It's amazing what a little bit of trying on the part of a diocese will do. My diocese (Greensburg, PA), which isn't very big in size or population, just started a "Called by Name" campaign less than two years ago as well as revamping the Office of Clergy Vocations. Not only does the program provide names of men who may be interested (who the diocese contacts at least once to see if a vocation to the priesthood is something that is being considered), it also creates a general awareness among the laity in the diocese as to what a vocation is and that they should pray for vocations in general.
So far, it's working; a decent number of names have been given to the diocese, and so even if a tenth are remotely interested, it is a better situation than we had before. We have at least 5 (maybe 6) young men who either have started, will start, or are in the application process to start studies this calendar year, which is a huge improvement from where the diocese was a year or two ago.
As an aside, the diocese is theologically moderate, neither extremely progressive nor extremely traditional.
In my opinion, the "more lay ministers" idea is a cop-out. Lay ministers (in general) simply won't foster vocations in the same manner as holy priests will.
(A far aside: It makes me think of that WWII propaganda poster: "Together we are strong, together we will win.")
lay ministers(priest replacements)= I want to serve on my terms
Build it and they will come!
Granted that 'selling' vocations is quite different from selling refrigerators but the concept of appealing to or 'inviting the sale' does not change. There are many young men who have simply never considered the priesthood as a lifetime vocation.
In my opinion, the "more lay ministers" idea is a cop-out.
Amen and "high electonic 5"!! This concept is popular in those dioceses, like mine, where the bishop is actively promoting such a program as a replacement for the (artificial) "lack of priests" (the result of turning away) 'orthodox' young men from the seminary.