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This week, we observe National Marriage Week (2/7–2/14), which coincides with the Feast of Saint Valentine (2/14); the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (2/8), which coincides with the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita; and the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (2/11), which coincides with the World Day of the Sick. We encourage you to consider how Jesus is calling you and the children in your care to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” in support of troubled family relationships, those who are oppressed and abused through human trafficking, and those who are sick. We ask Our Lady of Lourdes to cover with her mantle all who need healing of relationship, body, mind, or spirit and to intercede for us to her son, Jesus.
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:
• Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
• Holy Heroes
• What does it mean that believers are to be salt and light?
• This Little Light of Mine Kids Music Video
• Be Salt and Light of the World
• Sunday Setup—Weekly Video and Post (courtesy of the Diocese of Bridgeport)
Other Resources
• Pope Leo XIV and the Papacy
• Special Message from Pope Leo to Young People (NCYC | November 21, 2025)
For Catholic Schools
• Albert’s Expeditions Join Albert, a fierce yet friendly Peregrine Falcon, named after Saint Albert the Great (who even gave the Peregrine Falcon its name 800 years ago!) on scientific expeditions all around the globe. From under the soil to the sky full of stars, discover the stunning natural world full of life that God has created. Meant for children ages 5–10 and all families who want to learn more about their beautiful world around them and the Divine Creator who formed it all.
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus wants us to shine.
For this lesson, you will need a flashlight, a laundry basket or large box, scissors, crayons, markers, hole punch, one 18″ piece of yarn per child, copies of the story coloring page (one per child), and a Church Year calendar.
This Sunday’s Gospel talks about being salt and light and making a difference to people around us. For the Gospel Activity, we strongly suggest that you cut the children’s covers of Seeds before class. Cut through the green band at the bottom of the page and follow the right edge and top of the basket. This will save you time during class and will avoid the children not following the instructions.
For the activity “I shine when . . .” on page 4, it is a good idea to ask a few aides to join you to assist the children in the cutting and threading parts of this activity.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
• Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus’ followers are like salt and light.
For this lesson, you will need crayons, pencils, tape, scissors, a Church Year calendar, a parish bulletin, drawing paper, an image of the Pope, craft sticks (four per child), and aide(s) to help with cutting and taping. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance.
In this lesson, the children will learn that small things—including small people like them—can and should make a difference for good. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his followers to be salt and light. The children will learn the meaning of service, the Word of the Week, and that we are all called to brighten the lives of others by serving them. Referring to a parish bulletin, you will help the children identify how members of your parish are being salt and light to others. The children will learn that their pastor and our Pope are servants to our Church, leading us and encouraging us to share the light of Jesus Christ in the world.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
• Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
• The Lion and the Mouse
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus wants us to make a good difference.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, and a Church Year calendar.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells his followers to be salt and light. Help the children to remember these metaphors as meaning “making a difference for good” or “making things better.” Invite them to identify how their words, actions, and prayers can make a difference for the good of others.
The Catholic Faith Word this week is Body of Christ. This term has a dual meaning and use—Holy Communion and the Church. Children of this age are still concrete thinkers. Be satisfied that you’ve planted the seed for them to later understand our call to be the Body of Christ in the world.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
• What Are the Parts of the Mass? (end the video at 1:09)
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus wants us to make a good difference.
For this lesson, you will need drawing paper, recent parish bulletins, pens or pencils, coloring tools, and a Liturgical Year calendar. Note: The Teaching Guide (page TG3-16) indicates that you need Bibles (one per child or pair of children). This is an error. You will only need your classroom Bible for this session. Prepare for the Catechism handbook activity (gold box) by writing on eight pieces of yellow paper and eight pieces of blue paper the following parts of John 3:16—God loved / the people of this world / so much that he / gave his only Son / so that everyone / who has faith in him / will have eternal life / and never really die.
What does it mean to be salt and light for others? Simply put, it means making a difference. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus’ image of salt challenges us to bring out the best in others as salt brings out the best flavors in foods. The image of light challenges us to warm and brighten others’ lives like sunlight. It challenges us to live as Jesus did so that our actions shine forth like a lamp on a stand.
The problem-solving activity on pages 6–7 will put the children in real-life situations that challenge them to be salt and light.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Eucharist 101
• What Are the Parts of the Mass?
• St. Paul Miki
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus calls us to be salt and light.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, Bibles (one per student), and votive or small taper candles. If your parish or school doesn’t allow open flames, you may substitute with battery-operated candle(s) for the Closing Prayer.
What does it mean to be salt and light for others? In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus’ image of salt challenges us to bring out the best in others as salt brings out the best flavors in foods. The image of light challenges us to warm and brighten others’ lives like sunlight. It challenges us to live as Jesus did so that our actions shine forth like a lamp on a stand.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
• Chloe Becker—2019 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice
Image credit: Vivida Photo PC/stock.adobe.com
