The Marian Essay Contest was established by a donor to provide students with the opportunity to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Mother and better understand their own role as disciples and stewards of God’s grace. The author of the winning essay will receive a $1,000 scholarship award which can be used for Catholic school tuition, domestic mission trips, San Pedro retreats and/or to donate to the diocesan parish, school or ministry of their choice! An award will also be given to the top 7/8th grade essay and 5/6th grade essay as chosen from the remaining entries.
Who can enter the contest?
Any incoming or outgoing middle school student enrolled in a Diocese of Orlando Catholic school, parish faith formation, religious education, youth ministry or other catechetical formation program during the 2023-24 academic year.
Requirements
· A 400-500 word essay on this year’s theme: Mary, Mother of the Eucharist – Mary gave us Jesus. Jesus gives us the Eucharist at every Mass. What can we give to others to show Jesus’ love for everyone? Formatted: Times New Roman, 12 point font, double spaced, standard margins.
· The Entry Form and Essay must be submitted to Lisa Henrickson at by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Download Marian Essay Contest Form
Reflect on the theme:
Mary, Mother of the Eucharist: Mary gave us Jesus and Jesus gives us the Eucharist at every Mass. What can we give to others to show Jesus’ love for everyone?
Marian Essay Contest entries go through 3 stages of reviewing:
Preliminary: Does the entry meet the basic requirements and was it relatively free of major errors.
Review Committee: The Catholic Foundation engages a diverse group of panelists representing many perspectives of our faith family, including clergy, religious, and Catholic lay leaders to serve on the Marian Essay Contest Review Committee. Each entry is scored by two of our review committee members.
Finalist: The top two entries from each reviewing group are then ranked by the President & CEO and Vice President & CDSO of The Catholic Foundation to determine the winners and honorable mentions.
More information
The Marian Contest is administered through an Endowment Fund at The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida in conjunction with the Secretariat of Education and Secretariat of Laity, Family and Life. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Henrickson at (407) 246-7177.