Our Salesian mission is one of sharing the Gospel with the young:
“Working collaboratively, we share the Gospel message with young people by bearing witness to God’s love, valuing and respecting them, and inspiring and supporting them to make a contribution to society and the Church”.
The Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland are delighted to announce the appointment of Moss Garde as the Province’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
As Salesians we aim to work and build a climate of trust with all lay staff, collaborators, volunteers and management teams, respecting roles and the importance of professional skills, ongoing formation and development of the Salesian ethos. We believe that a spirit of shared responsibility between Salesians, other Salesian Family members, lay people and the young helps to improve the quality of ministry on offer and broadens our understanding of ministry and the breath of our response to the needs of the young.
This motivated us in 2024 to employ a consulting group, Mantra Strategies, to conduct an organizational review which involved Salesians, members of the Salesian family, young people, lay mission partners and a cross-section of all those involved in our centres. This review affirmed the strength of our mission whilst also recognising new challenges in governance, sustainability, and operational leadership. One of the reviews principal recommendations was to create a Chief Executive Officer role to assist the province in its organisational development and in the stewardship of its resources. Our motivation was more than humbly acknowledging this need, it was inspired by the ongoing discernment, at a provincial and congregational level, of the importance of the lay vocation collaborating in the one mission for the young.
Responding to the review, the Provincial Council discerned that such a role would help the Province grow in its capacity whilst freeing Salesians to dedicate more time to pastoral ministry with the young. As Fr. Eunan McDonnell SDB, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland, explains, “This appointment is a sign of growth and renewal for our Province. It affirms the partnership between consecrated and lay vocations in responding to God’s call to serve the young. Our hope is that this new structure will allow Salesians more freedom to dedicate themselves to pastoral ministry, whilst ensuring that our governance and stewardship embody the Gospel values we profess.”
The CEO role is a new role which does not replace the Provincial Economer, but involves working closely with him and the Provincial. As CEO, Moss will be responsible for working in partnership with the Provincial Council in shaping and delivering its strategic vision and ensuring that this vision, and the operational activities are aligned to the Salesian mission, ethos and values. As a forward thinking and compassionate CEO, Moss is tasked with building relationships between all stakeholders whilst maintaining and building on the financial standing, reputation, and operational sustainability of our province as a whole.
In accepting his appointment, Maurice Garde shared his hopes for the journey ahead: “It is a privilege to be invited into the Salesian mission in this way. I am deeply aware that this role exists to serve the shared work of bringing hope to the young. My aim is to strengthen the bonds of trust and collaboration among Salesians, lay colleagues, and all who contribute to this mission, so that together we can carry Don Bosco’s legacy forward with faith and enthusiasm.”
This appointment represents an important step in our shared responsibility as a Province. It reflects a movement of grace — one that celebrates the gifts and collaboration of all who share in Don Bosco’s dream for the young.
As we begin this new chapter, we do so with gratitude for the past and hope for the future, trusting in St Paul’s words: “May the good Lord who has begun this work in us, bring it to completion.” (Phil. 1:6)