Child and Youth Education

According to Pope Francis, “all the baptized, whatever their position in the Church or their level of instruction in the faith, are agents of evangelization” (Evangelii Gaudium 120). For this reason, the Global Mission Office provides resources for young people through the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA). Active in 110 countries, MCA is a world-wide organization that connects Catholic youth globally in faith and love.

Through MCA Catholic school teachers, religious educators, parents and youth ministers can help young people encounter and be in solidarity with members of the Body of Christ throughout our world. Contact Megan Mio to join our mailing list and stay updated on seasonal resources and ideas for young people to:

Learn about the lives and customs of children throughout the world,
Pray for and with their sisters and brothers across the globe,
Get inspired by the work of missionaries who share the love of God, and
Respond through acts of service and stewardship.

In 1843, French Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson saw that children could play their part in the Church’s mission and even stir adults to this same missionary spirit. Originally, Bishop Charles asked the children of France to help children in the missions of North America and China. He asked them to pray a Hail Mary every day and donate a penny each month. Their motto was, “Children Helping Children.”

Funds collected through MCA support basic protection of life efforts for children and families, such as orphanages, HIV/AIDS care, assistance for children with disabilities, outreach to children on the streets, child soldiers, and victims of human trafficking and child labor. MCA donations also provide for educational efforts and faith formation programs. These kinds of needs are most common in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

There are four necessary aspects of participation in the mission of the universal Church. The Global Mission Office encourages mission educators to include each one in their formation.

Pray: Pope Francis calls prayer “the soul of all missionary activity” and so prayer for the Church, all our sisters and brothers in faith, is essential.
Learn: Young people must learn about our worldwide Church, which means learning more about children and families around the world. It also means reflecting on what Scriptures and the Church teach us about Christ’s mission.
Proclaim: A member of MCA also proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ in actions and in words. This means sharing the love of God and following the example of Jesus every day.
Act: Being a member of MCA also means getting involved in works of Christian charity and solidarity. This may mean practical projects to care for the universal Church or acts of stewardship in support of the work of missionaries around the world.

Resources

All resources listed below are available to be requested through the MCA Order Form (see images below). Send the form by email, fax or regular mail. You may direct all questions and concerns regarding MCA to Megan Mio. More resources and ideas become available seasonally.

MCA Poster
MCA Prayer Card
MCA Collection Box
World Mission Rosary Poster
World Mission Rosary DVD and Discussion Guide (limited quantities)
World Mission Rosary Brochure (English | Spanish) (order mission rosaries here)
General use rosaries
MCA – A History of Helping (Link)
My MCA Offering Activity (English | Spanish)
Litany of Missionary Saints (English | Spanish)
Advent/Christmas Mission Calendar (English/Spanish/Polish)
MCA Christmas Artwork Contest Entry form (link)
Advent Family Prayer Service (English | Spanish)
Epiphany Blessing of Homes (English | Spanish)