On Thursday, 11 October 2018 the diocese of Kilmore held their Annual Pope John Paul II Award ... read more
Making young people visible in their church, community & society
Diocese of Kilmore
Find out moreApplication & other materialsThe 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.”
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.
A message from the Bishop of Kilmore
I warmly welcome the proposal to introduce the Pope John Paul II Award in the diocese of Kilmore. Parish Pastoral Councils 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 parish. The initiative of the Pope John Paul II Award is a very concrete way of inviting young people to reflect more deeply on their faith and take part in activities which will be engaging and rewarding for themselves, and at the same time be of service and benefit to others. It will enable young people to live out their faith and witness to it in their parishes and communities.
Bearing witness to our Christian faith means having the courage and conviction to speak about it to others, to share what we believe in and to invite others to do the same. It is an exercise of Christian leadership that needs to be practised and cultivated. The Pope John Paul II Award provides opportunities to do that. I know that there is a great wealth of idealism and generosity in our young people. Very often all it needs is a little bit of encouragement and the opportunity to express it. It is also greatly helped by the support of a group of peers who are similarly motivated and engaged.
There is a lot of talk about the need for renewal in the Church today. Renewal means change and that has to begin with each one of us embarking on a journey of change. Like every journey, the journey of change begins with a first step. This initiative is a very worthwhile first step.
It is my fervent wish 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 or community.
I wish this initiative every blessing and success.
+ Leo O’Reilly
Bishop of Kilmore
The Diocese of Kilmore was kindly assisted by the Knights of St Columbanus with funding to start the Pope John Paul II Award.
The Award in the Diocese of Kilmore
There are 4 Awards - Gold, Silver, Bronze & Papal Cross
Each Award is completed over a 16 month period beginning at the start of the academic year.
Awards are earned by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14, 20 or 26 weeks.
Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.
Gold AwardSilver AwardBronze AwardPapal Cross Award
Diocese of Kilmore Award Top-Up Suggestions
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
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.
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.
Humanitarian Trips
Trips lasting four days or more to work on specific projects, such as orphanages in Romania or home building in Africa. The Presentation Schools’ Projects which bring young people to Zambia or other areas to work in a voluntary capacity in schools and communities 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.
Downloads
Award Handbook
The Award handbook explains in detail how the Award is run and who is responsible for running the Award in your diocese.
Award Resources
The following forms are required to be completed by each Award participant. Your Award leader will be able to assist you with any questions you have.
Participants Application Form
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News & Activities
Diocese of Kilmore annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony 2017
Published
On Friday, 6 October 2017 the diocese of Kilmore held their Annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony ... read more