The Diocese of Kerry Launches the Pope John Paul II Awards
The Knights of Columbanus have generously sponsored the introduction of the Pope John Paul II Awards for the Diocese of Kerry. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to be involved in their parishes and to be recognised for the work that they do.
What is it?
The award was created to commemorate the late John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them.
Through the Pope John Paul II Award, young people in the Diocese of Kerry will be 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. This will enable young people to engage at a deep level with Christ.
It will allow young people to understand that religion and faith are not just for learning, nor are they a list of rules, but that they are for living.
Who is the Award for?
- Young people in Transition Year.
- Anyone between the ages 16 and 18, who is not in post-primary education.
- The award is non-competitive, flexible and voluntary and requires an ongoing commitment.
How does the Award work?
There are 4 Awards that you can partake in: Bronze, Silver, Gold and The Papal Cross.
The Award takes 16 months to complete, beginning in September each year.
You earn your Award by taking part in activities through Parish Involvement, Social Awareness, and preparation of a Reflection. For the Papal Cross Award, which only begins after completing the Gold Award, the Reflection is replaced by a project.
Each Award requires the following:
Bronze Award
- Parish Involvement:1 hr per week for 8 weeks
- Social Awareness:1 hr per week for 8 weeks
- Reflection
Silver Award
- Parish Involvement:1 hr per week for 14 weeks
- Social Awareness:1 hr per week for 14 weeks
- Reflection
Gold Award
- Parish Involvement:1 hr per week for 20 weeks
- Social Awreness:1 hr per week for 20 weeks
- Reflection
The Papal Cross Award
- Completion of the Gold Award
- Parish involvent:1 hr per week for 26 weeks
- Social Awareness:1 hr per week for 26 weeks
- Project
How can I get involved?
To enrol, complete and sign an application form and a parental consent form. Return the completed forms along with the enrolment fee of €20 to your Award Leader (Parish Priest or Youth Leader) in your parish. All Spirit Youth Groups run the Pope John Paul II Awards Programme.
What can I do for my Parish?
Some ideas to get you thinking about how you would like to contribute in your Parish and School:
- Join weekly programmes e.g. Spirit Youth Group.
- Reading at Mass
- Altar Server/Training and mentoring altar servers
- Eucharistic Minister
- Join the parish choir or play parish organ
- Volunteer with children’s liturgy/summer faith camps
- Assist with church decoration/flowers/cleaning
- Taking up collection baskets/gifts
- Composing Prayers of the Faithful at Mass
- Attend weekly Adoration in church
- Assist with monthly hour of Adoration
- Update Parish noticeboards
- Prepare own articles for Parish Bulletin
- Submit prayer/reflection weekly for a parish newsletter youth section
- Contribute to parish website/Social Media
- Create a video/podcast/written piece about local saint
- Print parish newsletters for elderly at home or in nursing homes
- Deliver Offering Envelopes to houses
- Make prayer cards weekly for back of Church
- Be a Steward or a Greeter at the Church door
- Organise a Local Pilgrimage for a class group
- Prayer room Project at School
NEW IDEAS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
For more info:
For more information you can speak with your parish priest.
Alternatively you can contact
Colette O’Doherty
Co-Ordinator of Youth Ministry
Diocese of Kerry
Phone : 087-9474513