DCU’s Mater Dei Centre launches new survey on the impact of COVID-19 on faith and religion

The research team at the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education (MDCCE) in partnership with York St. John University is conducting a new study into the effect of the current pandemic on churches, religion and faith in Ireland. The Irish study is led by DCU academics Dr. Gareth Byrne, Director of the MDCCE and Dr. Bernadette Sweetman, post-doctoral researcher at the Centre.

The Coronavirus outbreak has had a profound effect on churches. The lockdown has severely restricted ministry in areas such as pastoral care, fellowship groups, and serving the community. Worship has also taken on new and creative forms online. Many clergy and ministry teams have risen to the challenge of operating in the virtual environment. 

Dr. Gareth Byrne explains

“It is important to document the response of churchgoers to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on their faith lives and connection with Church. We hope to capture evidence of people’s experiences during this time, as well as indicators of possibilities and learning for the future.”

Themes explored in the survey will include:

How well have people coped with the pandemic? Has it strengthened or weakened their faith? How has it been for clergy and ministry teams trying to work in this new environment? How have those receiving ministry found this novel experience? Will virtual ministry become part of the post-pandemic landscape, and will this be a good move for your church?

The survey can be accessed at: MDCCE Coronavirus survey 

Researchers

Dr. Gareth Byrne, Director Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, Dublin City University: gareth.byrne@dcu.ie 

Dr. Bernadette Sweetman, Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, Dublin City University: bernadette.sweetman@dcu.ie 

The Revd Professor Andrew Village, Professor of Practical and Empirical Theology, York St John University

The Revd Canon Professor Leslie J. Francis, Visiting Professor, York St John University