Following the success of last year’s initiative, the archdiocese once again invited children preparing for their First Holy Communion to take part in a special pin badge design competition.

The winning design will be professionally produced and distributed to over 6,000 children making their First Holy Communion across the archdiocese this year.

This year’s winner is Jessica Caulfield, aged 8, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Leigh — remarkably, the same school that produced last year’s winner, Michelina.

Jessica’s thoughtful and symbolic design stood out for its creativity and its message of faith and hope. “The gold is to represent strength in faith,” Jessica wrote. “I wanted to include the Jubilee Year theme of Hope to remind us.”

At a special school assembly earlier this month, Rev Canon Michael Fitzsimons, Episcopal Vicar for Education, visited St Joseph’s to celebrate the children’s faith journey and speak to them about their First Holy Communion.

He, together with some of the competition judges, also presented Jessica with a set of art supplies in recognition of her winning design.

Headteacher Mr Richardson said, “We’re thrilled that one of our pupils has won this wonderful competition for the second year in a row. It’s a real testament to the children’s understanding of their faith and the enthusiasm they bring to their preparation. We’re very proud of Jessica and of all our First Holy Communion children.”

Congratulations to Jessica, and all who entered!

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