Friars' Student Writing Contest 2026

The theme and resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are prepared and published by Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (Vatican) and Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.

“The gifts he gave were for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (cf. Eph 4:13)

Describe how you are growing in knowledge of Christ and how it inspires and shapes your thoughts, relationships, and outreach.

Conclude your essay by composing a prayer to Jesus to help us reach out to those in need as friends and disciples.

1. The theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is taken from Ephesians 4:1-13 which you are expected to read in its entirety for a full understanding. Your essay should focus specifically on Ephesians 4:13, drawing on the information provided in Day 8 of the resources (see link below).
2. The contestants should consult resources of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 and submit a 450-500-word essay that answers the given focus question.
3. Contestants must be 13-19 years of age, and currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school or equivalent program.
4. The essay must be submitted on or before Monday, January 12, 2026, by 2:00pm EST. Late entries will not be included in the Writing Contest. 
5. Entries must include the contestant's full name, email address, phone number and the name of their school/school board.

All submissions will be read by a panel including professional journalists and the Director of the Office for Promoting Christian Unity, Archdiocese of Toronto, and judged on overall merit.

 

For any enquiries contact [email protected] or call 416-934-3400, ext. 527

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Deadline for entries is Monday, January 12, 2026, 2:00PM EST.

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