This research study set out to gain an insight into the role of Diocesan Advisors in relation to their work in voluntary Catholic second level schools in the Republic of Ireland at a time of great social, cultural and political change. The research question is sub-divided and addressed throughout the thesis in three parts: What are the Diocesan Advisors’ understandings of the purpose of the role? How do the Diocesan Advisors experience the role? How do the Diocesan Advisors perceive the future meaning and trajectory of the role? These parts of the research question were chosen in order to maintain a focus on the perceptions of the participants in relation to their role, their experiences in the role and their hopes and concerns for the future of the role in an increasingly secular landscape. As the knowledge to be generated is subjective, involving the participants’ own perceptions and experiences, the research was placed in the qualitative field. A case-study approach was taken, and data was gathered in researcher-driven solicited diaries; individual follow-on interviews and in a final focus group interview. The literature review looked at five key areas for consideration in a study of this nature: 1. The identity of Catholic Schools; 2. Religious Education; 3. Inspection; 4. Diocesan Advisors; 5. Identity and Professionalism. The study includes the historical background of the role, and looks at the radical shifts that have occurred in the field of Catholic schooling and in Religious Education in recent years. The diaries and interviews were coded and interrogated using the NVivo software application package. Themes were identified. The results, with supporting evidence, reveal the experiences of a total of nineteen post-primary Diocesan Advisors. Their daily records tell of the multi-dimensional nature of their roles. Their views on the role and on their remit reveal further complexities. Their concerns for the future of Religious Education, the future of Catholic schools and the future meaning and trajectory of the role, add a rich insight into the workings of Catholic schools and into Religious Education in particular, in a changing landscape. This study has shown that Diocesan Advisors’ work in an increasingly contested space. The impact of recent State directives has posed new challenges for the Advisors and for many of the stakeholders in the field of Catholic Education.