countries. In the United States, membership is largely made up of students in Catholic elementary schools and religious education programs, and those homeschooled. In 2013 the Holy Childhood Association in the United States changed its name to the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), although the previous name is still used is some dioceses for the time being. Many dioceses in the United States have an MCA office that works in cooperation with the diocesan mission office. The Association distributes educational and fund-raising programs to school and religious education programs. The proceeds support programs for underprivileged in Third World situations. The National office is in New York City. Mission Together In England and Wales, the Society is known today as Mission Together, and has been active in Catholic schools for over a hundred and sixty years. The organization encourages children worldwide to pray and share, while also supporting both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of children through prayer and pastoral care. Through the financial contributions of children it carries out educational, medical and welfare projects in the poorest areas of the world. References Attribution Further reading Harrison, Henrietta. "'A Penny for the Little Chinese': The French Holy Childhood Association in China, 1843–1951." American Historical Review 113.1 (2008): 72-92. online External links The Holy Childhood Association HCA Kids (Children's website) Mission Together (United Kingdom) Sancta Dei civitas (Pope Leo XIII's letter on Mission Societies) Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood (The Vatican) Catholic lay organisations Christian missionary societies