The Pope John Paul II Award

The Pope John Paul II Award is now entering its second year in the diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora and we are now inviting all those in Transition or Fifth Year to consider taking part in this initiative.

Those who have left school but completed Junior Cert can also apply and students in third level education are welcome to participate in the papal cross level of the award. 

This fantastic Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them.

“It is sometimes said that our young people are the Church of tomorrow and so they are. But these young people are more than just the future of the Church. They are the Church of today. As such, as well as presenting us with our greatest resource, young people present us with our greatest challenge. From my conversations with young people, I am convinced that many want to be involved in our Church. Our challenge is to offer them practical and meaningful opportunities to play their part in the building up of our faith community”.

Bishop Martin Drennan

The Pope John Paul II Award is made up of three strands. In the first two strands participants are invited to commit themselves to active involvement in both the life of their local parish and in the service of their community. Examples of activities that one could do to earn their Award are: reading at mass, member of choir/folk group, organise and participate in school liturgies, fundraiser for charity, member of St. Vincent de Paul, Leader of Foróige or No Name Club,.  The third strand invites them to write a short reflection on how their involvement has helped them to understand better what it means to be a member of our church.

Making the connection between life and faith and between faith and life is essential for all of us. Authentic faith needs to find expression in who we are and what we do. Genuine faith has relevance for how we live our lives and for the type of society we seek to create. The Pope John Paul II Award seeks to encourage young people to make that connection.
 

Click Pope John Paul II Award Handbook to find out more.

Click here to download application form

Click here to see a copy of the letter sent by President Michael D. Higgins to the Pope John Paul II award participants of 2011.

Youth Ministry Guidelines:

Code of Behaviour for Galway Diocesan Youth Group Leaders

Parental Permission slip for use of videos/photographs at parish events

Youth Ministry Contacts:

Diocesan Pastoral Centre on 091-565066 - Find us on Facebook

N.U.I.G University Chaplaincy Team - Fr. Barry Horan or Fr. Ben Hughes on 091-495055 - Find us on Facebook