Diocese of Killala

The Pope John Paul II Award encourages you to go beyond your comfort zone on a journey of self-discovery. It challenges you to give of your time, your talents, your intellect, and your social skills for the well-being of others and for the Glory of God.”

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 Award is committed to helping young people enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development through participation in school, parish and community activities.

I welcome the proposal to introduce the Pope John Paul II Award in the diocese of Killala. We frequently discuss the issue of how to find creative ways to engage young people with the faith and how to involve them more fully in the life of the Church. The initiative of the Pope John Paul II Award invites young people to reflect more deeply on their faith and take part in activities which will be important for themselves, and of benefit to others.

I know that there is a great wealth of idealism and generosity in our young people. Very often all it needs is encouragement and the opportunity to express it. Taking part in the Pope John Paul II Award is a means of doing this. For many young people in this diocese, taking part in this programme could be the first step on the journey of change which will bring the renewal for which we all long.

It is my fervent wish, therefore, that the Pope John Paul II Award will provide the opportunities, the motivation and the support to some of our young people so that they can make their contribution to the life of their parish and this diocese.

I wish this initiative every blessing and success.

+ John Fleming
Bishop of Killala
Ash Wednesday 2013

The Diocese of Killala was kindly assisted by the Knights of St Columbanus with funding to start the Pope John Paul II Award.

Award Top-Ups are given in recognition of the extra activities that Award participants are already involved in.

Top-Ups will go towards the total number of hours an individual has to complete.

Papal Cross: 7.5 hours
Gold: 6 hours
Silver: 4.5 hours
Bronze: 3 hours

Top-Ups can be achieved in a number of ways, for example:

Pilgrimage
Many parishes organise pilgrimages, either specifically for young people, or for the wider parish community, but open to young people. Participation in this type of activity can be part of the Pope John Paul II Award.

Diocesan Youth Activities
On a number of occasions during the year, the Diocesan Youth Ministry Team will organise youth activities such as participation in the diocesan pilgrimage to Knock, climbing Croagh Patrick, Youth Retreat Days or other pilgrimage activities. Participation in these activities can be part of the Pope John Paul II Award.

Training for Ministry
During the year, the Diocesan Youth Ministry Team will extend an invitation for young people to participate in training programmes. These training events can also be part of the Pope John Paul II Award.

Discovery Programme
Participation in a Discovery Programme at parish level can also be part of the Pope John Paul II Award.

There may be other activities that you are involved in that are not included here but may be relevant, if so please contact the Pope John Paul II Award Committee for approval.

Making young people visible in their church, community & society

Diocese of Killala

The Pope John Paul II Award

The Pope John Paul II Award encourages you to go beyond your comfort zone on a journey of self-discovery. It challenges you to give of your time, your talents, your intellect, and your social skills for the well-being of others and for the Glory of God.”

A message from the Bishop of Killala

The Award in the Diocese of Killala

There are 4 Awards - Gold, Silver, Bronze & Papal Cross

Diocese of Killala Award Top-Up Suggestions

Downloads

Award Handbook

Award Resources

News

Diocese of Killala Annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony 2024

The Award runs in Ireland and the UK, find your diocese below.

If you are an Award participant, you can find all materials required to complete your Award on your Diocese Award page

The Award

About Us

Contact Killala Award Office