Sponsored by the Catholic Union Charitable Trust
In the 2024 Catholic Young Writer project, pupils at Catholic schools in Britain are invited to think about the Sacraments, and to choose one specific Sacrament and write about it.
For Roman Catholic pupils aged 11-16, and all pupils at RC secondary schools in years 7-11. First prize of £50 plus a selection of books.
A number of other book prizes will be awarded for essays of a high standard.
There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Communion, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick.
How to enter the project:
Choose one of the two Sacraments listed below. Imagine that a friend has asked about one of these Sacraments. Write a letter giving an explanation, incorporating answers to the questions given. Use the Scriptural references, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help you.
Holy Communion:
What did Christ do at the Last Supper? (Luke 22:7-20)
Is it significant that this was on the night before he died?
Why do we genuflect in a Catholic church where there is a Tabernacle?
Marriage:
What does the Church understand about marriage? (Catechism.1602-1605)
Is it significant that Christ’s first miracle was at a wedding? (John 2:1-11)
Entries must be the pupil’s unaided original work, typed on a computer or handwritten: no more than 4 sides of A4 paper. List any books or websites consulted: feel free to read up more from the Scriptures, Catechism of the Catholic Church, and relevant Catholic materials. Entries must be POSTED to the address below, to arrive by July 30th 2024. Each entry must carry the pupil’s full name and date of birth, and the full name and postal address of the school. We are unable to accept entries by email.
Catholic Union Charitable Trust, 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9EE