JAN 12, 2025
Homeschool Resources Sunday Readings
Homeschool Resources Sunday Readings
- CHILDREN’S LITURGY
- KID FRIENDLY INSIGHTS IN SMALL STEPS
- CATECHIST Resources
- Handouts AND Activities
- READ-ALOUDS
- SERMON LESSONS
Prayer
Table
Symbols
GOSPEL
Dove: A symbol of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus during his baptism (Luke 3:21-22), emphasizing the presence of God in our lives.
Water: Represents baptism, which Jesus undergoes in Luke 3:21-22. This reminds children of their own baptism and the call to follow Jesus as his disciples.
Lamb: A symbol of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This connects with Luke 3:15-16, where people wonder if John the Baptist might be the Messiah but learn he is only preparing the way.
Light: Represents the light of Christ, which shines through Jesus during his baptism (Luke 3:22). This symbol encourages children to be a light of faith and love in the world.
1ST READING
Dove: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and gentleness, reminding children to be kind and gentle like Jesus. This relates to Isaiah’s description of God’s chosen one, who brings justice without shouting or breaking bruised reeds (verse 3).
Water: Represents refreshment and life, highlighting the promise in verse 6 that God will renew the covenant and spread his Spirit. Water is also a symbol of baptism, which brings new life to God’s people.
Heart: A reminder to love and be compassionate towards others, reflecting verse 7’s call to “teach the knowledge of God’s ways to all nations.”
Candle: Represents the light of Christ, as mentioned in verse 6: “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.” The candle symbol inspires children to share God’s light with others.
2ND READING
Rainbow: Symbolizes God’s love for all people, regardless of their background, reminding children that everyone is part of God’s family. This reflects Peter’s revelation in Acts 10:34 that “God shows no partiality.”
Open Book: Represents the Scriptures and the importance of sharing God’s message with others, as Peter did in Acts 10:36-38. This symbol encourages children to learn and share their faith with those around them.
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Mary Jo Cole
SOURCE: Mary Jo Cole’s YouTube Page
Father Edward
SOURCE: Holy Family FdL Youtube Page
Father Glenn
Big Al & Father Joe
GOSPEL
Luke 3:15-16:
- The people were wondering if John the Baptist was a special person, called the Messiah, who was promised to come and save everyone.
- John said he was not the Messiah, but his job was to help people get ready for when the Messiah, Jesus, would come.
Concepts for children:
- People were waiting for someone special, called the Messiah, to come and help them.
- John the Baptist’s job was to get people ready for this special person.
Luke 3:21-22:
- One day, Jesus came to be baptized by John.
- The Holy Spirit came down from heaven like a dove, showing everyone that Jesus was special and loved by God.
- God spoke from the sky, saying He was happy with Jesus and that He loved Him very much.
Concepts for children:
- Jesus is the special person everyone was waiting for!
- When Jesus was baptized, God showed everyone that He loved Jesus and was proud of Him.
- God loves and is proud of us too when we follow Him.
Activities to reinforce the concepts:
- Have children draw pictures of the baptism scene, showing Jesus, John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit, and God speaking from the sky.
- Discuss and ask children to share times when their parents or caregivers said they were happy with them and how that made them fe
1ST READING
Isaiah 60:1-6
- Arise, Shine: Isaiah tells us that God’s light is coming, and it is a light that brings goodness and happiness. When we live in God’s light, we can shine like a bright light for others to see.
- People Coming Together: When God’s light shines, people from all over the world will see it and want to come together to worship God. Just like the three wise men in the story we talked about, people will travel from faraway places to find this light.
- God’s Love and Care: Isaiah says that when we live in God’s light, nations will bring their gifts, just like the wise men did for baby Jesus. This shows us how much God loves and cares for us.
- Peace and Joy: Isaiah talks about how things that were once difficult or sad can become beautiful and happy when we have God’s light in our lives. When we follow God, we can find peace and joy.
Lessons for Growing in Catholic Faith:
- Be a Light to Others: Isaiah tells us to shine like a bright light so that others can see God’s love in us. By being kind and loving like Jesus, we can be a light to others.
- Bring Gifts to God: Just like the wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus, we can give gifts to God by using our talents and sharing our love with others.
- Find Peace and Joy in God: When we live in God’s light, we can find happiness, even when things are difficult. By praying and trusting in God, we can have peace and joy in our hearts.
2ND READING
Acts 10:34-38
Peter, one of Jesus’ special helpers, was talking to a big group of people about how much God loves everyone. He said:
- God loves all people, no matter who they are or where they come from.
- God sent Jesus to help everyone, not just a few special people.
- Jesus went around doing good things and helping people who were hurt or sick.
- God is happy when people believe in Jesus and do good things for others.
Concepts for children:
- God loves every person in the whole world, no matter what!
