Congratulations to the 78 young people from around the diocese who earned a Pope John Paul II Award in 2022/2023 and who were presented with their medals last night in Lismore by Bishop Cullinan.
Youth Ministry Officer and Pope John Paul II Award Coordinator Nodlaig Lillis reminded the young people present of the significance of their achievement saying, “Tonight we celebrate the inspirational young leaders you are, and what you have achieved in this award. Although your contribution to your schools, your parishes, your community and your diocese happened in the last academic year, it has not been forgotten. I have heard many say that since Covid it has been hard to get people to commit to projects, to events, both young and old, and that’s certainly a stark reality for many organisations, not just the Catholic Church. But you are the ones who stepped up, you are the ones who committed: you saw a need in the church and in your community and you did what you could to fill that need. It would have been easier to stay at home, to stay on social media, to just think about yourself, but you chose to serve others, to give of your time and talents.”
A heartfelt thanks to all the young people for the many ways they have served their parishes and communities, to their Award Leaders, the clergy and parish staff, schools and Pope John Paul II Award Committee that make these Awards possible.
