The Bishop of Cork and Ross will be manning an information stand at a careers fair in Cork today, in a new approach to recruiting to the priesthood.

Bishop John Buckley will be attempting to persuade young job hunters that a life serving God in the priesthood is a career for them at the Career Options Cork 2016 event.

Church figures are hoping that Bishop Buckley’s famed personal touch can make a difference to young people making up their minds about future prospects.

It is thought to be the first time that the church has taken a stand at an employment fair in Cork.

The event, which features stands from all walks of employment, takes place today and tomorrow, with Bishop Buckley making an appearance today.

Spokesperson for the Diocese, Fr Tom Deenihan, said: “The Diocese is always trying to find new ways of reaching people. We have seen the need for more vocations in recent years and we would very much encourage those who might be thinking of devoting their lives to carrying out God’s work.”

There was just one ordination in the Diocese of Cork and Ross this year. In June, Fr Pat Nugent was ordained in the Church of the Real Presence, Bishopstown, and he celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving the following Sunday in the same parish.

His ordination comes at a time of falling vocations in the Church and the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

Following two ordinations last year, there are just three men studying to become priests in Cork and Ross at present.

Bishop Buckley has been a vocal campaigner for local communities to encourage vocations to the priesthood.