Young people presented with John Paul II awards

Students from Hexham and Newcastle celebrate after being presented with a top faith award.

The John Paul II Awards challenge and enable young people aged 16 – 18 to take an active role by living out their faith in their parishes, schools and local communities and serving those in need.

Andrew Young, head of RE at St Joseph’s Academy in Hebburn, near Newcastle, highlighted the “positive impact” made by five St Joseph’s students who won the award.

Young told The Tablet: “Our students have really loved taking part in the Pope John Paul II award and they have loved making a positive impact upon both their parishes and their wider communities. Students see the real value in the award because it allows them to make a difference in the lives around them, from supporting amazing local charities to using their God-given gifts and talents in their respective churches.”

The awards, attended by Bishop Stephen Wright, took place on 8 March at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead. They are supported by the youth ministry team, who support the programme on behalf of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

Andrew Young added that it was not only Catholic students who took part, but also students from a wide variety of faith backgrounds such as Sikhism, Islam and other Christian denominations. He said,“They love undertaking this award and serving their own faith communities as part of their parish hours. We are truly proud of all our students who undertook this award and are grateful for their time, selflessness and for putting their faith into action.”

Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Gateshead praised 23 of their year 13 students who received the John Paul II award, saying: “Congratulations and well done on such a great achievement. This was in recognition of their amazing efforts in their parishes, in the school and local community and in serving those in need.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: “Congratulations to all the young people in our Diocese who were recognised for their achievements in the John Paul II Award.”

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