Pope John Paul III Awards

The Parish of Knocklyon is excited to introduce the Pope John Paul II Awards. We hope to demonstrate to young people their belonging in our faith community. As well as helping young people in character development and confidence, we believe that activity in parish life will provide them with an opportunity to develop their faith, and to be surrounded by faith-filled volunteers who care about their community.

The awards are for people aged 16-18, or in transition year onwards, and for older young adults who have special needs.  Young people are invited to take part in parish life for an hour a week for a number of weeks. They will be matched with a parish activity to suit their interests or can put their own ideas into action. 

The young people also complete one hour of social awareness each week- which can be within the parish or another activity (perhaps crossing over with their Gaisce activities). The number of weeks they take part indicates which medal they will apply for.  As well as the parish activity and social awareness, they complete a short written reflection.

The Pope John Paul II Awards are a nationwide project, and in Dublin comes within the remit of Sr Concepta Foley, the Diocesen Advisor for Post Primary Schools. In Knocklyon, the Award coordinators are Kay Kerr and Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty. As the project involves young people, we have undertaken a safeguarding assessment and put a plan in place.

If you or someone you know might be interested in signing up for the Pope John Paul II Awards, or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at knocklyonppc@gmail.com.

We are enthusiastic about this opportunity to give young people a pathway to becoming active in their parish, and to be rewarded for their efforts with an award that can be included on their CVs to show their active citizenship.

More information on the Awards can be found at https://thepopejohnpauliiaward.com/