Father Michael Canny, ADM at St Eugene's, says many people simply do not believe in God and many families do not take their children to Mass on Sundays.

Fr. Canny says: "I acknowledge there is a crisis in vocations to priesthood and religious life, but this crisis is the result of a deeper crisis - namely faith or the lack of it in the lives of individuals and families today. Many people, perhaps 75% of the population, live their lives as if Jesus Christ was never born into our human condition. They may have some vague notion of resurrection and eternal life, but it is very low on their list of priorities."

His comments coincide with the disclosure that Ireland is currently experiencing a vocations crisis. While 160 priests died in the past year, only nine men were ordained. In the same period, 228 nuns died with only two taking final vows.

Father Canny says children are no longer brought to Mass on a Sunday as a family, and that many young people today are not experiencing the "passing on" of the faith that was the norm 30 years ago.

"Without Mass, our faith cannot be nourished," he added. "I believe the faith will always survive, but it will become diluted over the years."
The Derry priest says that, while those parents who don't attend Mass regularly still insist on their children receiving sacraments, he believes it is only a matter of time before this, too, diminishes.

"If people have no value in their faith or going to Mass, we believe it's only a matter of time before they start thinking why should they get their children baptised, confirmed or even get married in a church."