The Pope John Paul II Award is thriving in the Diocese of Derry with young people a visible presence in every parish. This video gives an insight into the Award in St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry City.
The Award gives a recognition to young people’s ongoing dedication and commitment to their parish and community
At St Eugene’s, young people read at Mass, train to become Eucharistic Ministers, carry up the offertory gifts, are involved in the music ministry, church decoration/cleaning, assist with Children’s Liturgy, are involved with Cor, meet regularly to take part in Youth Alpha sessions, participate in the parish passion play, volunteer at HOPE Camps and attend Diocesan events including the annual hike of Croagh Patrick and Lourdes Pilgrimage.
Many of these young people are already involved in a number of organisations outside of school so the Award provides recognition for their ongoing dedication and commitment. For those who are not, it provides the opportunity to get out there and meet new people and develop their skills while helping others and living out their faith. Many young people in Derry volunteer in their local youth clubs and community centres, charity shops, St John’s Ambulance and Red Cross, REACH Across, organise and participate in fundraising initiatives for local charities including Foyle Hospice, SVP and Children in Crossfire, sports coaching, peer mentoring, music tuition, visiting residential homes and hospitals.
The reflections the participants submit upon on completion of these activities are testimony to the impact the Award has had on the lives of the young people and the benefit their contributions have made to their local parish and community. Many of the participants aim to continue their parish involvement and volunteer work after their Award has been competed.
Many young people are keen to get involved – there are hundreds of applicants in the Diocese of Derry each year. The Award is constantly growing with new dioceses taking on the Award in the UK and further afield.
Get involved in the Award
If you would like to get involved in the Award in the Diocese of Derry, please contact the Award coordinator in Derry on 028 7126 4087.