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In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him and proclaims: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This symbol reference to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb reminds us that his ministry will not be easy. Jesus will accept his Death on the Cross, giving his life for our sins.
John further testifies that the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove from sky and remains with Jesus (John 1:32). This sign reveals to John that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. It is also a sign to us. The Spirit that is present at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry is the same Spirit that he breathes upon his disciples after his Resurrection (see John 20:22). The Spirit remains with Jesus’ disciples—and us—when Jesus ascends to God in Heaven.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you send us your Son as a lamb. May we always be worthy of the gift of his sacrifice for our salvation. You send us your Spirit like a dove. May we always be grateful for the peace and protection that is promised through your Spirit. Amen.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and links to online resources.
Videos of Sunday’s Gospel
Use these videos as you discuss today’s Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Holy Heroes
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
Sunday Gospel Cartoon Reading and Lesson
John 1:29–42
The Baptism of Jesus
Seeds
Lesson Theme: The Holy Spirit is God.
For this lesson, you will need a bowl of cotton balls, a bell, a bottle of vinegar, M&Ms, sandpaper, scissors, glue, and a Church Year calendar. We recommend you have at least one aide to assist with the cutting activity.
For the first activity of this lesson, the children will use their senses to identify a few items. For the sense of taste, we suggest you put two M&Ms in each child’s hand. Please be aware of any allergies among your students and make sure you follow your parish or school guidelines regarding sharing food.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus has the Holy Spirit.
For this lesson, you will need crayons, scissors, pencils, removable tape or pins, poster board, a Church Year calendar, and an aide to assist with the cutting activity.
By now, John the Baptist should be a familiar biblical figure to the children. We heard about him in some of the Advent Gospels and again last week in the Gospel about Jesus’ baptism. In this Sunday’s Gospel, John recognizes Jesus as the Son of God because of the Holy Spirit appearing and landing on Jesus during his baptism. This is the sign God told John to look for. The children will learn that the Holy Spirit assisted Jesus with his work, his mission. The Holy Spirit is with us, too, and helps us to pray and do what is good.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Bible Bag: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus has the Holy Spirit.
Gather pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, drawing paper, and a Church Year calendar for this lesson. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance.
By now, John the Baptist should be a familiar biblical figure to the children. We heard about him in some of the Advent Gospels and again last week in the Gospel about Jesus’ baptism. In this Sunday’s Gospel, John recognizes Jesus as the Son of God because of the Holy Spirit appearing and landing on Jesus during his baptism. This is the sign God told John to look for.
The Cover Activity and Story explore team spirt, family spirit, and school spirit, among others. The children learn that the Holy Spirit gives us all the other types of “spirit.” The children learn about the Holy Spirit as our helper and complete the prayer starter “Holy Spirit, help me to” by drawing a picture or writing a prayer.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus begins his mission.
In addition to the regular classroom materials, you will need a clothes hanger, yarn or string, and heavy paper or card stock for each child. You also will need a paper punch.
The children learn once again about John the Baptist and his role in preparing the way for Christ. In the Gospel, we hear John point to Jesus as the Lamb of God. John recognizes Jesus as the Son of God because the Holy Spirit appears and rests on Jesus during his baptism. This is the sign God told John to look for. Impress upon the children that we can also be aware of the presence of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can recognize Christ present especially in Scripture and the Sacraments. We can bring Christ’s presence to others through our service to them.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
The Seven Sacraments
The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Corporal Works of Mercy
Spiritual Works of Mercy
Visions
Lesson Theme: God’s spirit is upon Jesus.
In addition to the regular classroom materials, you will need a stapler for this lesson.
The young people learn once again about John the Baptist and his role in preparing the way for Christ. In the Gospel, we hear John point to Jesus as the Lamb of God. John recognizes Jesus as the Son of God because the Holy Spirit appears and rests on Jesus during his baptism. This is the sign God told John to look for. Jesus and the Holy Spirit both reveal and glorify God. We share in this important mission when we serve God’s people, contribute to solving world issues, live the seven principles of Catholic social teaching, and pray/advocate for the protection of unborn children.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Vatican Athletics: Pope Francis’ marathon-running athletics team
Catholic Social Teaching in 3 Minutes
CST 101 | Life and Dignity of the Human Person
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