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
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APPLICATION FORM & MORE

Explore our latest news, events, and inspiring stories!

Gold Pope John Paul II Award recipients from schools across the Diocese of Cork and Ross following a special award presentation Mass.

Gold Pope John Paul II Award Presentations Mark Visit of St Carlo Acutis Relics to Cork and Ross

Published June 9, 2026

Thirteen young people from across the Diocese of Cork and Ross were presented with their Gold Pope ... read more

Tony Brennan, National Coordinator of the Pope John Paul II Award, Colette O'Doherty and Bishop Ray Browne at the launch of the Pope John Paul II Award in the Diocese of Kerry at the Conference of Possibilities in Killarney.

Pope John Paul II Award Launched in the Diocese of Kerry

Published April 19, 2026

On Saturday 18 April 2026, the Diocese of Kerry officially launched the Pope John Paul II Award ... read more

School Resources for Season of Creation 2025

Published August 28, 2025

The Season of Creation 2025 offers a timely opportunity for schools and youth groups to guide young people in prayer, reflection and hope-filled action as they journey into the new academic ... read more

VIEW MORE NEWS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

The Pope John Paul II Award

The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.

Young people achieve their Award by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14 or 20 weeks. There are 3 Award levels – Gold, Silver & Bronze. Those that have completed the Gold Award have a further option of completing the Papal Cross Award.

Over 20,000 young people, in 21 dioceses throughout Ireland and the UK have successfully completed the Pope John Paul II Award since it was created in 2006. Find out more...

Take an active part in the life of your Church

The Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church - in the life of their community and society. It 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. Find out more...

Participate in school, parish and community activities

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

Award Levels

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 Award

gold-award-medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 20 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 20 weeks

Reflection

More details

Silver Award

Silver award medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 14 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 14 weeks

Reflection

More details

Bronze Award

Bronze Award Medal
Requirements:
Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 8 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 8 weeks

Reflection

More details

Papal Cross

Papal Cross Award
Requirements:
Already achieved
Gold Award

Parish Involvement
1 hour per week x 26 weeks

Social Awareness
1 hour per week x 26 weeks

Project

More details

Parish and Social Awareness activities

Grave cleaning

Examples of Parish and Social Awareness activities

Pope John Paul II Award participants can earn their Award by taking an active role in their parish and in activities which build social awareness.

We have published a useful list of parish and social awareness activities for Award Leaders and JP2 Award participants seeking ideas on how to help their parish and earn Award hours.

View examples of Parish & Activity activities

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
  • Application Form
  • 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

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