What is undeniable is that the numbers coming into the church are down on what they had been in the past (although the last three years have seen a slight recovery).

There are currently 74 men studying for the diocesan priesthood in Ireland, representing a seven year cycle before ordination. In 2006, 26 applicants were accepted into the programme, and the average age for a person beginning their training is 28 (finishing at 34 and a half).

2001 was the last time that more than 30 applicants were accepted in a single year. This compares with figures of 57 in an opening class in 1989, and classes of 80 or 90 in the 1960s.

"A very important feature to note is the age profile of the applicants, " said Fr Patrick Rushe, national co-ordinator for diocesan vocations. "20 years ago, we would have seen a far higher number of school leavers entering the programme, and the average age of ordination would have been in the mid-20s. But the group these days is taking longer to think about coming in - and they will have already made a lot of decisions which would before have been made during the process of becoming a priest."

Indeed, of last year's intake, 38% came from secondary school, 19% had studied thirdlevel non-degree programmes, while 42% came with a third-level degree or higher. Some people have trained as teachers, civil servants or engineers, while others come from a financial background. But overall, more and more people entering the priesthood are doing so having made mature decisions about their futures - which is very important in terms of maintaining the integrity of the church into the future.

"The first thing that we look for when considering an application is the faith aspect, " said Fr Rushe. "We are looking for a mature attitude to faith, because faith is about a living relationship.

But we are also looking for people who are motivated to serve - because the priesthood is not about monetarily rewarding work. And we are looking for people with intelligence, vision, and a bit of compassion, as well as people who are warm and at ease with others."

In terms of the career itself, following ordination a priest begins life as a Curate, whose first obligation is to liturgical and sacramental duties - celebrating mass, funerals, marriages, etc. The next level is that of Parish Priest. While the Curate will have some responsibilities, the Parish Priest is ultimately responsible for the workings of the parish, including financial and management matters.

If a priest is deemed particularly capable, he can be bestowed with a number of honorary titles, including Monsignor, Archdeacon, Canon and Dean, all of which require papal approval. Of course, the ultimate promotion would be to Bishop, and it is through the advice of the Papal Nuntio that the Pope appoints a Bishop - so the order comes from the top.

Other careers in the priesthood include prison or military Chaplains, or others who work in hospitals, retreats, missions or with the young. Still, despite the possibilities, if people are looking for money they have come to the wrong profession. There is a small basic salary, and some occasional stipends for celebrating marriages, etc, but, despite the fact that priests' bed and boarding needs are, for the most part, taken care of, none of them is getting rich out of the priesthood.

But money is not the reason why most people will have joined the priesthood in the first place.