Message from the Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin

The Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin has a long and proud tradition in youth ministry going right back to the days of Teach Bhríde in Tullow, a place that offered welcome to young people. In many ways Teach Bhríde set the foundations for further initiatives to follow - Faith Friends, Growing In Faith Together (GIFT) programme and the Meitheal programme.

Recent years have seen a revival in the practice of pilgrimage among young people in our Diocese. Many have visited local, national and international shrines or travelled to events like World Youth Day; their participation in these initiatives is a testimony to a faith that is vibrant and alive.

The Mission Statement of our Diocesan Youth Ministry Team seeks to acknowledge the needs of young people, and it aspires to meet those needs by including them in the life of our Church, drawing upon their gifts, talents and enthusiasm.

I believe that the introduction of the Pope John Paul II Awards is timely. This new initiative is designed to foster and encourage the participation of young people in the life of our parishes, allowing them to express their faith and to build up the life of the Church.

I pray that the Pope John Paul II Awards will help us to grow in our awareness of the faith needs of young people and of the spiritual gifts and energy that they bring.

I commend this project by the Youth Ministry Team, and I pray God's blessing upon all involved.

+ Jim Moriarty
Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin