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Schools from across the diocese gathered in Arundel Cathedral on Saturday to celebrate the achievements and outstanding commitment to faith and service of the students who were presented with the Faith in Action recognition, from their Pin through to the Gold Award.

Open to young people aged 11–18 in diocesan schools and parishes, the Faith in Action Awards celebrate and encourage acts of service carried out in schools, parishes and local communities. Participants are recognised for their contributions through fundraising, community events and practical acts of kindness that reflect the values of the Gospel. 21 diocesan schools completed awards this year.

In addition, five schools were also presented with the Oscar Romero Award, which is earned by whole schools and demonstrates their commitment to embedding Catholic Social Teaching across school life. On Saturday, St Joseph’s, Guildford; St Augustine’s, Frimley; St Cuthbert’s, Englefield Green; Cottesmore St Mary, Hove, and St Polycarp’s, Farnham, received Participator Level awards, and St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, Cranleigh, became the first school in our diocese to receive the highest award, Innovator Level.

The Faith in Action programme begins with the Pin Award, where students work collaboratively to reflect on the themes of love and service, within Church teaching, the Gospel and the liturgy. As they progress through the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, young people are encouraged to deepen their personal faith, take on leadership roles in mission, and develop creative, vocational ways of living out their faith in everyday life.

Reflecting on the impact of the Faith in Action programme in her school, Kate Carter, Headteacher at St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, Merrow, commented:

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“It has been wonderful to witness our young people grow in their roles, share their faith and put their faith into practical application.  They have made a difference to the life of our school and the Faith in Action Award has enabled meaningful engagement with our local community too.  We are very grateful to the Faith in Action Team at Arundel & Brighton for making this possible.”

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And a representative from St Cuthbert's, Englefield Green, wrote that:

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"Faith in action means putting our beliefs into practice through the way we live each day. In our school, the children have shown faith in action by following our FAIR values in particular faith, responsibility, and respect. They have supported younger children on their spiritual journey, been involved in whole-school worship sessions, and deepened their own beliefs. The Faith in Action group has shown by supporting the whole school community, and being a positive example to others, that they have brought their faith to life."

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This year, over 350 young people completed Faith in Action awards, producing an impressive range of reflection journals and final projects that demonstrated both creativity and a deep engagement with their faith. Projects included artwork, embroidered dresses featuring Scripture, poetry, rap performances, original songs and even designs for school chapels.

Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Youth Project Officer Bex Driver praised the dedication shown by participants:

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"We have been incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm, energy and commitment shown by our young people this year. Their reflection journals demonstrate a real depth of thought and a genuine exploration of what faith means to them. Every year the final projects become more imaginative and inspiring, and this year's submissions were exceptional.

"To see over 350 young people so dedicated to serving others and growing in their relationship with God is truly inspiring. Everyone involved in youth formation across the Diocese is immensely grateful for all they have achieved this year."

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Speaking after the event, Julie Oldroyd, Director of Education and a Trustee of the Oscar Romero Award, said:

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“It was wonderful to hear of the many ways young people are embedding Catholic Social Teaching in their lives, their schools, parishes and wider communities. These students give powerful witness to their faith and are the Church of the present, not just the future.”

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Canon Rob Esdaile led the celebrations at both the primary and secondary school ceremonies, giving thanks to all the young people for their service to Catholic social action in their schools and communities, and their witness to faith. Thanks are due also to Bex Driver, diocesan Youth Project Worker, for the organisation of the Faith in Action Award; Beth Przybylska, Strategic Project Director at CYMFed, and Mugeni Sumba, Coordinator of the Oscar Romero Award, for presenting the awards.

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