Fr David Marsden. Photo credit: Wisecatholic 
Staff Reporter
A senior member of staff at Maynooth has resigned, reportedly over differences with colleagues about the future direction of the seminary.
Fr David Marsden – who as vocational growth counsellor was a key member of staff charged with helping seminarians discern a vocation to the priesthood – is a trained psychologist specialising in priestly formation.
A British-born member of the Sacred Heart Fathers, he had worked in Maynooth since 2009 and is described as a popular member of staff amongst seminarians.
It is understood that Fr Marsden had concerns about the direction of the formation programmes.
Fr Marsden was unavailable for comment. However, a spokesman for St Patrick’s College, Maynooth told The Irish Catholic “I can confirm that Fr Marsden has stepped down from his role”.