Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The St. Serra Club of Louisville, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Vocations, is inviting students from fourth to eighth grade to participate in their Annual Vocations Essay and Poster Contest.

For the poster contest, students in grades four through six are encouraged to create an original poster that promotes vocations such as priesthood, consecrated religious life, permanent diaconate, married life, or single life. The posters must be on 8.5 by 11-inch white paper or cardstock and should not include any cut-outs or glued images.

Seventh and eighth-grade students participating in the essay contest are asked to respond to the prompt: "At what moment(s) during Mass does God speak to you or draw you towards priesthood, religious life, diaconate, or holy matrimony? What does He say?" Essays must be between 200 and 300 words long, typed in standard black font and double-spaced.

Religion teachers, catechists, and youth ministry leaders from parishes and schools can act as sponsors for students submitting either artwork or essays. Sponsors are responsible for reviewing student submissions to ensure they meet all guidelines.

Winners will receive $250 and a certificate for first place in each category. Second and third places will also be awarded in each category. The winning essay will be published alongside the winning posters in The Record newspaper.

All entries must be submitted to the Office of Vocations by January 8th. Winners will be notified after February 1st.