Diocese of Down and Connor

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 also 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 Living Church leads our mission of “building faith in young people.”

On behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, the Living Church carries out this mission by constantly affirming the giftedness of our young people. It fosters this affirmation by engaging them in creative roles within our parishes, youth centres and schools.

I welcome the introduction of the Pope John Paul II Award by the Living Church into the Diocese of Down and Connor. I pray that this Award will inspire young people to get involved in their local parishes, both for their own benefit and for the benefit of the wider parish community.

The Pope John Paul II Award gives concrete expression to the vision at the heart of the Framework Document for Youth Ministry in Ireland, ‘Called Together - Making a Difference.’

The talents, skills and gifts of young people can make a real difference to their peers. We see the impact they have on the lives of the wider community through many acts of selfless service. They are called to play a full and active part in our parish communities. The joy and vitality that they bring to this task makes a difference. The Pope John Paul II Award will hopefully channel their youthful enthusiasm. Their involvement and work will be an eloquent witness to faith in Jesus Christ for all of us in our Diocese as we share the common task of building God’s kingdom.