- God wants everyone to know about Jesus and how much He loves them.
- Jesus helps people and wants us to help others too.
Activities to reinforce the concepts:
- Have children draw pictures of different people from around the world, and write “God loves [person’s name]” on each picture.
- Share stories about how people in different countries have learned about Jesus, emphasizing that God’s love is for everyone.
- Encourage children to think of ways they can help others, like Jesus did, and share their ideas with the group.
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Jesus’ Baptism
Hey there, friends! Today, I want to share a super cool story from the Bible that teaches us something really important. This story comes from a book called Luke, and it’s all about when Jesus was baptized. Let me tell you about it!
An Exciting Story from the Bible
In Luke 3:15-16, we hear about John the Baptist. He was a special guy who told people about God and helped them get ready for Jesus. People wondered if John was the special person God had promised to send, but he said, “I’m not the Messiah, I’ve been sent to prepare the way for him.”
John the Baptist: Preparing the Way for Jesus
Now let’s move to the really exciting part: Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21-22)! It was a special day. Jesus was with lots of other people who wanted to be baptized too. When it was Jesus’ turn, he went into the water with John, and John baptized him.
Jesus’ Baptism: A Special Day
Guess what happened next? The sky opened up, and a beautiful white dove came down from heaven! This wasn’t just any dove, though; it was the Holy Spirit!
Then, something even more amazing happened! A voice came from the sky, and it was God, Jesus’ Father! He said, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” Wow! Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt hearing that?
The Holy Spirit and God’s Love for Jesus
Now, you might be wondering, “What does all this mean for us?” Well, let me tell you!
Preparing Our Hearts for Jesus
First, just like John prepared people for Jesus, we can prepare our hearts for Jesus too. How do we do that? After you genuflect and enter the pew in church, kneel down and be very quiet. Listen inside and talk to Jesus. That will help you be ready when he gives himself to you at communion. After Mass, you will then be able to do amazing things.
Becoming Part of God’s Family
Second, when we’re baptized, like Jesus was, we become part of God’s big family. We belong to Him, and He’s always with us, just like the Holy Spirit was with Jesus at His baptism. It’s so cool to think that we have that same spirit inside us too, helping us to be more like Jesus!
Understanding God’s Love for Us
Lastly, when God said He was pleased with Jesus, it shows us how much God loves His Son. And you know what? God loves us just as much! So, whenever you feel sad or scared, remember that you’re God’s beloved child, and He’s always happy with you.
Final Reminders: Be Kind and Remember God’s Love
That’s it for now, my friends! Remember to be kind, prepare your heart for Jesus, and always remember how much God loves you! See you next time!
These images above are the property of Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing who have granted THE WORD THIS WEEK permission to use them for educational and ministry use only. These images are covered using a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
SOURCE: Free Bible Images
Catechist
Magazine
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
The Religion Teacher
Sophia Institute
Superbook
Animated Videos
OSV Family
Activities
Choose one of the following OUR SUNDAY VISITOR activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:
Activity 1: Spreading the Good News Together
Our commitment in baptism is to be a servant of God, spreading the good news of Jesus to others. Discuss one action that you could do as a family this week to spread the good news of Jesus to others.
Activity 2: Remembering Our Baptisms
Bring out pictures and remembrances of the baptism of each family member. Then tell the story of those events.
Activity 3: Blessings at Home
Place holy water in a special dish near the entrance of your home. Encourage family members to bless themselves with the sign of the cross each time they enter or leave the house. Practice making the sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism and of our identity as God’s adopted sons and daughters.
DISCUSSION:
What are we called by our baptism to become?
Where do we get the power to do this?
How does the Spirit act in our lives?
SOURCE: Our Sunday Visitor Life Long Catechesis
RELATED PAGES:
OSV Kids provides children’s books and an engaging monthly activity booklet, OSV Kids, to help little ones form a relationship with Jesus Christ that grows as they do.
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Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Gospel Worksheet
Download 8 1/2 x 10 (PDF)
S.D.C. is a Catholic Society that works in the field of Catechesis and the spreading of the Word of God in different ways. READ MORE
SOURCE: SDC Sunday Liturgy Resources
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Catholic Kids Bulletin
Download 4-pages (PDF)
The Kids’ Bulletins are a resource for Catholic kids who would like to have some fun while learning about the readings from the Sunday Mass every week. (Ordinary Form) They are made by a mom in Canada who is happy to share them with anyone who can use them to help learn or teach about the truth and beauty of the Faith.
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bulletin
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Catholic Mom
Download Activity (PDF)
Enjoy Catholic coloring pages, lesson plans, Mass worksheets, puzzles, and more to help you prepare for Sunday Mass. These activities, prepared by the Catholic Mom Sunday Gospel Team, are free for you to print and share with your family, classroom, or parish.
