Analyzing the problem faced by the Early Jerusalem community in Acts, I was struck by the fact that they did not address the actual problem. They had the people choose seven men from the laity and made them 'deacons'. 
But the real CAUSE of the problem was that everyone was allowed to sell everything they owned and lay it at the feet of the Apostles. Then the Apostles were expected to distribute it. Something they found to be beyond their capacity and job description.

We have created our own 'priest shortage' problem by our custom of requiring that people we 'ordain'  must be 'clerics'. That's the actual problem. Fewer People have the 'vocation' to be a life-long, full-time, celibate 'Cleric'.

If the Bishops would ordain lay people priests, it would solve the 'shortage' problem. They could serve part-time, temporary, as long as they were willing, able, and competent. Like those early 'deacon' nominations, let the people choose the ones they judge competent for the task.