Merry Christmas, and thanks to all the young artists who shared their talents in the annual Catholic Times Christmas cover contest. This year, over 600 entries were submitted to vie for the honor of appearing on the cover of the Christmas edition of the diocesan newspaper.

As has become our tradition, the judges have decreed a tie for first place.

One of the first-place winners is sixth-grader Bryce Shumaker from Our Lady of Lourdes School and Parish in Decatur. His depiction of the Nativity of the Lord appears on this week's cover.

The other first-place winner is fourth-grader Megan Thompson, also from Our Lady of Lourdes School, Decatur. Megan's artwork will appear on the cover of the Dec. 30 issue of Catholic Times, in honor of the upcoming celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Both winners will receive a $25 check from Catholic Times.

Runners-up, shown here, are from Jack Hadowsky, a first-grader from St. Paul School in Highland; Ellie Bretscher, a sixth-grader from St. Agnes School in Springfield; Jack Ross, also a sixth-grader at St. Agnes in Springfield; and Ava Monteyne, a fourth-grader from St. Peter School in Quincy.

In addition, several more of the judge's favorites can be viewed online at ct.dio.org.

Again, many thanks to all the young artists who shared their Christmas spirit with us, and to the parents and teachers who helped them.

A blessed and merry Christmas to all, from the staff at Catholic Times.

First Place

First Runner-up	Second Runner-up
Third Runner-up	Fourth Runner-up

Honorable Mentions