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This week, the Catholic Church in the United States focuses our attention on the protection of unborn children. A National Prayer Vigil for Life will take place on January 20–21. On this occasion, over 20,000 pilgrims gather in Washington, D.C. to pray all night for an end to abortion and for a greater respect for all human life. Bishops and dioceses throughout the country will also join in this prayer vigil.
On January 22, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Church celebrates the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. On this day, we are invited to give thanks to God for the gift of human life, do penance, and pray for the protection of every sacred human life. The U.S. Bishops remind us that prayer is the foundation of everything we do in defense of human life. One way to ask Our Lord to help us defend all life is by praying the 9 Days for Life Novena.
In a speech to a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly, Pope Francis said, “It is troubling to see how simple and convenient it has become for some to deny the existence of a human life as a solution to problems that can and must be solved for both the mother and her unborn child.”
Let’s pray with Catholics around the world for an end to abortion and for the protection of life through all its stages, from conception to natural death.
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 many online resources.
Videos of the Sunday Gospel (John 2:1–11)
Use these videos as you discuss the Sunday Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Holy Heroes
Gospel Readings for Kids
John 2:1‒11: Quick Sketching Narration
Jesus Turns Water into Wine
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus cares about families.
This week, the children will hear a very basic introduction to the Sacrament of Matrimony. They will hear the story about Jesus performing his first miracle at a wedding. This lesson focuses on ways families enjoy and celebrate one another and how children can learn about God by experiencing love in their families.
For this lesson you will need crayons, scissors, juice, cookies, small paper plates, cups, napkins, and a Church Year calendar. We suggest sharing a snack as a class. Make sure you check for allergies and follow the COVID-19 protocols established by your parish or school. It might be a good idea to use individual juice boxes and prepare small personal bags with cookies or crackers for each child. Here you can download a printable coloring page for the “Justin Saves the Day” story.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus shows God’s love.
Just as in last week’s lesson (Baptism of the Lord) in which we made a tie from Jesus’ life to one of the sacraments (Baptism), we do so again in this week’s lesson. Jesus performs his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana (Matrimony). Although our Word of the Week is marriage, we encourage you to add that our Church celebrates marriage in the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Supplies you will need for this lesson are pencils, crayons, a Church Year calendar, and props for the wedding creative drama (optional).
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus acts in the sacraments.
Just as in last week’s lesson (Baptism of the Lord) in which we made a tie from Jesus’ life to one of the sacraments (Baptism), we do so again in this week’s lesson. Jesus performs his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana (Sacrament of Matrimony), and the lesson focuses on the action of Jesus in the Seven Sacraments.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
7 Sacraments
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus begins his ministry.
This Sunday’s Gospel is the Wedding Feast at Cana. It is a story about a miraculous sign—Jesus changes water to wine. However, it also focuses on the importance of hospitality and families and is an opportunity to discuss the importance of lasting love. Be mindful that students come to you from all kinds of families. Emphasize that families are where many people first experience God’s love.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Sacraments 101: Baptism (why we baptize)
Sacraments 101: Confirmation (why we’re confirmed)
Holy Communion: Why Is It Important? (Catholic Precept 3)
Why Go to Confession?
Why Do I Go to Confession?
Anointing of the Sick: Catholic Central
Ignite Your Catholic Faith: What Are Holy Orders?
Ignite Your Catholic Faith: What Is God’s Design for Marriage?
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus begins his ministry.
This Sunday’s Gospel is the Wedding Feast at Cana. It is a story about a miraculous sign—Jesus changes water to wine. However, it also focuses on the importance of hospitality and families and is an opportunity to discuss the importance of lasting love. Be mindful that students come to you from all kinds of families. Emphasize that families are where many people first experience God’s love. This lesson focuses on Jesus’ healing, loving actions, which are now available to us through the Seven Sacraments. The students will need scissors, tape, and black markers for the cover activity that traces their sacramental journey.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Sacraments 101: Baptism (why we baptize)
Sacraments 101: Confirmation (why we’re confirmed)
Holy Communion: Why Is It Important? (Catholic Precept 3)
Why Go to Confession?
Why Do I Go to Confession?
Anointing of the Sick: Catholic Central
Ignite Your Catholic Faith: What Are Holy Orders?
Ignite Your Catholic Faith: What Is God’s Design for Marriage?
Image credit: Sergii Sobolevskyi/Shutterstock.com
