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 Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them. The Award was launched by the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Most Rev Dr Giuseppe Lazzarotto on 7th November 2006 in the Diocese of Derry, Ireland.
Making young people visible in their church, community & society
The 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.
Who is the Award for?
The Pope John Paul II Award is for anyone between the age of 16 and 18. The Award is run by the Diocese and is suitable for:
- Students in Year 13 in Northern Ireland
- Students in 4th Year in Republic of Ireland
- Students in full-time education who have completed GCSEs or Junior Certificate
- Students in Transition Year
- Anyone between the age of 16 and 18, not in post-primary education
The Award is non-competitive, flexible and voluntary and requires an ongoing commitment. Awards are earned by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14 or 20 weeks. There are 3 Awards – Gold, Silver & Bronze. Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.
Awards – Gold, Silver & Bronze
Awards are earned 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.
The Papal Cross Award
Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.
Who organises the Award
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.
Since 2006 has been been running successfully in schools and parishes throughout Ireland and the UK. It is now been actively promoted in the United States.
Diocesan Award Structure
The following structure is in place to run the Award in the Diocese of Ferns.
- Award Patron – The Bishop of Ferns.
- Award Making Body – Pope John Paul II Award Committee.
- Award Leaders – Parish Coordinators, School Coordinators.
- Facilitators – Those who will facilitate the Award to fulfil individual tasks/activities.
- Promoters – Clergy, Head Teachers, School Governors.
- Administrative Centre – Diocesan Pastoral Centre, St Peter’s College, Summerhill, Co. Wexford
How do Schools and Parishes enrol in the Award?
If your school or parish has not enrolled, you should ask a representative to contact the Ferns Award Office at:
Diocesan Pastoral Centre, St Peter’s College, Summerhill, Co. Wexford
Telephone: 053 914 5511
or email: jp2ferns@gmail.com