The future of the world and the very existence of faith are in the hands of today's children. Among the world's children are future popes, bishops, priests and religious, future lay leaders and missionary catechists. The MCA is the Pontifical Mission Society that cultivates "children helping children" through programs which help children around the globe to see, know and love Jesus - and one another. After learning about the great needs of the world’s poorest children, young people are invited to pray and to offer financial help so that children in the Missions today may know Christ and experience His love and care.

To learn more or place an order for 2023-2024 MCA materials, visit MCAKIDS. New to teaching about mission? Downloadable documents for teachers and catechists:

This is an annual national artwork competition where 24 entries are chosen from school children from K to Grade 8 nationwide. The winning artwork are displayed during the Advent/ Christmas Season at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. 

In addition, two Grand Prize Winners are chosen from the 24 winning entries, and their artwork are reproduced as a Christmas card for the National Office. 

2023-2024 Christmas Artwork
Guidelines and Registration

2022-2023 Winning Artwork

Every year, 24 winning artwork is chosen from among thousands of entries received from elementary school students across the United States.  We are especially proud to announce that for the school year 2022-2023 one of the 24 national artwork entry winners is from the Diocese of Metuchen.   

The artwork of Kaitlyn Wang from St. Bartholomew School in East Brunswick, was selected as a Grand Prize Winner in the 2022-2023 Missionary Childhood Association Christmas Artwork Contest among thousands of entries nation-wide.  Her faith-filled artwork will be available as shareable digital greetings beginning the first week of Advent 2023.

2023 Grand Prize Winner
Missionary Childhood Association Artwork Contest
Kaitlynn Wang, Grade 8
St. Bartholomew Catholic School, East Brunswick

The policy of every Bishop of Metuchen that the Missionary Childhood Association is the mandated program by which our children in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs support other children in the missions.

MCA Diocesan Policy

In support of sharing the Good News of Jesus with the world, let us pray together the World Mission Rosary through this audio link. Each decade of the World Mission Rosary calls to mind an area where the Church continues her evangelizing mission.

• October - Month of the Holy Rosary
• Color the Mission Rosary

As we celebrate Epiphany, we are reminded that we are missionaries through our prayers and sacrifices and through our financial gifts to the Missionary Childhood Association. 

Epiphany Prayer Service

This program serves as MCA’s Lenten prayer and sacrifice program for Grades K to 8 as well as Grades 9 to 12.