Message from the Bishop of Galway

It is sometimes said that our young people are the Church of tomorrow and so they are. But these young people are more than just the future of the Church. They are the Church of today. As such, as well as presenting us with our greatest resource, young people present us with our greatest challenge.

From my conversations with young people, I am convinced that many want to be involved in our Church. Our challenge is to offer them practical and meaningful opportunities to play their part in the building up of our faith community.

Through our team at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, we continue to seek ways of identifying the faith development needs of our young people, to provide opportunities for their inclusive involvement in the Church and to empower them to minister to their peers. At Confirmation when they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray that God will 'support them through every trial and by their works build up the Church in holiness and joy'.

The Pope John Paul II Award is one way in which our young people can get involved in their local parishes for their benefit and for the benefit of their parishes. It offers them practical ways to express their faith and it challenges them to reflect on their role in their Church. I pray God’s blessing on all who will benefit from their involvement in the Pope John Paul II Award.

+ Martin Drennan
Bishop of Galway

Award Top-Ups

The Papal Cross Award

The Gold Award

The Silver Award

The Bronze Award

Award Handbook - Galway

Application Form

Record Cards

Record Card Guidelines

Presentation Guidelines

Presentation Template