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Words of Welcome Contest Guidelines Page 1 (or DownloadContest Info)

Essay Topics
Students choose one of the following topics and also write the Words of Welcomeparagraph as described below. (See suggested writings for young people after guidelines.)

  • How has the Catholic Church had a positive influence on the culture in the UnitedStates in the past and present, and how will that impact continue into the future?
  • Using the writings of Pope Benedict, define the reality of the Church and explain how the Catholic Church is a beacon of hope for you personally, for your community, and for the United States.
  • Using the writings of Pope Benedict, develop an explanation on one theme of his writings, such as the Holy Scriptures, the Eucharist, Hope, or a theme of your choice.
  • All participants: Reflecting on what you have just written, write one paragraph welcoming the Holy Father to the United States.

Prizes:

  • National recognition and a $3000 cash prize for the overall winner and $1000 cash for each of five runners-up within six national regions.
  • Every high school that registers will receive a participation certificate and a press release for their local winner, and qualifies for participation prizes.

General rules

  1. The contest is organized by the Education Department of the Diocese of Green Bay.
  2. Mail to: Words of Welcome Contest, PO Box 23825, Green Bay, WI 54305-3825. Call (920) 272-8278 or email "WordsofWelcome@gbdioc.org for more information.
  3. The contest is open to any student in grades 9 through 12.
  4. There are three levels of competition: local, regional, and national.
  5. Contestants enter through their local Catholic high school. They may also enter at large groupings by sending contact information to the contest office.
  6. Contestants must compose an original essay with limited guidance from others.
  7. Any quotations or copyrighted material used in the essay must be identified properly. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification.
  8. The sponsors of the contest will have the right to edit, publish, or otherwise duplicate any essay entered into the contest without payment to the author.

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