True, Good and Beautiful Art Contest shows the meaning of Christian hope

When asked, “What does Christian hope mean to you?” talented young artists from across the Diocese responded with beautiful, poignant drawings, paintings and mixed media creations. The theme for the 2025 True, Good and Beautiful Art Contest aligned with the Jubilee Year of Hope, which spanned from Dec. 24, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2026, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Christian hope is different than feeling optimistic about something. Rather, the Catechism defines hope like this:

“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1817)

The True, Good and Beautiful Art Contest, presented by the Offices of Catholic Schools, Faith Formation and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, brought entries from Catholic school, public school and homeschool students.

“It was such an honor to help judge the student submissions for the True, Good and Beautiful Art Contest. I was certainly struck by how talented the artists are, but even more so by how deeply prayerful many of the pieces were. They beautifully portrayed deep reflection on the inspiration of what Christian hope means to each of them,” said Laura Schiebert, coordinator of faith formation.

The division winners and runners-up received a cash prize from Knights of Columbus Councils #414, #2740, #4102, #12423, Father Labory Council #2724 and the Bishop Murphy Assembly #0491 Fourth Degree.

Grades K-4

1. First place: Sam Lewis

Grade 2, Homeschool

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Bay City

Runner-Up:

2. Caroline Leszczynski

Grade 1, Nouvel Catholic Central

Elementary School, Saginaw

St. Dominic Parish, Saginaw

Grades 5-8:

3. First Place: Farrah Merk

Grade 7, St. Brigid Catholic School, Midland

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, Midland

4. Runner-Up: Sonya Rasmussen

Grade 8, Nouvel Catholic Central

High School & Junior High, Saginaw

Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption Parish, Saginaw

Grades 9-12:

5. First Place: Charlotte Ferguson

Grade 12, Peck High School

Holy Family Parish — Sandusky

6. Runner-Up: Agnes Fojas

Grade 9, Homeschool/Mother of Divine Grace School

Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption Parish, Saginaw

People’s Choice Award

7. First Place: Everly Saenz

Grade 5, St. Brigid Catholic School, Midland

8. Runner-Up: Faith Crosdale

Grade 8, Nouvel Catholic Central

High School & Junior High, Saginaw

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