Pope John Paul II Award

Faith Achievement Award

  • The Award Explained
    • Overview
    • The Gold Award
    • The Silver Award
    • The Bronze Award
    • The Papal Cross Award
    • The Role of an Award Leader
    • The role of the Award Diocesan Coordinator
  • Award Resources
    • Award Application & Other Materials
    • Safeguarding Information for Parents/Guardians
    • Participants Code of Ethics
    • Parish and Social Awareness activity ideas
    • Award Ceremony Resources
    • Branding – JPII Award Logos
  • Your Diocese
  • News
  • Events
    • Knock Shrine
    • Rome 2017
    • TY Expo 2017
    • WMOF2018
  • Contact Us
    • The Pope John Paul II Award Team
  • Support

Published: November 15, 2016

The genius of the John Paul II Award – Bishop Fintan Monahan

Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, recently presented young people from across the diocese of Killaloe with their Pope John Paul II Award at the diocese 2016 Award ceremony.

Bishop Monahan made some great observations, offered words of encouragement to all Award participants and outlined the contribution the Award makes to the diocese.

Here is an extract from his address.

“Over the past few months since I came to Killaloe I have heard of the very significant contribution which you yourselves have been making in so many ways throughout the length and breadth of the Diocese of Killaloe.

I have heard of the way in which you have presented various aspects of your local Church as members of transition years, the great pride that you take in your local Church history, the books of prayers and projects that has been published by yourselves, the many pilgrimages you have embarked upon at home and abroad, the choirs you have joined, the nursing homes that you visited, the joy and hope that you brought to residents through your good humour, your music and song.

At Mass and in the Sacraments many of you have been reading as ministers of the Word, others have accompanied young people as they were preparing for Confirmation in the programme “You Shall Be My Witnesses”; you have been role models for younger people who look to you for direction.

Significant achievement

They see you as young people who are full of the joys of life, as outgoing, ready to help others, as young people who are independent and can think for themselves, as people who recognise that faith can and does make a difference for our people.

As young people you are eager to strive for a better world. You want to be partners in the construction of a more just and compassionate society. Already you have recognised and responded to a situation which required attention. You have done this because something within you prompted you and indicated that this is the right thing to do. In your experience of working towards the John Paul II Award you have greater understanding of the fact that faith cannot be something that remains just in your head alone. It must touch the heart and work through your hands and the gifts that you have. Your faith in God causes you to go out and relate to others – in your family, neighbourhood, those who may not be able to enjoy the things you take for granted, like health, mobility, vision and comfortable surroundings.

The genius of the John Paul II Award

You may not realise this, but yet older people pay huge attention to what you are doing; they are inspired by you and you provide them with great hope and courage. The Pope John Paul II Award has afforded you an opportunity to give expression to your outgoing nature so that you can develop the generosity that lies within you; this you have been doing over the years. What is taking place here is related very much to the Sacrament of Confirmation that you have received. You have now shown that you are a person who has taken responsibility and is capable of taking on even greater responsibility in the Church. I rejoice in this.

I welcome you and I want you to know that the Church welcomes your ideas, your youthful energy, your faith and the hope that you have in your heart. I want you to know that you are very valued members of a team here in the Diocese of Killaloe, in your own family, your school, your parish. In your sporting experience you know the way in which the team will always depend on every member. That is why you are so important in the team that is the Diocese of Killaloe. You have so much to offer to that team. I congratulate you on which you have already achieved and I look forward very much to what you will achieve in the future.

The learning experience of the Pope John Paul II Award

Already you have learned much from the Pope John Paul II Award. The importance of working with others, the fact that your faith prompts and propels you into action. You appreciate that the Church is not just a building but rather a group of people who are interested in the very same things as yourselves, who believe that Jesus Christ can make a huge difference in our world and improve the quality of life for all.”

Bishop Monahan’s full address can be viewed here on the killaloe diocese website.

Photographs from the Killaloe Award ceremony can be viewed here along with a lovely reference by Bishop Monahan to a verse by Bob Dylan.

The Pope John Paul II Award. Making young people visible in their church, community & society.

  • Previous ArticleDiocese of Killaloe Annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony 2016
  • Next ArticleDiocese of Cloyne, 4th Annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony 2016

View other stories in these categories: News

About Tony Brennan

Article written by Tony Brennan, National Coordinator of the Pope John Paul II Award. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have about the Award.

Tweet @_tonybrennan

View the Award in your Diocese

The Award

  • The Gold Award
  • The Silver Award
  • The Bronze Award
  • The Papal Cross Award

Award Resources

  • Award Handbook
  • Application Form
  • Parish & Social Activities Form
  • Award Record Cards
  • Record Card Guidelines
  • Reflection Guidelines
  • Reflection Template
  • How does Jesus want me to live my life
  • Trócaire GLAS ÓG

Information for Parents/Guardians

  • Safeguarding Information

Running the Award

  • Role of the Award Diocesan Coordinator
  • Role of an Award Leader

News Updates to Your Email

Get news updates on the Pope John Paul II Award straight to your email.
We do not share your information. See our privacy policy

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

  • The Award Explained
  • The Gold Award
  • The Silver Award
  • The Bronze Award
  • The Papal Cross Award
  • The Role of the Diocesan Coordinator
  • The Role of an Award Leader
  • Participants Code of Ethics
  • Safeguarding Information
  • See the Award at Work
  • Hear from Award Participants
  • Participating Diocese

About Us

  • The Award Team
  • Award News
  • Award Resources
  • JPII Award Logo for Download
  • Our Privacy Policy

Contact us

By telephone:
+44 (0)28 7126 4087

By email:
admin@thepopejohnpauliiaward.com

By post:
Pope John Paul II Award
Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre
The Gate Lodge,
2 Francis Street,
Derry,
Northern Ireland
BT48 7DS

  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Contact Head Office

© Copyright 2016 The Pope John Paul II Award | Design & build by Octoberstone

The Pope John Paul II Award uses cookies on this website to provide necessary site functionality and improve your experience. By using our website, you agree to our privacy policy.Ok