Essay Contest Highlights Evangelization Initiative; Observes African-American History Month

In observance of African-American History Month, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas is sponsoring an essay contest, offering some students a unique opportunity to give their input on “Why Black Catholics Should Return to the Catholic Church.” The contest will highlight the Diocese’s annual “Come Home” initiative, which will culminate in a major community event to be held at Bishop Dunne Catholic School’s Orender Family Athletic Complex, on Saturday, April 13, 2013, from 2-4 p.m.

The event, dubbed “Taste of Home,” is part of the Diocese’s expansion of its evangelization efforts, seeking to identify non-practicing Catholics, especially African-Americans, and to invite them to return home to the Catholic Church family. Eligible participants in the essay contest must be local students in 3rd grade through the college graduate level, who will compete in age-specific categories. Essays must be from 200-500 words, and be submitted between February 1 and March 1, 2013. Winners will be announced at the “Taste of Home” community reception, and will receive cash awards, ranging from $25-$250.

Event participants will hear discussion on church diversity, enjoy delicious cultural foods, and be invited to offer their feedback through completion of a survey primarily targeting why they, as non-practicing Catholics, discontinued their faith participation in the Catholic Church. Winning essays will be read by their student authors, as well as be taken into serious consideration in the development of a more comprehensive plan to energize and re-engage African-Americans in the Catholic faith.

For essay contest guidelines, visit www.cathdal.org/pages/blackcatholics. If you are interested in attending the “Taste of Home” reception, or know of someone you think could benefit from participation in this event, please send an email to or call (214) 374-7614, for additional information.