PROSPECT HEIGHTS — The Tablet’s “Keep Christ in Christmas” art contest has become a seasonal tradition in the Diocese of Brooklyn as school students prepare to submit their artwork for awards and cash prizes.

Last year, more than 100 entries poured into The Tablet’s offices. The creative artwork was submitted by students from diocese Catholic academies, high schools, and churches. Once again, handcrafted as labors of love, the young artists’ work showcased how they kept Christ in the Christmas season.

Among last year’s 12 contest winners were four Catholic academy students from St. Patrick, Bay Ridge; three from Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill; and two from St. Saviour, Park Slope.

For over 20 years, The Tablet has collaborated with the Archbishop John Hughes Knights of Columbus Council No. 481. It started when The Tablet’s Editor Emeritus, Ed Wilkinson, formed a camaraderie with then-Grand Marshal of the Knights Camillo Casano and came up with an idea wherein the Knights would generously donate awards and cash prizes to students creating faith-based artwork inspired by scriptures.

“Casano actually approached us and said that the Knights have this motto, ‘Keep Christ in Christmas,’ and said that if The Tablet would sponsor a contest, the Knights would support it, put up the funds for all the winners, and host the awards ceremony every year,” Wilkinson recalled.

Father Guy Sbordone, the chaplain for the Archbishop John Hughes Council, highlighted the importance of the contest. “The meaning behind this contest, keeping Christ in Christmas, is so important,” Father Sbordone said. “It’s a beautiful image, message, and theme, and the children respond beautifully to it.” 

The Knights’ Grand Marshal Vincent DiBenedetto described the contest as a wonderful collaboration that benefits students throughout the diocese. Past Grand Marshal Joe Sbarra said the Knights were glad to participate in the yearly contest. 

“I’ve personally been involved since I became a Knight with [Archbishop] John Hughes,” Sbarra said. “I’m so greatly impressed with the professional products these students produce. … You would think they were created by artists much older than they are.”

Students can start submitting their artwork with a deadline of Jan. 8. The contest culminates with an awards ceremony at the Archbishop John Hughes Council of the Knights on Jan. 15, celebrating the top artwork of students from the first grade through high school who will receive cash prizes and recognition for their artistic achievements in The Tablet.

Last year’s contest awarded Sacred Heart Catholic Academy eighth grader Zayna Jones for her beautiful painting of Jesus holding a baby lamb. 

She thanked The Tablet for having the contest and giving her the “wonderful opportunity to showcase my art and my faith.”

Click here for more information about the contest and how to enter.