The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people in the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. It is non-competitive, flexible and voluntary, designed to help participants grow in faith, confidence, and service through parish and community involvement. (Pope John Paul II Award)
What the Award Is About
The Award encourages young people to go beyond their comfort zone on a journey of self-discovery and service. It invites participants to give of their time, talents, intellect and skills for the well-being of others and for the glory of God. (Pope John Paul II Award)
It enables young people to take an active part in the life of the Church, their community and wider society, and to engage deeply with Christ and the teaching of the Catholic Church. (Pope John Paul II Award)
A Word from Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly
Archbishop O’Reilly warmly welcomes the Award to the Diocese. The Award honours the late Pope Saint John Paul II’s trust in young people and offers a wonderful opportunity for them to live their faith in a real and meaningful way. (Pope John Paul II Award)
Award Levels
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Bronze Award
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Silver Award
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Gold Award
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Papal Cross Award(available after completing Gold)
Each level is completed over approximately 16 months, and participants build their Award by committing one hour per week to parish involvement and social awareness activities. (Pope John Paul II Award)
What You Do in the Award
To earn an Award, participants take part in:
Parish Involvement
Activities that help young people contribute to parish life, such as assisting in liturgy, music ministry, youth groups, or parish outreach. (Pope John Paul II Award)
Social Awareness
Activities that build awareness of others’ needs and encourage service, such as volunteering with community groups, fundraising for charities, or supporting parish initiatives. (Pope John Paul II Award)
Participants keep a record of their activities and prepare a personal reflection on their experience as part of the Award. (Pope John Paul II Award)
How to Participate
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The Award is open to young people typically aged 16–18. (Pope John Paul II Award)
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Participation is voluntary and non-competitive. (Pope John Paul II Award)
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Young people interested in joining should contact their parish youth leader or the diocesan coordinator for guidance and enrolment forms.
Support & Resources
Visit the Pope John Paul II Award website for application forms, activity ideas, record cards, and reflection templates. (Pope John Paul II Award)
Contact for Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly
For more information about taking part in the Award in this diocese, please contact:
Fiona Kelly
Youth Coordinator
Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly
Tel: +353 86 833 4308
Email: youth@cashel-emly.ie (Pope John Paul II Award)