SOURCE: Catholic Mom
GOSPEL
In this very brief story, we are given a glimpse of the relationship between Jesus and Saint John the Baptist. Both individuals are true models of humility. Jesus humbles himself when he comes forward to be baptized as an example for others, while Saint John the Baptist states that his baptizing of others is merely a preamble to the great baptism that will come through Jesus. Neither men are driven by ego, but rather are led by the virtue of humility.Interestingly, there were those who had already had been chosen and called by God and they felt that they had no need to search for this Messiah. King Herod feared for his throne, though his fear was unwarranted, given that Jesus was to be a different kind of king. There seems to be a truth about human nature and it that we can easily become locked into our own way of thinking and not allow the least bit of new light to enter into our lives. God is ever seeking to allow new light to seep into our lives in order to see God more clearly. The truth is we must make ourselves available to the light and seek unity among others from various nations, races and creeds. This is God’s will: unity.Today’s gospel presents us with Joseph having an experience, yet again, of God coming to him in a dream. You will recall that it was in a dream that God told Joseph to take Mary into his home and now he is instructed to protect Mary and Jesus by fleeing into Egypt. Joseph remains open to all of God’s commands even though they come in a dream-like fashion. Each person in a family has a dream for their life and for their family. Clearly the primary figure in this passage is Joseph and although he does not say a word, his actions speak loudly of his trust in God.
SOURCE: Markkula Center
1ST READING
This reading is known as the “prologue of Second Isaiah.” In it, the prophet is bringing comfort to those who have been exiled in Babylon. He speaks of the great, good works that God has done for the people of Israel and reminds them that God is the Creator and that all of humanity is what he has created. This calls us to a humility that is crucial to any person of faith. Humility is a virtue that is not often talked about in today’s society, yet it is through the virtue of humility that people are able to accomplish many great things. To live in humility means that we are grounded in the fact that we are God’s creations.
SOURCE: Markkula Center
2ND READING
In this letter to Titus, Saint Paul reminds us that we have been the recipients of many graces and that we are called to be humble as these graces are constantly poured upon us. Saint Paul uses the image of us being bathed in love, which is reflective of today’s feast. Saint Paul reminds Titus and us that we were saved not because we earned or deserved it, but purely for love’s sake. This knowledge makes it clear that we must live in a humble way.
SOURCE: Markkula Center
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
The Action Bible
Book of the Week
Word of the Week
HUMILITY
The Tower
The Tower is the story of a young man who wishes to be great and who decides that in order to accomplish this, he must be above everyone else. He builds a tall tower to live in, but in living above the rest of his villagers, he finds that he is very isolated. After a while, he is visited by a bird who tells him about a person whom even the birds look up to. The young man climbs down from his tower to meet this person, and finds that the person is a small old woman who spends her time feeding the birds. The woman explains to the young man that to be great is not to be higher than others, but to lift others higher.
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Sermon Lesson
SOURCE: Ministry to Children
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Sermon 4 Kids
Jesus, the One and Only
OBJECTS: A cheap watch
Selling cheap, fake designer purses, sunglasses, and watches has become a multi-million dollar business. Whether it be on the street corner or an online store, lots of people make money selling deceptive products.
Do any of you know what a Rolex is? (Pause for responses.) A Rolex is a fancy watch brand that is very expensive. At first glance, a fake Rolex watch might seem like a good deal. (Hold up the watch and pass it around to kids.) After all, a real Rolex would cost thousands of dollars, and a fake one would cost just a few dollars. What’s the big deal? Who will know the difference? (Pause for responses.)
Well, after a few weeks, the imitation Rolex no longer keeps time. Oh well, it still looks good, you can wear it as a bracelet. But soon the finish begins to rub off and it isn’t very pretty. Suddenly, what seemed like a good deal no longer seems like such a good deal after all!
SOURCE: Sermon 4 Kids
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Sermon Writer
Jesus Is Baptized
OBJECTS: none
John the Baptizer was the one who was telling the grown ups what they needed to do to be ready for Jesus’ coming. Does anyone remember one of the things John said? [Feed poor, share coat, don’t cheat anyone, etc. Respect all answers]. John was Jesus’ cousin. John knew that Jesus had been sent by God. John also knew that by listening to what Jesus said and by watching how Jesus treated people, that we could see what God was like and how God feels about us. John had told the people that Jesus was a much better person and a much more important person than John was.
Now John had been preaching at the Jordan River, which is a very big river in Israel. How many of you have ever been in a river? [Acknowledge all answers. If you have been in a river, say something about it]. John was baptizing grown ups. They wanted to be baptized to show that they were sorry for the wrong things they had done and they were now ready to do things that made God happy. Baptizing people was a new thing then. John was one of the first people to baptize.