Through colorful poster drawings, compelling essays and creatively designed memes, youngsters from around the Diocese had an opportunity to artfully express their respect for life in all its stages in the works they submitted for the annual diocesan Respect Life Contest.

Participating in the contest were students who hail from all corners of the Diocese and attend Catholic schools and parish religious education programs, as well as those who are involved in parish youth groups. The theme of the contest was “Christ Our Hope In Every Season of Life.”

Related: Respect Life Contest essay winners

The submissions were grouped by various grade categories: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth grade. Following judging at the parish or school level, the top entries were displayed at the diocesan Chancery, Lawrenceville, and voted upon by Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean County respect life parish representatives and Chancery staff. Submissions were judged on creativity, clarity of message and when applicable, visual appeal.

The winners included one diocesan-wide first place winner from each grade category as well as first runners-up in each grade group by county. Each first place winner received a $100 prize; first runners-up received a $40 prize. Awards were presented to winners, and winning entries were displayed, in their respective counties during Masses on March 1:

Burlington County: Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hainesport.

Mercer County: St. Raphael-Holy Angels Church, Hamilton.

Monmouth County: St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown.

Ocean County: Sacred Heart Church, Bay Head.