Last weekend Bishop Niall Coll presented a series of awards to young people of St. Marys parish and Diocese of Ossory.
These John Paul II awards, named after the now sainted Pope, are a recognition
of the commitment these young people have given to their faith in the parish and to the
community in hours of volunteering outside of the parish activities.
There are 3 Award levels
– Gold, Silver & Bronze. In St Mary’s parish, Kate and David both received the Gold Award recognising their commitment to the parish and community for the past year.
Parish pries at St Mary’s Dermot Ryan congratulated all recipients and thanked them forall they do and the manner in which they have do it.
“It is a joy to see our youth do so much work and always smiling and so happy to be helping others”, said Fr Dermot.
Fr Dermot also commented that we don’t always teach young people – we can learn
from them too.
On hand to present the awards was Bishop of Ossory Niall Coll.
Speaking at the evening mass at the Cathedral Bishop Niall said : “One of the ways in which the Church in Ireland tries to communicate Gods message to youth is through the Pope John Paul ll award, a programme well established in many dioceses”. Bishop Coll told the congregation that teh church is committed to helping young people to discover , rediscover and and grow in their experiences of life and faith.
“The youth are invited are invited to do so through participation in school, parishes, and community activities, which aim to enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development”, continued the Bishop.
The Pope John Paul ll Award supplements other outreaches by the Dioceses to young people which include pilgrimages to Lourdes, Medjugorje, and Taize.
In addition, many young people participate in diocesan liturgies , especially in St Mary’s. Cathedral, throughout the year. Significantly, such pastoral and liturgical engagementcan be include in the Jpll award.
In conclusion Bishop Niall prayed that all involved with the scheme will find great source of blessing and encouragement.
