Arkansas Catholic is sponsoring an essay contest during the Year of Faith for high school juniors and seniors.
Twelve finalists will be chosen by a panel of Arkansas Catholic and diocesan staff members by Jan. 23 and their essays will be published in the weekly diocesan newspaper in February, March and April. The winner will be announced May 11 during the Catholic Youth Ministry Convention in Little Rock and be given a 64 GB iPad, a digital version of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and free registration to the CYM Convention. The 11 runners-up will win a digital version of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and free registration to the CYM Convention.
Participants are asked to reflect on this Scripture: Describe how this message encourages or challenges you: “But the Lord answered me, Do not say, ’I am too young.’ To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.” (Jeremiah 1:7)
Entrants must be high school juniors and seniors who are members of a Catholic church in the Diocese of Little Rock.
The essay must be submitted in English in Microsoft Word and between 600 to 800 words. Essays must be e-mailed to editor Malea Hargett by Nov. 30. Entries that are late, incomplete or mailed in will not be judged.
The contest will be judged on content of the reflection, originality, creativity, organization, writing style and adherence to guidelines.
After the essays have been published in Arkansas Catholic, they will be posted to a special Facebook page where readers will be asked to vote for their favorite essay. Input from readers will be considered in the final judging.
The essay contest is co-sponsored by Catholic High School, Subiaco Academy, Little Rock Scripture Study, Mount St. Mary Academy, the Serra Club of Greater Little Rock and the Knights of Columbus Hot Springs Village council.
For more information and contest guidelines, visit the Young Faith Essay Contest page on www.arkansas-catholic.org. For questions, contact Malea Hargett, editor, through the website or call (501) 664-0125.