This John Paul II Award has been created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who had a profound love for and belief in young people. He recognized that they are indeed very much part of today’s Church, a Church that needs their great generosity of spirit and their idealism.
Through the Pope John Paul II Award young people in the Ferns Diocese are enabled to take an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community and society, and also become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world.
The John Paul II Awards was launched in the Diocese of Ferns by Bishop Denis Brennan on 21st November 2017 when 14 young people received their award from Coláiste Bride, Carnew. “It ìs designed to help young people to get involved in their local parishes, encouraging them to discover their part as members of the body of Christ, the Church. It helps them to engage, in a more meaningful and concrete way, in their own personal faith and in the faith of their community, while at the same time being of service and benefit to the life of the Church.” Bishop Denis Brennan
Each year an Award ceremony takes place in the Cathedral in Enniscorthy where each young person’s achievements are read out as they walk up to collect their award, we are all so proud as we listen and look on! This is why this Award is so great as it provides the channel for our young people to help. This brings them so much value and makes them feel worth.
The Schools and Youth Group partaking in the awards are:
St Peter’s College Wexford
Coláiste Bríde, Carnew
Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy
Loreto Wexford
FCJ Bunclody
Coláiste Abbáin Adamstown
Spirit Youth Group
Presentation Secondary School
CBS New Ross
CBS Enniscorthy
CBS Wexford
Meanscoil Gharman
Gorey Community School
Ramsgrange Community School
Mercy Secondary School New Ross
Good Counsel New Ross
To find out more about the Award simply click on to the Ferns Diocesan link Pope John Paul II Award Website and download an Application & Consent Form. You should then return the completed form with the enrolment fee to your Award leader in your school/parish. If your school or parish would like to participate in the John Paul II Awards please ring 053-9145511 or email fernsda@ferns.ie.
5th and 6th year students from Loreto Secondary School, Wexford receiving their John Paul II Gold Awards in recognition of the valuable contribution they made within their parishes and communities. Joining them is their Teacher and Award Co-Ordinator Linda Jordan and Colette O’Doherty; Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Ferns.
