the Carmelite tradition rooted in Mount Carmel and the example of the prophet Elijah, the Advisors bring wisdom, discernment, and a capacity to read the signs of the times to their service. They provide expert counsel on ministerial standards, advocate for the Network’s mission, and offer guidance that ensures CSN remains responsive to the evolving needs of spirituality practitioners and the Church. Through their collective discernment, the Board of Advisors helps the Network speak God’s truth into contemporary contexts while staying firmly grounded in the contemplative tradition.

John Dalla Costa

John Dalla Costa is a theologian, and ethicist. He is the founding director of the Centre for Ethical Orientation (CEO) in Toronto and for over a decade taught ethics at the Schulich School for Business at York University (Toronto). John…

Anders Cardinal Arborelius, OCD

His Eminence Lars Anders Cardinal Arborelius, OCD, is Bishop of Stockholm, Sweden, and was made the first Swedish and Scandinavian cardinal in Church history by Pope Francis in 2017. A convert to Catholicism and member of the Discalced Carmelites since…

Heather Ward

Qualified in social work; trained with & counselled for Clinical Theology Association; BA in English Literature; PhD English & Theology; MEd in RE & Catechesis (Maryvale) – dissertation on contribution of Carmelite spirituality to spiritual education in schools. Tutor (short…

Ellen Sarewitz

I live in a small village above the river Wye where I moved from Cambridge 6 years ago. From a rational, scientific anti-religion background I gradually found – was found by – God through music, history, grace and John of…

Executive Team

The Executive Team brings the vision and decisions of the Trustees and Advisors to life through day-to-day leadership and operational management. They implement CSN’s strategic priorities, oversee accreditation processes as an independent body, develop programmes and resources, and serve as the primary point of contact for members and enquirers. The Executive Team cultivates a welcoming community built on the Teresian ideal of friendship and mutual support, manages communications and partnerships, and ensures that CSN’s offerings remain accessible and aligned with our contemplative heritage. They are the hands and heart of the Network, serving members with dedication and care.

Fr Alexander Ezechukwu, OCD

President
Fr Alexander Ezechukwu is a Discalced Carmelite priest and Prior of the Carmelite community at Boars Hill, Oxford. He holds a Licence in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, and an MPhil in Judaism and Early Christianity in…

Kate Keefe

Accreditation Co-ordinator
Kate Keefe brings a wealth of experience in spiritual direction, supervision, and Church leadership to her role as Accreditation Coordinator. She currently serves as coordinator of the online Ministry of Supervision course at CACS and as the Sacred and Safe…

Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe

Formation & Events Coordinator
Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe is a Discalced Carmelite priest based at the Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford. He serves as a formator at the International College of Formation in Rome and on the CACS Spiritual Direction Formation Programme. An accredited member…

Judy Anne Bartlett

Coordinator of Operations
Judy Anne Bartlett brings extensive experience in executive administration, finance, and organisational management to her role as Coordinator of Operations. With a background spanning large multinationals, NGOs, and diverse businesses both nationally and internationally, Judy has developed a comprehensive skill…