Holden MacNatt of Assumption Regional Catholic School, Galloway, has won first place in the J. Sherwood Brown Essay Contest.
The topic for the contest, which is open to eighth-grade students in South Jersey Catholic Schools, was “Share some ways that you are living and evangelizing your Catholic faith during the pandemic.” The contest was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministries.
“It is essential to build a strong foundation in Christ despite any storm that comes along, such as COVID-19. I have learned this lesson firsthand this past year,” MacNatt wrote in his essay, which also included thoughts on his inability to attend Mass during the pandemic and how he continued to build upon his Catholic faith.
In announcing the winners, the Black Catholic Ministry Commission said, “[We] want to take this opportunity to thank all the students who participated. The essays were very thought-provoking, sincere and with high-spirited potential. We appreciate all participants and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”
Twelve schools participated, and each selected two essays for the eighth-grade class for consideration. Nine winners received gift cards ranging from $200 to $75.
Other diocesan winners were:
Second place: Shareese C. Brown, Saint John Paul II Regional School, Stratford
Third place: Mary Abigail Millenbach, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Regional School, Berlin
Regional Winners:
Region I
Michael Burgo, Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School, Clayton
Kaillyn O’Hara, Christ The King Regional School, Haddonfield
Region II
Francesca D’Errico, Saint Teresa Regional School, Runnemede
Brody Driscoll, Gloucester Catholic Junior Senior High, Gloucester
Region III
Flynn Krause, Wildwood Catholic Academy, North Wildwood
Vincent Caimi, Saint Mary School, Vineland
First Place Winning Essay
By Holden MacNatt
According to the words of Bishop Galante, “Evangelization is not a program. It is to bring people into a relationship with Jesus.” (Lifelong Faith Formation Director’s Meeting – Sept. 17, 2009)
The world is currently facing challenging times due to the pandemic, and the Church is not excluded. During the outbreak of the virus, churches were closed due to the banning of social gatherings and the implementation of social distancing protocols. Evangelism has seemed hard in these times, but it certainly is not impossible. This essay will describe how I have continued to be an active Catholic evangelist by building my Catholic faith and evangelizing God’s Word.
It is essential to build a strong foundation in Christ despite any storm that comes along such as COVID-19. I have learned this lesson firsthand this past year. In addition to the challenges of the pandemic, my mother was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. I was blessed to have experienced my mother’s strong faith in God even when she was faced with a life-threatening diagnosis.
My family and I have participated in the following practices to help build our faith. We watch livestreams of our local Mass and view Catholic television programs like EWTN. I pray regularly, both with my family and alone. These prayers include the Rosary, a daily act of spiritual communion, before meals and at bedtime. Each of these practices has strengthened my faith during this challenging time.
Another keystone in building my strong faith during the coronavirus pandemic is evangelizing God’s Word. “To evangelize does not mean simply to teach a doctrine, but to proclaim Jesus Christ by one’s words and actions, that is, to make oneself an instrument of his presence and action in the world” (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization, 2).
Evangelizing God’s Word can be demonstrated by showing compassion and care to those affected by the pandemic. I have helped those in need by making food and bedding donations to local charities. In addition, I express my gratitude for the blessings God has given me to others. I have evangelized while being mindful of others’ safety.
In conclusion, I have continued to build my faith and have had a significant role in ensuring that the Gospel continues to spread. This is a significant accomplishment for myself and the Church community, especially now when the older people who are most vulnerable to the pandemic might not be proactive in evangelism.
According to 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity.”
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