Dramatic fall in the numbers entering religious orders but the faith of those becoming novices is strong.
The numbers choosing to enter religious life are down across Europe, but Ireland is one of few countries educating people planning to take holy orders.
Last September twenty two year old Graham Herterich decided to leave his career as a chef and enter the Carmelite order. He feels this that this has been the decision for him.
What I'm doing now is making me happy.
The decline in numbers entering religious life has seen orders in Europe pooling resources to form one training programme for all.
Fr Brian McKay Order of Carmelites is director of the Noviate Training Programme in Gort Muire, Ballinteer. While numbers are low, the calibre of applicants for religious life is higher than ever.
They are very motivated people, they know what they want.
One novice who put off making a decision for almost two decades is Freda Purcell. Now in the novitiate for the Sisters of St Clare, the former care worker advises anyone thinking about religious life is to give it a go.
They should just give it a try for themselves.
Marcus Kleman who has travelled from Germany thought long and hard about joining the Sacred Heart Missionaries. He has received a lot of support and is optimistic about the future.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 February 2000. The reporter is Anne Marie Smyth.
