October 30, 2026

2026 Vocations Awareness Supplement

Serra Club invites students to enter annual vocations essay contest

The Serra Club of Indianapolis is sponsoring its annual vocations essay contest during the months of November and December. It is open to any Catholic student in grades 7-12 in the archdiocese who are in Catholic schools, public schools or who are homeschooled.

Students entering essays for the contest are asked to reflect on St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.

This year, the Church marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, and the beatification of Archbishop Sheen occurred on Sept. 24. Both tirelessly shared the Gospel in ways that were new for their times and showed a deep love for the poor.

In 300–500 words, reflect on these questions: What can their example teach you about having a missionary spirit? How has a priest, deacon or a member of a religious community inspired you to share Christ’s message in a new way and to serve those in need?

How might God be calling you beyond your comfort zone to spread the Gospel in creative ways, care for those most in need and follow the vocation he has prepared for you?

For more details and an essay submission form, contact your school religion teacher or parish catechist or youth minister. Information can also be requested by contacting the archdiocesan vocations office at vocations@archindy.org.

Submitted essays must be postmarked no later than Dec. 18. †

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