I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ Art and Essay Contest - Entries Due by November 20

Consider Having Your Child Submit Entry to the “I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ” Art and Essay Contest!

The Archdiocese of Chicago is excited to invite students across Chicago Catholic Schools to participate in our “I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ” Art and Essay Contest!

At the heart of Catholic education is our mission to help students grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. This contest invites students to reflect on how they live out their faith through their words, actions and relationships, and creatively express what discipleship means to them.

Students in grades PK–8 are invited to respond to the prompt:

“I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by…” Students can share their reflections through artwork or writing, depending on their grade level.

Contest Details:

• Grades PK–2: Original artwork

• Grades 3–5: Original artwork or a short essay (100–200 words)

• Grades 6–8: Original artwork or a short essay (150–300 words)

• Submission Deadline: Friday, November, 2026, at 3 p.m. to Ms. Rachel Gemo

• Submit Entries To: entries may be submitted in person to Ms. Rachel Gemo (be sure to include student name and grade) or emailed to Ms. Rachel Gemo at rgemo@stbenedict.com

• The school may select up to two entries per grade level to submit to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Prizes and Recognition

A winning student from each grade category in each vicariate will receive a $50 gift card, and prizes will also be awarded to their schools! Winners will be announced during Catholic Schools Week (January 31–February 6, 2027), and their work will be featured in systemwide communications and on social media.

See Below for complete contest guidelines and submission requirements.

We encourage you to bring this opportunity into your homes and inspire your children to reflect on the ways they can follow Jesus Christ in their everyday lives.

Thank you for all you do to nurture faith and discipleship in your families. We look forward to seeing your children’s creativity and faith in action!