The Pope Francis Award gives student volunteers in Year 6 a soul-enriching opportunity to help make the world a better place. This week we recognise our 2021 graduates.

In recognition of their important contribution to our school and parish communities Sydney Catholic Schools is currently recognising the latest 1,142 Pope Francis Award graduates from across the Archdiocese of Sydney.

They will each receive specially-designed certificates and medals after completing 20 or more hours of self-driven community service in their school and parish communities before and after school, including during lunch and recess, throughout 2021.

“The best thing you can give people is your time and that’s what we encourage: for young people to make an impact,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Cheryl Fernandez, said.

“I believe it’s a beautiful way for students to be involved in giving back to the community,” she said, adding “it’s a way that students can develop organisational and leadership skills.”

ABOUT THE POPE FRANCIS AWARD

The Pope Francis Award supports students’ growth as a whole person – including their social, spiritual and emotional learning and wellbeing – by encouraging the involvement of students in their school and local parish.

It supports students to find their voice and be a powerful influence for good, no matter their academic ability, within the nurturing environment of their school and parish community.

“The yearlong program will help your child recognise the importance of respect and caring for others, while encouraging them to be compassionate open-hearted service leaders who ‘never see a need without doing something about it’,” Ms Fernandez said.

As Pope Francis says, “Jesus didn’t stay out on a balcony. Instead, He got involved. Follow Jesus’ example.”