| Christmas Seals Tradition
 Since
its founding 160 years ago, the Holy Childhood Association
(HCA) has had but one focus -- to bring the love of
Jesus to the world's children. HCA's annual Christmas
Seals packet, a
Christmas tradition since 1916, is one way children
in the United States express their love and commitment
to children in the missions.
Annually, HCA selects drawings from more than 10,000 entries
to appear as HCA Christmas Seals. Ten children are
given honorable mention and are presented with certificates
of merit. For the past several years, the winning
drawings have been displayed at the Basilica of the
Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington,
D.C., during the Christmas season.
The contest is open to all Catholic school and parish religious
education students in kindergarten through eighth
grade. The deadline for entry to the 2004 contest
was January 31; the deadline each year is that last
day of January. Winners are announced in the summer.
HCA Christmas Seals Packets are available through
schools, parishes and the national office for $2 each.
Packets contain 25 self-adhesive seals.
Visit the national HCA site for kids to see the 25 winning
drawings that will be featured on our 2004 HCA Christmas
Seals Packet. While you're there be sure to enjoy
reading the "story of an HCA Christmas Seal."
And check back this Advent to send e-greetings to
friends and family. Sales of HCA Christmas Seals benefit
children in Mission dioceses throughout the world.
Contact the Joliet office for more information about this
valuable holiday tradition.
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