One young North Carolina man, however, has impressed his elders with his devotion to his faith. Michael Burbeck, 23, begins six years of training next month to become a Catholic priest, The Raleigh News & Observer reported Sunday.

Unlike many priests, Burbeck will be only 29 when he is ordained. Church authorities say that in a culture that promotes material possessions, sex and self-promotion young people are increasingly turned off by the relatively quiet life of the priesthood.

In the United States, the number of priests has shrunk from 58,632 in 1965 to 41,794, the News & Observer said. Bishops are struggling to recruit priests -- particularly young men -- and several parishes have had to close.

Meanwhile, the Catholic population burgeons.

Burbeck said he felt certain his faith is his life calling, but his brand of certainty may be something Catholics will see less and less in coming years, the News & Observer said.