Farewell to former MDCCE Director Dr Gareth Byrne

We bid Dr Gareth Byrne a fond farewell as he leaves us to take on the role of Moderator of the Curia in the Dublin Diocese. Gareth has been Director of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education since its inception in 2016. During that time, he has brought Religious Education to the fore in DCU and promoted the values of Catholic education, teaching and learning, and engagement with the sector. Gareth’s scholarship has ensured that the Centre is viewed nationally and internationally as a locus of research in the field of Catholic education. He has led research projects of great importance and published articles and books which have made major contributions to the field. Gareth’s breadth of experience on the ground in both education and pastoral endeavours together with his attention to detail and his foresight, are qualities which were always greatly valued by all and which will serve him well in his new role.

Gareth has been a generous colleague and he will be missed by those who worked closest to him in the MDCCE and Catholic RE, colleagues in the School of Human Development, members of the Faculty Board and the wider DCU community. We wish you well in your new role, Gareth and pray for blessings on your work.

May the work fit the rhythms of your soul,

Enabling you to draw from the invisible

New ideas and a vision that will inspire.

(Taken from John O’Donohue, “Blessings for a New Position,” 

To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings (2008))