What is the Holy Childhood Association?
The Holy Childhood Association (HCA) is a Catholic mission society for children in kindergarten through grade eight. HCA asks Catholic children in the United States and around the world to be missionaries TODAY by sharing their love and their faith in Jesus with children all over the world.
When did the Holy Childhood Association start?
Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson started HCA in 1843 in France. (You can read all about it at True Tales) He asked young people in his country to pray and make sacrifices for their brothers and sisters in the Missions who did not know about Jesus and His "Good News."
How can I help
the Holy Childhood Association?
You can join HCA through your school or parish school of religion. Ask your teacher to help you and your class join HCA. If you are home-schooled, you can contact your local mission office or the HCA national office, 1-800-431-2222. You can also send me an e-mail, polly@propfaith.org
What are my responsibilities as a member of HCA?
As a member of HCA you are asked to pray and to make sacrifices for children in the Missions. All members are asked to offer one "Hail Mary" daily for children in the Missions.
Why is prayer important?
Even if you do not travel to the Missions you can be a missionary by praying for your brothers and sisters all around the world. You can pray that children in other countries learn about Jesus and experience His love. You can also pray to God to help children who are suffering because they are poor, hungry or sick.
Can HCA help me to pray?
Yes! HCA celebrates National Prayer Week every year to help children in the United States pray for children in the Missions. National Prayer Week is always celebrated during the third week of March. Prayers and prayer services are also featured in every issue of It's Our World, HCA's mission newsletter for children. You can also ask your teacher about HCA prayer cards.
If you become a member of HCA, you receive a special prayer card with the "Hail Mary" prayer.
What does it mean to offer personal sacrifice?
To make a personal sacrifice means that you give up something very special in order to show your love for Jesus and for others. Jesus asks us to give and to share. When we do this, we become more like Him. For example, if you give up a chocolate bar or piece of cake you can offer your disappointment up for children in the Missions. Gee, I think I should give up that honey-coated bird seed a little more often.
How does HCA help me make sacrifices?
As a member of HCA, you can make sacrifices on your own or with your class during special times like Advent or Lent. Sometimes, children sacrifice their birthday money or allowance and give it to HCA. Others offer their talents or give up their time in order to help raise money for HCA.
What does HCA membership include?
Your membership includes a membership card, prayer card and a subscription to It's Our World, HCA's mission newsletter for children. You get three issues every year! It's Our World features stories about children in the Missions and the priests, Sisters and Brothers who help them. You can learn how children in Africa prepare for First Holy Communion, what children in Asia do to celebrate Christmas or how children on the islands of the Pacific prepare for Lent.
How does HCA decide who gets my money?
Money collected by children in the United States is given directly to the Missions. Missionaries use your money to spread the Good News of Jesus and to provide children with food, clean water, clothes, books, medicine and desks for school. If your parent, teacher or an older brother or sister would like to know more about how money is given out to the Missions, check out our HCA site for adults / educators.
Can I still help the Missions after I graduate from eighth grade?
Absolutely! As a high school student, and later as an adult, you can help the Missions by praying, offering personal sacrifice and making donations through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith or the Society for St. Peter Apostle.
