-
May 23, 2025By Caitlin Burm
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, six outstanding middle school students—out of hundreds in the Diocese of Tucson—were celebrated for their winning submissions to the annual Padre Kino Vocations Ministry essay contest.
The students, their families and teachers were invited to attend a luncheon with Rev. Richard Rivera at the Bishop Gerald Kicanas Pastoral Center, who presented the youth with their awards and encouraged them to continue to hear God’s call and seek out his light.
The Padre Kino Vocations Ministry’s mission is to pray that men and women respond to God’s call to the priesthood and religious life. The ministry supports seminarians during discernment and formation, providing discernment weekends for interested parish youth groups, emergency travel for religious candidates, and other appreciation initiatives for priests, brothers and sisters throughout the year.
Each student responded to their grade level’s essay topic:
- The eighth-grade essay topic was: “How can we hear the whisper of God's call in our loud, modern American culture?”
- The seventh-grade essay topic was: “What is the importance of family life in fostering a good religious vocation?”
We wish heartfelt congratulations to...
8th Grade Essay Winners
- First Place Winner: Lilyanna Baker, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School
- Second Place Winner: Julissa Ormsby, St. Ambrose Catholic School
- Third Place Winner: Hudson Hale, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School
7th Grade Essay Winners
- First Place Winner: Rose Muñozcano, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School
- Second Place Winner: Juliana Alexis Gallego, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School
- Third Place Winner: James Ochoa, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School
In their essays:
Eighth-grade first place winner, Lilyanna Baker, says, “God speaks to us in many different ways. His word, disciples and signs are just a few of them. The truth is that everything in our world shows the Creator if we only look hard enough.”
Eighth-grade second place winner, Julissa Ormsby, states: “Hearing God’s call is not about grand gestures-it is about the daily decision to seek Him in stillness, faith and focus.”
Eighth-grade third place winner, Hudson Hale, writes: “Hearing the whisper of God’s call in today’s culture requires intentional action. We must create space for silence and solitude, cultivate hearts that are open and obedient, engage with a community of believers and remain persistent in our faith.”
Seventh-grade first place winner, Rose Muñozcano, says: “Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life because their actions will impact the child, and they will copy what the parents will do. Having parents or guardians that are close to Christ can help the child learn that having a religious vocation is a way to get closer to Him.”
Seventh-grade second place winner, Juliana Alexis Gallego, states: “Not only do I go to Mass at least once a week, but I am also very dedicated to being Catholic. For example, I pray every night. This is another habit that was also influenced by my family, in particular, my mother. Every night, she prays for health, kindness, success and an everlasting life. This was also influenced by my grandma! Without my family, I would not be the Catholic that I am today.”
Seventh-grade third place winner, James Ochoa, writes: “They [family] support whatever choice you make in a decision through the light of God. Using God to help you make your decision and support you with it helps you to choose the right path and shape your decision towards God.”
The annual Padre Kino Vocations Ministry essay contest not only celebrates the insight and talent of young students in the Diocese, but also reinforces the importance of listening for God’s call in our daily lives.
Through their essays, these students have demonstrated a commitment to religious vocation, and a deep understanding of faith and family, reminding us all of the power of intentional reflection and unwavering belief.As they continue their journeys, may their words inspire others to seek the light of faith and answer God's call with courage and conviction.