Pope John Paul II Award

Pope John Paul II Award Logo

Making young people visible in their church, community & society.

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What is the Award and who is it for?

The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.

Young people achieve their Award by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14 or 20 weeks. There are 3 Award levels – Gold, Silver & Bronze. Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.

Over 20,000 young people, in 21 dioceses throughout Ireland and the UK have successfully completed the Pope John Paul II Award since it was created in 2006.

Take an active part in the life of your Church

The Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church - in the life of their community and society. It enables young people become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world and to engage at a deep level with Christ.

Participate in school, parish and community activities

The Award is committed to helping young people enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development through participation in school, parish and community activities.

Award Levels

There are 4 Awards - Gold, Silver, Bronze & Papal Cross

Each Award is completed over a 16 month period beginning at the start of the academic year.
Awards are earned by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14, 20 or 26 weeks.

Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.

Gold Award

gold-award-medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 20 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 20 weeks

Reflection

More details

Silver Award

Silver award medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 14 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 14 weeks

Reflection

More details

Bronze Award

Bronze Award Medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 8 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 8 weeks

Reflection

More details

Papal Cross

Papal Cross Award
Requirements:
Already achieved
Gold Award

Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 26 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 26 weeks

Project

More details

Who organises the Award?

Award head office

The Pope John Paul II Award is coordinated from its head office in Derry, Northern Ireland. It was created by Fr Paul Farren in his role as director of the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre.

Diocesan Award offices

The Award is running in 21 dioceses in Ireland and 2 in the UK. Each diocese has its own Award office and coordinator. For details of each diocese, see the participating diocese directory.

Run the Award in your Diocese

If you’d like to know how to introduce the Award in your diocese, simply use the enquiry form on our contact page, or send us an email at admin@thepopejohnpauliiaward.com.

Telephone + 44 (0)28 7126 4087

The Award runs in Ireland and the UK, find your diocese below.

If you are an Award participant, you can find all materials required to complete your Award on your Diocese Award page