Holy Childhood Association
The Holy Childhood Association is a Pontifical Mission Society founded in 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson to help children strengthen their relationship with God through active participation in the missionary work of the Church.
Mission Statement :
Called by Baptism to share the gospel with others, the Holy Childhood Association serves the Church world-wide through a distinct focus entirely on children.
Dedicated to the idea of "children helping children" an awareness of the universality of the Church and the call to witness one's faith is enhanced through global education, prayer and support from children to children across the continents.
The mission of the Holy Childhood Association within the Archdiocese of Chicago is to enhance the awareness of mission in today's youth by providing:
- Educational programs guiding children to understand and foster their Baptismal call to the mission of spreading the Gospel and their need to care for God's creation.
- Encouragement to pray for children in missions and the missionaries throughout the world.
- Outreach opportunities for the support of children touched by mission.
In 1843 Bishop Charles Forbin-Janson shared his longtime dream - to help the children of the Missions - with his friend, Pauline Jaricot who had founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith that was helping to support missionary efforts in the Church.He was convinced that children rich in faith and love could play their own part in the Church's mission and even stir adults to the same generous missionary spirit. Thus the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) was born.
Originally Bishop Forbin-Janson appealed to the children of France to reach out and help the children of the Missions in the North America and China. Today, HCA continues to follow his vision of "children helping children". After learning about the great needs of the world's children living in poverty, young people are invited to pray and offer financial help so that children in the Missions may know Christ and experience His love and care.
More about the Holy Childhood Association click : www.hcakids.org
HCA helps children at a young age to recognize they are called by Baptism to spread the Gospel.
HCA enhances an awareness of mission in children and their need to help and serve others.
HCA teaches all children that we are one in God's family.
HCA reminds children to pray daily for the vulnerable and those living in poverty.
HCA helps children understand that they are stewards of earth and need to protect and preserve it.
HCA encourages children to look beyond themselves to others and make sacrifices for those in need.
HCA prays for children in mission countries and the missionaries who serve them.
HCA enhances mission awareness through the membership program by educating children about people, places, cultures, and social justice issues.
HCA focuses each year on three mission countries where children are in need of care for their spiritual and physical well being.
HCA supports over 4000 projects to provide food, clothing, health care, protection, security and education for the children in the greatest need in 120 countries around the world.
HCA provides help for missions in over 1150 dioceses across the globe.