February 20, 2026

Entries are now being accepted for John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest

The Serra Club of Indianapolis is sponsoring its 2026 John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest.

It is open to any student who is Catholic in seventh through 12th grade in parochial or public schools or who is home-schooled in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Students entering the contest are asked to write about the following question:

As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding this year, we also remember the priests and religious who built our parishes, schools, missions and communities of faith which have strengthened the soul of our nation. As America enters its next chapter, the Church depends on a new generation willing to listen for God’s call. What can the story of our past teach the youths in our Church today about their own vocation and their role in the future of the Church? How might God be calling you to make your own contributions?

Essays should be between 300 and 500 words in length and may be typed or hand-written.

For more details or to get an essay submission form, contact your school religion teacher, religious education program instructor, or parish catechist/youth minister. Information is also available from the archdiocesan Office of Vocations at vocations@archindy.org.

Submitted essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 6. Essays can be mailed to:

Serra Vocations Essay Contest
c/o Office of Vocations
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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