Leading Children to Encounter Christ

a
gift from
God

and
that they represent a
"sign" of His presence in the world today!

Pope John Paul II reminds us that there is a need to accompany our children in their encounter with the "living" Jesus Christ.

This important responsibility lies mostly upon us, as parents, because it is up to us to lead our children to their first encounter with the
"living" Jesus Christ
in the
Sacrament of Baptism

where the priceless gift
of
faith
is given to them

Without our distinct desire to have them baptized, this first encounter
would never happen.

Equally, it must be our desire, as parents, to lead our children to their encounter with the
"living" Jesus Christ,
in the
Sacrament of First Communion

where they are able to receive the
Body, Blood, Soul
and
Divinity
of the
"living" Jesus Christ,

This is very important because our children are part of the
living community
of
faith, hope and love."

Our Holy Father gratefully acknowledges the efforts of all those who seek to serve the family and children with the same attitude as Jesus Christ who said: "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:4)

His acknowledgement is especially for parents, teachers, pastoral, social and health care workers.

The Synod Fathers rightly deplores and condemns

the painful condition of many children
throughout the Continent of America!

who are denied their dignity, their innocence and even their lift!

"This condition includes violence, poverty, homelessness,
lack of adequate health care and education,
the harm inflicted by drugs and alcohol,
and
other states of neglect and abuse."

Special mention was made during the Synod of the deplorable acts
against our children
through
sexual abuse
and
child prostitution!

That is why the Synod Fathers made an urgent appeal
"to all those holding authority in society, that,
as a priority,
they
do all in their power to alleviate the
suffering
of our
children