Entries Sought for Family Rosary's "Try Prayer! It Works!" Contest

National Competition Encourages Children to Express Faith through Art, Poetry and Prose

This artwork by Remy Lambert of St. Peter Chanel School in Paulina, La., tied for First Place in the First Grade Category of the 2015 “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest.

The call for entries has been announced for the 2016 “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest. In this national competition sponsored by Family Rosary, children participate in an inspiring faith experience as they express their belief through art, poetry and prose.

The “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The national competition attracts more than 1,000 finalist entries from approximately 22,000 participants nationwide. Children and teens from Catholic schools, parishes, home schooling and other Catholic organizations use their talent to convey their beliefs.

This year’s theme – “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers and sisters?” – is about doing God’s will. It is by listening to the Father and understanding his wishes for us that we join the family of Heaven.

In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are waiting to speak to Him. Jesus asks, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” He then holds out His hand toward His disciples and says, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in Heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

“By doing God’s will, we are welcomed into the family of Jesus and His Holy Mother Mary,” said Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “That’s why we must listen ever so closely. It is difficult to hear God speak when we are distracted by so many things: texting, email, commercials, friends, activities. It is important to set aside quiet time for prayer and meditation so we can connect with God and learn of his desires for us.”

The “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest asks entrants to use creativity to depict their faith. Children in grades K-12 enrolled in a Catholic school, religious education program, parish, home school or other organization are eligible to participate. For details or to download an application, go to www.FamilyRosary.org/TryPrayer. All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2016. Questions? Call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 800-299-PRAY (7729).

Family Rosary was founded in 1942 by Servant of God Patrick Peyton, also known as the “Rosary Priest,” to help families pray together. Father Peyton, and the ministry, are known by two powerful and memorable sayings: “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together” and “A World at Prayer is a World at Peace.” Father Peyton was one of the most influential American Catholic priests of the 20th century, using the entertainment industry to further his mission of family Rosary prayer in honor of Mary and her son Jesus.

In the spirit of its founder, Servant of God Patrick Peyton, Holy Cross Family Ministries serves Jesus Christ and His church by promoting and supporting the spiritual well-being of the family. Faithful to Mary, the Mother of God, the Family Rosary, a member ministry, encourages family prayer, especially the Rosary. For more information, call 800-299-PRAY (7729) or visit www.FamilyRosary.org.

Holy Cross Family Ministries is sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross www.HolyCrossUSA.org.