Christian Hope in Action

"The face of every human being who suffers is for us the face of Jesus who mounted the cross to take the sting out of death. Ours must be the same cross and the same hope…To spend ourselves and be spent for the needs of neighbors; to be available and cheerful as a friend in Holy Cross and to give witness while others hesitate…” - Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross (114; 116)

Christian hope is not merely optimism. It is anchored in the Cross of Christ and trust in Divine Providence. Hope helps us see that God is active in our lives, that evil and suffering do not have the final word, and that we are all called to cooperate with God’s work in our world.

Every member of our Holy Cross family is called to bring hope to the world. We are called to accept both the invitation and the challenge to share the hope of Christ and the promise of new life with all people. As a Catholic, Christian, Holy Cross community, we are called not only to bring hope, but to become signs of hope for others through joyful, patient, and faithful action.

2026 Contest Prompt 

Explain what Christian hope means to you. Why is it an important Holy Cross Core Value? Choose one real-life challenge and describe how hope can help people respond to that challenge. Identify one specific way you can witness to Christian hope as a student at your Holy Cross school.

Essay and Video Guidelines
Choose between two methods of submission

General Guidelines

• Entry Deadline: November 15, 2026.
• This contest is for students enrolled in High Schools sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross (priests, brothers, sisters,) grades 9 through 12.
• There is no entry fee for this contest. Only one submission per student.
• All entries must be named properly, with completed online registration information, including parent’s e-signature.
• Due to the number of entries received, only winners will be contacted with the results.

Essay Entries

• Typed essay, 500-1,000 words, in English, double-spaced and preferably in
  12pt font.
• Must be submitted in pdf form. Entry file should be named as follows: Last
  name_First initial_school name.pdf. Ex: McIntosh_J_CathedralHS.pdf.
• Full name must be included on all pages of essay.
• Essays will be judged on originality, creativity, message content and
  strength of writing.

Video Entries

• Video must be uploaded to YouTube and submitted via YouTube link.
• Video to be no longer than 5 minutes.
• Video should be titled as follows: 2026_Last name_First Initial_school
  name. Ex: 2026_Dugan_K_TrinityHS
• Videos will be judged on creativity, originality, message content and
  technical organization (sound and picture quality).
• Students must obtain all necessary permissions including music rights, consents, authorizations, and licenses for all copyright protected material.
• You must also obtain permission to use the image, likeness, or audio
  recording of any individual that has a speaking role or is otherwise
  distinctly featured in your video submission