St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, found an interesting way for parishioners to prepare for the upcoming new year – 2014. The parish sponsored a calendar contest.

According to Linda Wynd, director of advancement in St. Denis School, students in both the school and parish religious education program were invited to create pictures featuring different monthly religious themes. The months and the correlating themes were: January, The Magi; February, St. Valentine; March, St. Patrick; April, Easter; May, Blessed Mother; June, Moses; July, Noah’s Ark; August, Jonah and the Whale; September, David and Goliath; October, St. Denis; November, Thanksgiving; December, Christmas.

Wynd said that once the pictures, about 80 in all, were submitted, they were displayed in the gathering space of the church where parishioners could “cast their ballots” and vote on their select choices.

The winning entries for each month will be included in the 2104 parish calendar and each artist will receive a $25 gift card.

The winners were: Jenna Wynd, school; Ashley Aloupis, parish; Susan Brethauer, school; Matthew Geotz, school; Alessia Copozzi, school; Stephen Bruce, school; Nicole Damiano, parish; Michael Trill, school; Spencer O’Brien, school; Michael Trill, school; Ashley Aloupis, parish; Ana Marziano, parish.

Of the calendar contest, Wynd said it was a “great opportunity” to have students in both the school and religious education programs work together on a project that benefited the entire parish community.

Wynd noted that a $5 donation is requested for each calendar.

Persons wishing to obtain a copy of the calendar may do so by emailing [email protected]