Children in faith formation classes and Catholic schools, or those affiliated with Maine parishes, have the chance to see their artwork front and center on the Diocese of Portland’s official 2022 Christmas cards.

The Diocese of Portland’s Christmas Card Art Contest selects winners from four age groups (kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, and high school students), with the winning artwork used on the cover of the diocesan cards this winter.

The winners’ names are printed on the back of the cards. The winners and their families are invited to a reception with Bishop Robert Deeley, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, Office of Communications, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

This year, each entry must reflect one of the following passages from Scripture:

• “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” (Luke 2:7);
• “The angel said to them, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy.” (Luke 2:10);
• “For today in the city of David, a savior has been born.” (Luke 2:11);
• “You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12); and
• “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace.” (Luke 2:14).

The artwork must be created by the child and not be mechanically or electronically generated. All entries are judged by a panel of Catholic leaders who will evaluate each entry on its creativity, artistic skill, and Scripture accuracy.

Judging takes place in early November, with winners notified by Nov. 30. To view last year’s winning entries, visit portlanddiocese.org.

For complete contest rules or to register, visit portlanddiocese.org. The deadline for submissions 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.

For more information, call the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Development at 207-773-6471.

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