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By Beth Donze, Kids Clarion
Next month, third through seventh graders from across the Archdiocese of New Orleans are invited to learn about the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) during a fun-filled Saturday of prayer, stories, games, live music, crafts and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond.
Children’s Mission Day, set for Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Dominican High School gym, will immerse the young participants in the MCA’s overarching goal of “Children Helping Children.”
Although missionary work is usually associated with adulthood and the need to travel beyond one’s own borders to spread Jesus’ Gospel message of love, Children’s Mission Day teaches young Catholics that they can be missionaries at home – and right now – through prayer, almsgiving, service and learning about how their peers in other lands spend their days.
This year’s event will trumpet the theme “Voices in Mission: Sharing Our Story” and feature presentations by three musical storytellers:
To foster solidarity among local children and their peers in developing countries, the young participants will rotate through several hands-on activities. Workshops will include making World Mission Rosary bracelets, whose color-coded beads remind the faithful to lift up every part of the world in prayer, and storytelling though drums.
The MCA is also sponsoring three contests during school year 2018-19, each designed to tap into children’s creativity and remind them of Christ’s command that all are called to be missionaries at baptism:
Contest participation is open to boys and girls in grades 3 to 7 who attend a Catholic school, parish school of religion or are home-schooled.
In addition to gathering children every October for Children’s Mission Day, the MCA also conducts mission assemblies during Lent at host elementary schools in four geographical hubs: West Bank, East Bank, River Parishes and Northshore.
Also, Laura Arand, MCA director, is available throughout the year to bring mission animation presentations to interested parishes and schools, and share her office’s library of books, DVDs and other resources with teachers and catechists.
To register for Children’s Mission Day or to learn more about the MCA’s services, contact Laura Arand at 527-5773. The Children’s Mission Day cost of $15 a participant covers a T-shirt, bagged lunch and drink.