1st Grade

Show a priest, sister, brother or deacon sharing their life in service.

1st place

Meggie Frischmeyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Frischmeyer, St. Edmond School, Fort Dodge

2nd place

Idolina Valdovinos, daughter of Salvador Valdovinos, Holy Family School, Sioux City

3rd place

2nd grade

Show how does a priest, sister, brother or deacon makes the world a better place.

1st place

Amelia Golwitzer, daughter of Dale and Sue Golwitzer of Wesley, Seton Grade School, Algona

2nd place

Andrea Gisch, daughter of Randy and Denise Gisch, St. John's Grade School, Bancroft

3rd place

3rd Grade

Create a balloon that promotes a vocation choice of priest, sister, brother or deacon.

1st placeAustin Schmit, son of Dennis and Deb Schmit of Alton, Spalding Catholic School St. Anthony Center, Hospers

2nd place
Laura Hansen, daughter of Mark and Marilyn Hansen, Sacred Heart Church, Laurens

4th grade

Create a bumper sticker that promotes a vocation choice of priest, sister, brother or deacon.

1st place
Emily Mohr, daughter of Tim and Ann Mohr of Early, St. Mary's School, Storm Lake

2nd place
Chelsea Doughan, daughter of Donald and Kim Doughan, Seton Grade School, Algona

5th grade

Create a T-shirt logo that promotes vocations.

1st place
Kelsey Eischeid, daughter and Bob and Beth Eischeid, Holy Trinity Grade School, Templeton

2nd place
Stephanie Kingston, daughter of Richard and Cathy Kingston, Immaculate Conception Church, Sioux City

6th grade

Create a magazine or newspaper advertisement that promotes vocations.

1st place
Leann Nelson, daughter of Roger and Kathie Nelson, St. Mary School, Humboldt

2nd place
Shane Schmit, son on Dennis and Deb Schmit, Spalding Grade School, Alton

7th grade

Letter to an imaginary friend urging him/her to consider a religious vocation

1st Place
Megan Barta, daughter of Sam and Marilyn Barta, Kuemper Catholic Grade School, Carroll

Dear Angela,

Hi! It's Megan, from Iowa. It's been several years since I've seen you, and I still miss the fun days we shared together at St. Patrick's in Lincoln. You were the best student teacher in the world! My old friend, Sarah, told me how you are now teaching in a Catholic school in Alabama. She said the children in your school are from very poor families, and that you spend a lot of time helping the families with their problems as well as teaching the children full-time. I always know you were a very special person! You have the ability to love and share in all you do. You are always putting others before yourself. I will always remember the day in religion class where you told us that you had one special purpose in life, given to you by God, and that was to serve others. Obviously, you are doing this every day, not to mention full-time. Maybe you need to consider becoming a nun. The reason I say this is because we were talking about religious vocations yesterday in religion class, and I thought of you. In a group discussion, a bunch of us girls were assigned to talk about the qualities you should possess in order to become a nun. We thought of ones such as humbleness, kindness, nurturing, goodness, giving, unselfishness and loving. I realized very quickly that all of these qualities were typical of you. The Catholic Church is in desperate need of people like you. I am going to start praying every day that you will hear God calling you in his own special way. I have no doubt that the call will come soon, so don't be afraid to listen!

Love and prayers,

Megan

2nd Place
Kayla Hansen, daughter of Jean Howard, St. Michael School, Sioux City

Dear Tommy, Hi, how are you? I'm doing great! A few days ago my class had our priest, Father Hogan, come to our religion class and talk to us about vocations. He was telling us about why he became a priest. And while he was talking, I was thinking, you would be and excellent person to dedicate your life to God. I really think you should consider it. You have all of the qualities of someone who would spend their life serving God. Think about it, you are caring, giving and you love God. And you don't have to be a priest, you could also be a deacon, if you want to get married. You could also be a brother. Wouldn't you want to make a difference in others' lives? I think you are the perfect man to do the job. To spread the good news, what could be better? Talk to some priests, or deacons they might help you with your decision. Think about it.

Your friend,

Kayla Hansen

3rd Place
Amber Broesder, daughter of Paul and Vivian Broesder of Burt, Seton Middle School, Algona

Dear Billy,

Hi! How are you doing? What have you been up to at camp? I am fine. I miss you, but I hope you're having fun at church camp. You will have to tell me all about it when you get home.

I've been thinking about you and wanted to ask if you've ever thought about being involved with the church for a vocation? I really think you would make a good priest! You are so friendly and outgoing. I know you are very trustworthy and loyal. Plus you listen well without interrupting people. I can see you serving God and people this way.

I just thought I would bring it up. Think about it when you have time. Have fun and I'll talk to you when you get home.

Your friend,

8th grade

A young person's vocation prayer...

1st Place
Kaitlin Snyder, daughter of Dan and Sharon Snyder, Christ the King School, Breda

Loving God, thank you for my brothers and sisters you have called upon to be priests, nuns, brothers, and deacons. It is truly a gift to be called by you to a religious vocation. I know that you have a special plan for all of your children, please help me hear your call and follow it. Please help others who are ignoring your call, may they open their ears to hear your voice. I ask this in your name, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

2nd Place
Samantha Hollingshead, daughter of Thad and Marian Hollingshead, Immaculate Conception, Sioux City

Loving God, I'm only 13 years old and I am not starting to think about what I'm going to do, but please help me throughout the years to let me know what you want me to do. Please help me do what your plan in life for me is. Thank you for giving us the priests and sisters to help us follow in your steps. Maybe I will turn out like one of them. Maybe I will be a teacher or a doctor or a nurse. Whatever it is that I become please help me find that vocation. I offer this prayer in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

3rd Place
Allison Youngers, daughter of Tom and Lisa Youngers, St. Patrick's School, Sheldon