On Friday, 8 February 2019 in St Carthage’s Church, Lismore, Co Waterford, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Bishop Cullinan awarded 170 young people from schools and parishes across the diocese with their Pope John Paul II Award.
170 young people from the Diocese received their Award
The schools awarded included students and parishioners from Ardscoil na Mara Tramore; Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir; Scoil Mhuire, Greenhill, in Carrick-on-Suir; Blackwater School in Lismore & Cappoquin parishes; Waterpark, St Paul’s Community College and the Ursuline in Waterford; as well as the High School, the Loreto and the Presentation secondary schools in Clonmel.
Bishop Cullinan welcomed the students, their families and teachers, and mentioned the great work of youth ministry, which is taking shape in the diocese.
Very moving testimonies were given by two students from Blackwater Community School, Aoife Kennedy and Phoebe Coolbear, who both stated how the Award strengthened their faith in God, and helped them develop more confidence in affirming heir faith to their peers. Former student Killian Barrett gave a testimony of how the ward helped him when he left school to continue his ministry through the NET team and now in Holy Family Mission in Glencomeragh.
Music was provided by the students of Blackwater Community School and the parish priest of Lismore, Fr Michael Cullinan, gave a great welcome to all who attended Lismore and who thanked all the participants for their enthusiasm in enhancing the liturgical and spiritual life of our parishes right across the diocese.
Diocesan coordinator of the Pope John Paul II Award, Fr. Michael Toomey, said he was literally ‘astounded’ at the enthusiasm and commitment all students have given and put into this award.
Fr. Michael added:
The feedback from the students has been so open and honest that it makes very good reading for priests, parish councils and schools in how to get their enthusiasm and energy back into the church. This award helps everyone to do that.”
The Award allows students to assist in many parish and community ministries, and they in turn gain many experiences and talents, which enhance their spiritual and personal development.
Run in 24 dioceses across the country over the last few years, the Pope John Paul II Award encourages our young people to get involved in their community and parish, and as part of our parish commitment to enhancing the lives of our young people on their journey through faith. The Award has been set up in the diocese with the kind and generous support of the Knights of St Columbanus, who were represented by Ger O’Neill and other members in attendance.
Get involved in the Award in Waterford & Lismore
The Pope John Paul II Award enables young people to assist in many parish and community ministries. They in turn gain many experiences and talents, which enhance their spiritual and personal development.
To enrol or become an Award Leader, contact Award coordinator for Waterford & Lismore, Fr. Michael Toomey, SS Peter & Paul’s Clonmel.
Telephone: 087 6564 170