The Pope John Paul II 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.
The Pope John Paul II Award for anyone between the age of 16 and 18
The Pope John Paul II Award is committed to helping young people enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development through participation in school, parish and community activities. As well as the feeling of personal achievement that a participant will gain from taking part in the Award, participation will help demonstrate the young person’s commitment to a task and goal.
The Award is for anyone between the age of 16 and 18. The Award is run by the Diocese and is suitable for:
- Students in 4th Year
- Students in full-time education who have completed Junior Certificate
- Students in Transition Year
It is non-competitive, flexible and voluntary and requires an ongoing commitment. Awards are earned by taking part in a parish and a social activity for 1 hour per week over 8, 14 or 20 weeks. There are 3 Awards – Gold, Silver & Bronze.
Get involved in your parish and community
Examples of activities in the parish that can be done for the Award are:
- Reading at Mass
- Altar Server
- Eucharistic Minister
- Member of choir/folk group
- Church decoration
- Collector
- Composing prayers of the faithful
- Preparing articles for the parish bulletin
Examples of activities in the area of Social Awareness that can be done for the Award are:
- Participation in St. Vincent de Paul projects
- SPRED volunteer
- Faith and Light
- Working in a youth club
- Ongoing fundraising
- Regular visitation of residential homes
- Faith Friends
Over 25,000 young people have achieved the Award since it started in 2006. The Award is running in 21 dioceses throughout Ireland.
Find out more about the Award in your Diocese
If you would like to enroll or find out more about the Award, get in touch. We’ll connect you with the Award leaders in your area.
Telephone: 0044 (0)28 7126 4087
Email: admin@thepopejohnpauliiaward.com