2025 ARCHDIOCESAN MIDDLE SCHOOL SACRED POETRY CONTEST

Unleash Your Creativity

Enter the Contest and Get Recognized

Are you a young writer eager to express your creativity but unsure where to start? The 2025 Archdiocesan Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest is your opportunity to share your voice, gain recognition, and improve your writing skills.

The goal of the Archdiocesan Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest is to inspire students in Archdiocesan-affiliated schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to write about spiritual topics, to increase writing skills, and to increase writing confidence.

View Contest Flyer

Benefits of Joining the Contest

At Catholic Literary Arts, we provide the tools, mentorship, and community to help writers develop their craft, rooted in the Catholic tradition. Through workshops, retreats, and expert guidance, we help writers of all levels express their faith through literature.

Skill Development

Through this contest, students will enhance their writing skills, preparing them for future opportunities.

Enhance Curriculum

Teachers can combine faith with creative writing, inspiring students to share their beliefs and building a stronger classroom community.

Fostering Spiritual and Creative Growth in Children

Parents will see their child grow spiritually and creatively through the contest, while feeling proud of their child’s efforts and reflections.

How the Contest Works

1. Read the Contest Guidelines

Here you can find detailed guidelines, deadlines, and frequently asked questions.

Read Contest Guidelines

2. Submit Your Entry

Here are instructions for submission, including registration, payment.

Submit Your Entry

3. Await Results and Celebrate

Finalists will be announced by March 11, 2025 and winners will be announced by March 19, 2025. The awards ceremony for the winners will be in April 2025.

Results Coming March 2025

Testimonials

“It was through competitions that I realized how much I love writing and how passionate I am about it. My hope is that students who compete will be able to find a deep love for their faith and for literature, too. I can use my writing as a channel for my faith, to communicate to others not only as a writer but as a Catholic. This is the most important thing I have taken away from my experience.”

Samantha Court
2023 Poet Laureate
St. Theresa Catholic School -
Sugar Land, TX
“Witnessing Samantha read her poem before the famous poet Dana Gioia and seeing her poem published in the St. Austin Review were a few of her accomplishments that brought joy to our family. I believe our greatest blessing is that the CLA has given Samantha a new home where she can continue her pursuit as a Catholic writer.”

Caroline Court
Parent of 2023 Poet Laureate
Samantha Court
St. Theresa Catholic School -
Sugar Land, TX
“Through the contest, I gained a joy and boldness in God that I did not have before. Today my writing has developed beyond my expectations. My confidence has now brought me to become a worship leader who actively leads others to Jesus.”

Maegan McCarthy
2019 Poet Laureate
St. Helen Catholic School - Pearland, TX