Children of Hope is dedicated to leading children into the mystery of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, so as to realize how much he loves them!

We have received an Apostolic Blessing for the Children of Hope program and all the associates!

Thank you to our previous Holy Father, Pope John Paul II!

Dear parents, priests, catechists, and all who care about the formation of children’s souls:

Over the years I have heard many reasons why parents hesitate to bring young children before the Eucharist each week to adore Jesus. Among these reasons are that they are too young to sit still, or that they won’t understand what is happening. Some feel that it is hard enough to get them to be attentive at Mass, and if they add another hour on Sunday, how can they expect them to behave?

Well, I remind them that Jesus Himself told us, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belong the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) And, that our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has made this request, “I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic adoration and devotion.” (from the Vatican, 28 May, 1996) So, how else can we respond than to bring children to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus!

After many years of leading Holy Hours for children, I can tell you the benefits are numerous for both children and their families:

1. Children who previously had only the weekly experience of Mass, discover that the Host is actually the person of Jesus, mysteriously hidden.
2. They develop a greater interest in the mysteries of our Faith and the liturgy of the Mass.
3. They understand—more than other children of their age who have not experienced Eucharistic Adoration—the relationship between the gift of the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross out of love for mankind.
4. They become much more aware of the various degrees of sin and seem very eager to receive the sacrament of Confession often.
5. Families accompanying their children witness a growing desire for peace and forgiveness within the family.

It is my prayer that after watching the videos and reading through the manual, you will have found the inspiration you need to begin your own Holy Hour for children in your parish or school. When children become friends with Jesus, by spending time with Him, do they not become living signs of faith in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist for those who doubt, and therefore also become wonderful signs of hope for those who despair in finding God on earth?

May Our Lord bless you through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

Fr Antoine Thomas csj