On Thursday, 14th March 2019, the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle held their 3rd annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony.
The Tyne Theatre and Opera House came alive with an audience of over 500 celebrating the youth of the diocese. Central to the Award presentation ceremony were the 128 young people receiving awards, including 2 young people, Lewis Hall and Liam Waugh, who received the Papal Cross Award for continuing their work in their parish and local community beyond the age of 18.
Music for the evening was provided by the excellent choir from St Anthony’s Catholic Academy led by music teacher Laura Dudley. Bishop Seamus and Deborah Fox (Head of the Department for Education) presented the awards and both gave inspiring and affirming addresses to the young people and their relatives and friends.
The Award is coordinated by the Youth Ministry Team and supported throughout the year by a small army of Award Leaders in our secondary schools and parishes. The Award Leaders and Church Coordinators, many of whom were present on the evening, provide opportunities for those working towards the award and give constant encouragement and guidance. They are essential for the success of the Award.
At the end of the evening, the Award committee presented Bishop Seamus with his own Papal Cross award for his unfailing support for the award scheme over the four years it has been going.