Pictured at the Award Ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh are Year 14 students at St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, Sarah Harper, Ceallach Grant, Sinéad O’Grady and Órla Quinn. The students are photographed with Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Bishop Gerard Clifford and Co-ordinator of John Paul II Awards at St Paul’s High School, Mrs Deirdre Graham.

Archbishop of Armagh, His Eminence Cardinal Brady celebrated the first ever Diocesan Youth Faith Awards ceremony which took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

The event was an evening which showcased all award participants’ gifts and talents that they had demonstrated in the completion of either the Muiredach Cross Award or the Pope John Paul II Award. The evening was presided over by Cardinal Sean Brady and Bishop Gerard Clifford.

There were over 100 young people who received these awards from all over the Archdiocese.  The liturgy included singing, dancing, processions and youth testimonials which were enjoyed by families, friends, award leaders, school principals and members of clergy.

The Pope John Paul II Award is dedicated to the memory of the late Pope John Paul II who had a great connection with young people and visions to encourage their beliefs.  The Award was launched by Diocese of Derry in November 2006. And has been rolled out over various dioceses in Ireland ever since. If you are aged between 16 and 18 and living or going to school in Archdiocese of Armagh, this award will enable you to become more actively involved in the life of your parish and community.

The Muiredach Cross Award was set up by the Archdiocese of Armagh in 2009 and is aimed at young people aged of 14 to 16. Its primary aim is to create opportunities for our young people to put their faith into action.  This award may be taken as part of your school’s extracurricular programme and will include a project in your local parish.