Upcoming event
Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest
Open to all students,
8th – 12th grade
This contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith.
Encourage youth to become citizens grounded in their faith through creative writing.
2025 – 2026 Essay Topic
The office of the papacy was established by Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago when He chose St. Peter to lead His Church on earth.
In an essay of 500-750 words, out of the 267 popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorite popes and why?
Additional Information:
What is it?
This contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith. The goal of this program is to involve young Catholics in grades 8 to 12 (public, private, parochial or home schools during the current school year) in civic discourse and instill in them religious and life-affirming values. The essay should be 500-750 words on a specific topic, changing every other year. Entrants will be judged on grammar, style, and how clearly they present the theme in a way that showcases creativity, imagination and overall development of the topic.
https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/faith-in-action-programs/community/catholic-essay-contest.html
Why you student should participate:
Faith‑forming education:
The essay topic encourages students to engage with the rich tradition of the papacy, fostering a deeper appreciation of the Church’s magisterial teaching.
Skill development:
Research, critical thinking, and clear writing are honed—abilities valuable for academic success and civic life.
Recognition & encouragement:
Council winners receive certificates and recognition with a cash prize for the 1st place winner; Winning essays elevated to the National level may be published on the Knights of Columbus website, and authors may receive certificates, scholarships, and a special commendation at the national awards ceremony.
Community building:
Participation connects your school with a worldwide network of Catholic youth who are committed to living out their faith.
Details:
Eligibility – Open to all Catholic eighth grade and high school students in the United States.
Entries / Submission – Essays (500‑750 words) are submitted electronically to the Knights of Columbus email address provided below; if you are interested in participating, please Contact us!
Deadline – October 24th, 2025 (midnight CT) – You must contact us in advance before submitting an entry!
Prizes – One winner will be chosen per grade level; Cash prized for each 1st place winner will be awarded (exact amounts to be determined) as well as a Winner’s Certificate
Participant Recognition – Each entrant submitted by your school will receive a Participation Certificate
No Cost – There is no financial cost to participate
Knights of Columbus - St. Charles Borromeo Council 17106 