National Children's Day (United States)
2nd Sunday in October

Universal Children's Day
November 20

Read:
Mark 9:36-37

Explain:
The scriptures attest to the Lord's special love for children. He must be grieved to see how many children in the world are malnourished or sick, orphaned or homeless, unable to attend school, or put to work in factories. He must be outraged to see children suffer abuse or sexual exploitation. In 1954, the UN General Assembly urged nations to establish a Universal Children's Day, to promote understanding among children worldwide and to highlight efforts to ensure the well-being of children. Different countries may observe this event on different dates. It is typically celebrated on November 20, the anniversary of both the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). In the United States, National Children's Day is observed on the second Sunday in October.

Pray:

• Give thanks for the children in your own family.
• Give thanks for the Church's Primary programs for children.
• Pray for children throughout the world who are victims of poverty or violence.
• Pray for the efforts of those who work to improve the lives of children.
• Pray that governments will give greater priority to ensuring the well-being of all children.