Literary Journal

Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry

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About the magazine

Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry is an annual literary journal founded in 2016 by poet and editor Mary Ann B. Miller. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition, the journal seeks to publish poetry that engages with questions of faith, doubt, grace, and the sacramental imagination. Its founding ethos is one of hospitality: welcoming writers from all backgrounds who explore the intersection of poetry and Catholic sensibility, whether through explicit religious themes or a broader contemplative attention to the world. The journal aims to foster a community of readers and writers who value craft, theological depth, and the quiet witness of art.

Editorial focus

Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry publishes poems on the basis of their artistic excellence, rather than on the basis of the author’s professed creed or because the subject matter is explicitly Catholic. The poems in this journal convey God’s presence in any number of ways—by exploring the intersection of matter and spirit, depicting the struggle between belief and doubt, questioning the faith, being surprised by it, taking joy in it, and even finding humor in it.

PoetryTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodAug 1 to Oct 1

Reading feeNo

PaymentContributor copies only

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Presence accepts submissions of poetry year-round, but reading periods may be limited; check the website for current guidelines. Submit 3-5 poems at a time via Submittable or email as specified. Poems should be previously unpublished. There are no strict thematic requirements, but the editors appreciate work that demonstrates a genuine engagement with Catholic thought, spirituality, or the sacramental imagination—broadly construed. Avoid didactic or overly pious verse; craft and originality are paramount. Simultaneous submissions are accepted if notified promptly upon acceptance elsewhere. Response times vary, often several months. Include a brief cover letter with your contact information and publication history if applicable. No submission fee is required, though donations are welcome.

Our mission statement and submission guidelines may be found on our website.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

2 listed

ClosedDeadline · 2026-10-01