The Knights of Columbus San Salvador Council is happy to participate in the PA Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest again this year! Last year we had a ton of incredible submissions and were proud to recognize recognize those who entered.

This annual contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith. The goal of this program is to involve young Catholics in grades 8 to 12 (public, private, parochial or home schools during the current school year) in civic discourse and instill in them religious and life-affirming values. The essay should be 500-750 words on a specific topic, changing every other year. Entrants will be judged on grammar, style, and how clearly they present the theme in a way that showcases creativity, imagination and overall development of the topic.

Essay’s should be submitted to the council WITH COMPLETED ENTRY FORM no later than Friday, October 30, 2026. All submissions should follow the above guidelines and be attached to the Submission Form.

Submissions can be emailed to the council at: kofcsouthphilly@gmail.com or mailed to us at the below address:

Attn: Knights of Columbus Council 283

Epiphany of Our Lord Parish

1121 Jackson Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148

Topic for 2026-2027 Fraternal Year: 

“The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.”

In 500-750 words, explain what this quote from former U.S. President and Knights of Columbus member John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural address means and its importance for the flourishing of a nation.