Diocese of Ossory

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.

Pope Francis has kindly reminded us that the Gospel contains three great truths which are especially addressed to young people, and by extension to all. First, “God loves you”. It makes no difference whether you have heard this before or not. Second, Christ, out of love, sacrificed himself completely to save you. Third, inseparable from the second, ‘Christ is alive!’

Sharing the good news that ‘Christ is alive,’ encapsulating the two other points, is what lies at the very heart of the Church’s mission in the world. One of the ways in which the Church in Ireland tries to communicate this message to youth is through the Pope John Paul II Award, a programme well-established in many dioceses. It is committed to helping young people to discover, rediscover and grow in their experience of life and faith. The youth are invited to do so through participation in school, parish and community activities which aim to enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development.

It is a well-established fact that those who enter truly into the spirit of the Award are likely to grow greatly as people by demonstrating commitment to working with and for others, setting goals and fulfilling tasks. This helps them to be better Christians and citizens, people more able to care for others, enhancing their owns sense of personal wellbeing and achievement.

The Pope John Paul II Award supplements other outreaches by the Diocese to young people which include pilgrimages to Lourdes, Medjugorje and Taizé, fundraising for charities, cairdeas, care for the earth initiatives as well as participation in various ministries in their parishes as readers, eucharistic ministers, singers and musicians. In addition, many young people participate in diocesan liturgies, especially in St Mary’s Cathedral, throughout the year. Significantly, such pastoral and liturgical engagement can be included in what is taken into account for inclusion in the JPII Award.

Pope Francis has also said that the modern world, despite its many difficulties, provides numerous opportunities for personal development, community building, and social change. Young people, he went on to say, with their joy and exuberance are called to be innovative and courageous, using their unique talents and passions to make a positive impact on the world around them. The process of facing and overcoming challenges can lead to profound personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

I recommend this new rolling out of the John Paul II Award programme in the Diocese of Ossory, and I pray that all involved with it will find it a great source of blessing and encouragement.

+ Niall Coll
Bishop of Ossory

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

Parish & Diocesan Pilgrimages
Many parishes organise pilgrimages, either specifically for young people, or for the wider parish community, but open to young people. Pilgrimages to Knock, Lourdes, Taizé and Medjugorje happen every year in Ossory Diocese and participation in this type of activity can be part of the John Paul II Award.

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

Diocesan Liturgies
Diocesan liturgies held throughout the year are enriched by the participation of young people and taking part in these liturgies can be part of the John Paul II Award.

Taizé prayer
The diocese organizes Taizé prayer evenings for young people throughout the year which involves a prayer around the cross followed by a social event. Participation in these evenings can be part of the John Paul II Award.

Diocese of Ossory

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 Ossory

The Award in the Diocese of Ossory

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

Diocese of Ossory Award Top-Up Suggestions

Downloads

Award Handbook

Award Resources

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 Ossory Award Office