June 20, 2004

CONTEST WINNER
Father John Dowling, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish, congratulates Jessica Lambert.
Photo courtesy of Tracey Eppolito

Family Rosary has selected Jessica Adelle Lambert of St. John Neumann School in Farragut as a first-place winner in the fifth-grade division of the 2004 U.S. “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest.

The national competition encourages students to express their faith through art, poetry, prose, video, and photography. Jessica was one of 48 winners chosen from more than 3,200 entries that depicted the contest’s theme, “A Light Unto Others.” The theme was chosen to accentuate the Mysteries of Light, suggested as additions to the rosary by Pope John Paul II.

In addition to a certificate, Jessica will receive $100, and St. John Neumann School will receive $200.

Each year the contest asks children from Catholic schools, parishes, and other Catholic organizations to illustrate a different faith-based theme. For this year, students from kindergarten through 12th grade depicted how they use in their everyday lives the values and virtues taught by Jesus and Mary.

For her award-winning entry, Jessica created “Simple Sacrifices Shine a Light Unto Others,” which combines photography and prose to show examples of sacrifices. Her entry depicts simple tasks such as helping her mom with the laundry or giving her last piece of gum to a friend.

Jessica, 10, said she feels close to God in church because “that is where he is praised.” In school she enjoys science, and her favorite activities include soccer, piano, and basketball.

“The contest enables children of all ages to creatively express the Gospel message of love of neighbor as taught by Christ,” said Father John Phalen, CSC, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, which includes Family Rosary.

“Being light for others involves prayer and religious faith. Through practicing good deeds, people can be a light for others and influence them to embrace the same set of values. All of the entries reflect such virtues and are an inspiration to all.”

Family Rosary was founded in 1942 by the late Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, famous for his expression “The family that prays together stays together.” The contest derives its name from an experience in the life of Father Peyton. While a seminarian, he was stricken with severe tuberculosis. At one point a frustrated physician said, “Try prayer! We have done all we can for you.” Father Peyton prayed a rosary to the Blessed Mother and made a miraculous recovery.

Jessica is the daughter of Richard and Sandra Lambert of All Saints Parish in Knoxville.