Cathal BarryIrish vocation directors are taking creative steps in an effort to boost the numbers of young people considering a call to the priesthood and religious life.
A major assembly to be held in November is set to tackle the crisis of vocations in the Irish Church by establishing new strategic discernment groups.
The key meeting will offer vocation directors specific training with a view to forming a network of 'Samuel Discernment Groups' countrywide.
Expert vocations promoter Sr Cathy Jones from the National Office for Vocation of England and Wales has been recruited to advise participants on how to establish the groups which, according to Sr Jones, have contributed to a rise in vocations in Britain last year.
Nearly 100 men and women entered convents, seminaries and religious houses across England and Wales in 2013. The figure represents a big upturn in numbers over the past decade.
Conference organisers are now hoping the discernment groups will lead to a similar surge in vocations here. Sr Jones said the main aim of the groups is that "participants will end the programme with a clearer view of Godís will for their lives".