An open day is to be held in Cork for men who are considering joining the priesthood.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross is hosting what it is calling a 'Come and See' event on Sunday, July 2nd in Mardyke House in the city.
"It is an opportunity to take a gentle initial step and to pray, share and explore if the Lord might be calling you to the priesthood," the diocese said.
Last autumn parishes across the diocese were overhauled in an effort to address the falling number of priests, the number of retirements and the age profile of remaining priests.
There are currently just two men studying for the priesthood for the diocese. Their ordinations will not take place before 2029.
Speaking to RedFM News, diocesan spokesman Fr Tom Hayes has said priests being allowed to marry may not be the solution to the current problem.
"Other faith denominations are having the same challenges; even the ones that allow married clergy, don't have enough clergy either," he said.
"So there's a deeper question, I think, about the concept of giving a lifelong commitment in a culture which sees commitment as very short-term at times.
"The priesthood is a deeper commitment to something that somebody's asked to give for their whole life.
"I'm not certain that opening it up to married clergy would immediately change our numbers," he added.
