The Pope John Paul II Award is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.

The Award enables participants to take an active part in the life of their Church – in the life of their community and society. It enables young people become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world and to engage at a deep level with Christ.

The Award was created to commemorate the late Pope Saint John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them. The Award was launched by the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Most Rev Dr Giuseppe Lazzarotto on 7th November 2006 in the Diocese of Derry, Ireland.

YMT have been running John Paul II Awards here in our own Diocese since 2016. Since then, we have had over 500 young people who have achieved the award across the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. For more information click https://thepopejohnpauliiaward.com/hexham-and-newcastle/

Here is a short video reflection of Deacon Tony Joy coordinator for the Diocesan Award Ceremony the Pope John Paul 2nd awards. The video is part of our Wait-A-Minute, It’s Lent reflections of 2023. Here, Deacon Tony introduces a little about the award program, the young people involved and its relation to today’s Gospel message.