Priests being allowed to marry may not be the solution to the current shortfall in priests in the Cork and Ross diocese
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 and their ordinations will not take place before 2029.
As a result the Diocese of Cork and Ross has issued an appeal for more men to consider joining the priesthood.
Speaking to RedFM News Diocesan spokesman Fr Tom Hayes says other faiths, who allow marriage, are facing the same challenges
"Other faith denominations are having the same challenges. Even the ones that allow married clergy don't have enough clergy either. So there's a deeper question I think about the concept of giving a lifelong commitment in a culture which sees commitment is very short term at times. So the priesthood is a deeper commitment. It's something that somebody is asked to give for their whole life and not certain that opening it up to married clergy would immediately change our numbers."
A 'Come and See' event for men considering the priesthood will be held on July 2nd at Mardyke House in the city.
