"At a time where the world is struggling with many issues it is heartening to hear of the example of service that Pope Francis has led in his life. I hope that he can translate his experiences of working with the poor and vulnerable in our society into change in our Church. The time is now for an examination of how we live, how our actions affects the lives of those around us, and how we can all contribute to a world where the common good is the supreme good. I look forward to Pope Francis leading the way" said Heath Hutton.

Heath's colleague at Challenge 2000, Anh-Dao Pham says "There is no denying that a lot of young people feel alienated from our Church. It can often feel like the Church is not addressing the real issues that face us and it was becoming more and more irrelevant. It is exciting and encouraging to see such a real person who has lived a real life at grass roots level now leading our Church. Lets hope we soon see a positive impact - our world needs the gospel."

Bridget Roche Director of Challenge 2000 is also hopeful.

"From what I understand Pope Francis has shown a lived commitment to social justice and the common good and therefore his election gives me great hope for a refreshed vision for this in the Church and as a consequence into the world".

"Many of the young people, children and families we work with live and suffer in poverty and are treated unjustly -we need to address the causes and rebuild our structures so that all have enough - this is what St Francis of Assisi was about - it will be inspirational if Pope Francis brings this attitude to the Catholic Church internationally," she said.

Challenge 2000, a youth development agency based in Johnsonville, Wellington New Zealand, is committed to social justice, social responsibility and the rights of all

Wellington Community Trust, in partnership with Wellington International Airport Limited and the five local councils, have joined together to recognise the work carried out by community groups in the wider Wellington region. The focus of the Awards is to recognise and reward the valuable contribution made by volunteers. The overall supreme winner will represent the region at the National Trust Power Community Awards.

Heath works at Challenge 2000 which is Youth Development, Community and Family Work agency which is committed to responding to the Gospel by working with people in the search for social justice, social responsibility and personal dignity. It is located in Johnsonville in Wellington. Their programmes provide support for over 2,900 young people in groups, homes, schools and communities in Wellington, Porirua and Lower Hutt and have also been involved in delivering programmes as far away as Tauranga, Gisborne, Wairarapa and Manawatu.

Challenge 2000 says the Supported Bail programme that Heath conducts, "continues to plant the seeds of change in the lives of young people who are involved in the Youth Justice system. We have seen huge transformation occur during this six week programme, with young people successfully completing the programme and complying with their bail conditions. It's a privilege to see the young people starting to walk tall and hold their heads high, knowing that they can be proud of the choices they are making. It's not always a straightforward journey but the young people gain some skills and knowledge to help them as they transition into the next stage of their lives."

Source

• Challenge 2000
• www.gg.govt
• Image: www.gg.govt