Show Us Your Writing Savvy, Catholic Kids  

If it’s back-to-school time, it’s time for Faith & Family magazine’s annual writing contest.

Up for grabs this fall: fame, fortune and a fab life in the lap of luxury.    

Just kidding. This is a Catholic contest, remember?

What we’re really looking to give away is a modest cash prize — $250 — and publication in the premier glossy magazine of authentic Catholic living.

We’ll also send copies of the “keeper” issue containing the winning entries to the winners’ school … even if school is home.

But the most valuable prize is the satisfaction all entrants will take in knowing that they did their best to share the Catholic faith with a world that desperately needs its Author, Jesus Christ.

Spirited Subject  

If there’s one thing we took away from World Youth Day in Sydney this summer, it’s that young Catholics — the future of our Church and of our nation — genuinely love Pope Benedict XVI.

In fact, after that very big, very youthful and very public display of affection for the successor of St. Peter in our day, this year’s essay question was a no-brainer:

What Does the Pope Expect From Young People in America Today?

The winning composition will persuade our judges that the writer “gets” the Holy Father’s message to young people. And it will demonstrate a flair for putting thoughts and feelings into words.

Do you know a child who has what it takes to win? Hurry and tell him or her about the contest — the deadline for entries is October 15, 2008.

Easy Rules

The Faith & Family writing contest is open to all schools and families.

Schools must narrow their submissions down to the top five. Families may submit one essay per child in each age category.

• The age categories are Younger (Grades 3 to 5) and Older (Grades 6 to 8).
• Length limit is 500 words.
• All entries must be typed.
• And an official entry form — printable at our blog, FaithandFamilyLIVE.com — must be filled out and sent along with each essay.

One tip: Don’t write a word till you’ve said a prayer.
One free bonus tip: St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers.

May the best essays win! 

About Faith & Family magazine and blog

At Faith & Family magazine and FaithandFamilyLIVE.com weblog, our goal is to be a source of support for Catholic women seeking information, inspiration, resources and encouragement as they embrace their vocations to marriage and motherhood. Our aim is to share personal struggles and triumphs, challenges and joys — and also the lighter side of Catholic living.

Visit both at FaithandFamilyLIVE.com.

Faith and Family Magazine, published by Circle Press, is sponsored by the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement.

Does your school need to raise money? Go to www.E-ZFunds4U.com or call
(800) 356-9916 ext. 3808 today!