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.

Students from Coláiste Briíde Carnew receiving their Award November 2017

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

The 4th Annual JPII Award Ceremony 2020/2021 took place during the end of Covid just click on the picture to read all about it!  It was such a great success and some beautiful stories of how the young people found ways to support not only their parish but their communities was truly inspirational.  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.

Students from secondary schools throughout the Diocese receiving their JPII Award in the Cathedral on 5th of December 2019

The 3rd Annual John Paul II Award Ceremony took place on Thursday 5th of December, 2019 in the Cathedral in Enniscorthy at 7.30pm where Bishop Denis Brennan presented 53 young people with their awards.  The Schools and Youth Group represented on the night were:

1. St Peter’s College Wexford
2. Coláiste Bríde, Carnew
3. Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy
4. Loreto Wexford
5. FCJ Bunclody
6. Coláiste Abbáin Adamstown
7. Spirit Youth Group

To find out more about the Award simply log on to the 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 contact: Ms. Colette O’Doherty; Director of Religious Education & Diocesan Advisor for Post Primary Schools, on 053-9145511 or email her on fernda@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.

6th year students Nadine Goodison and Grace Rossiter receiving the John Paul II Papal Cross Award (they recieved their Gold Awards last year) in recognition of the valuable contribution they made within their parishes and communities.