The Ursuline Order has announced plans to invite young women to dip their toes into the vocational waters for a week when the congregation opens its doors in June.

Themed 'Daring to be Different', the Ursuline Service and Spirituality Programme will "open up new possibilities for young women who find themselves at a crossroads and are looking for something radical".

Sister Jean Browne, organiser of the week-long challenge, said: "We are launching the new venture to give young women the experience of the Ursuline Order. Through this initiative, we are giving young women the opportunity to experience something different and share the spirituality with other women who may be interested in going into religious life. We are hoping to open up new possibilities for women because I find that a lot of young people are constantly questioning what is important to them in life and a lot of them are moving towards God."

The programme has been initiated in the face of declining vocations to convents across the western world, and is aimed at women aged 20 and upward.

While other orders have organised 'live-ins' as part of recruitment drives in the past, the Ursuline venture will involve people working with young people in Cork as well as experiencing Ursuline spirituality.

"The kind of woman who may be interested is likely to be a seeker and a doer, is interested in giving time to know God better, and can work as part of a team. She will also be inclined to question what the important things in life are and may be at a crossroads in her life. The week-long programme is a perfect opportunity to learn more, with no strings attached, " said Browne.

Browne pointed out that, while the number of vocations in the western world has dropped over the last decade, there are parts of the world where religion is thriving, and she predicts a move back in this direction in Ireland.

"I think young people today have a great openness towards the possibility of joining religious orders as they seem to be searching for something and religious life can answer that call, " she said.