I am struck by the care and attention that has been given to these most vulnerable children.  It is nothing less than they deserve with the resources we have at our disposal. It challenges me to reflect though on the vulnerability of all children here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference in 2002 said, “Children are a precious gift entrusted to us by the Lord of creation. Their care and nurture is the responsibility of the whole community.”

Children are born with a huge potential for learning and becoming fully alive as Jesus promised. However, during the first three years of life, if conditions are not good enough (I do not think they need to be perfect!), then the child’s brain does not develop physically to its maximum and poor patterns of relating and acting are set in place which follow the child through life.

Physical nutrition is important but equally so is emotional, mental and spiritual nutrition. Parents carry a huge responsibility in bringing their children to adulthood. We as a Catholic community can assist them greatly by our attitudes and our practical support.  The value of a free baby sit, a smile in the supermarket when a tantrum is threatening or a patient listening to parental worries all help provide a healthier climate for the development of our vulnerable children. So does prayer for the children and their families, especially within the context of the Sunday worshipping community.  Let’s practise our Christian connections!

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