PORTLAND — Bishop Robert P. Deeley welcomed the winners of the Diocese of Portland’s Christmas Card Art Contest, conducted by the diocese’s Office of Development, to the diocesan offices in Portland on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

The winners, joined by their families, enjoyed an Italian dinner with the bishop provided by Maria’s Restaurant. All Catholic school and faith formation students throughout the diocese were invited to participate in the contest. Over 125 submissions were received for the contest, each featuring original creations by the artists reflecting a passage from Scripture.

This month, the winners’ creations are appearing on the Christmas cards that have been sent to 2018 Catholic Appeal donors. Reese Loretto-Brown of Holy Family Church in Greenville won in the kindergarten through grade two contest. Gisele Ouellette of Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn won the grades nine through 12 contest, but she was unavailable to attend Wednesday’s gathering.

“This is the story of Jesus told by children,” Bishop Deeley said to those in attendance. “These pictures capture the beauty of our faith. The students did a magnificent job, and I’m very, very grateful for that. Thank you for the work you’ve done, and thanks to the parents for passing on the faith to their children.”

To thank them for their efforts, the bishop gave each winner a framed display of their artwork, a book and rosary bracelets that he blessed at the event.

Reese Loretto-Brown of Holy Family Church in Greenville is rewarded by Bishop Robert P. Deeley for winning the Christmas Card Art Contest in her grade group.

Reese Loretto-Brown’s drawing for the diocese’s Christmas Card Art Contest won in her grade group. 

Gisele Ouellette’s entry into the Christmas Card Art Contest won for the grades nine through 12 group. She attends Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn.