Message from the Bishop of Elphin

I sincerely welcome the Pope John Paul II Award initiative to the Diocese of Elphin. This initiative invites young people to participate in the life of their Church and of their community and indeed to live out their faith each day. It also gives young people the opportunity to bear witness to their faith in the parish community.

The Pope John Paul II Award engages young people in the social, pastoral and liturgical life of the parish and invites them eventually to provide a written account of their activities.

Our Catholic Church in Ireland today faces ongoing challenges from forces with huge resources. Our prayer life and our participation in the life of the Church will bring us the power of the Holy Spirit - the greatest resource of all. With the power of the Holy Spirit we can confront any challenge and cope with any cross.

I thank God that our young people are so willing to participate in the life of our diocese. I acknowledge especially their much appreciated and admired participation in our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. I invite our young people to participate in this inspired initiative of the Pope John Paul II Award.

I also wish to put on record the gratitude of Elphin Diocese and indeed of the Irish Church to the Knights of St. Columbanus for this inspired initiative. The Knights are covering all the associated costs.

+ Christopher Jones
Bishop of Elphin

Award Top-Ups

The Papal Cross Award

The Gold Award

The Silver Award

The Bronze Award

Award Handbook - Elphin

Application Form

Record Cards

Record Card Guidelines

Presentation Guidelines

Presentation Template