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In 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 symbolic 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 the 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 sent 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.
Catholic Schools: Plan now for a great Catholic Schools Week (January 25–31)! Find a recent GROW blog post with a new saint resource here.
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
• John 1:29–42
• The Baptism of Jesus
• 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: 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
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 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. We suggest you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4.
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
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
Good News
Lesson Theme: The Holy Spirit lives in us.
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, family, and school spirit, among other types of spirit. The children learn that the Holy Spirit gives us all types of positive “spirit.” The children will 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
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus shares the Holy Spirit.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, coloring tools, writing paper, a clothes hanger, yarn or string, heavy paper or card stock, a single hole punch, and a Liturgical Year calendar.
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 recognized Jesus as the Son of God because the Holy Spirit appeared and rested on Jesus during his baptism. This was the sign God told John to look for. For those who may have doubted or not heard the news, John summarized the story of Jesus’ baptism at which the Three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity were present. 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.
Use page 5 to help the children become familiar with some biblical symbols about Jesus and his mission. Last week, the lesson focused on the Sacrament of Baptism, which is “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC, 1213). This lesson (pages 6–7) gives an overview of all Seven Sacraments and their three groupings.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• The Seven Sacraments
• The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
• The Sacraments
• Grey Nuns of Montreal to redevelop Youville Mother House, shed light on history
Visions
Lesson Theme: The Holy Spirit calls us to care.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, scissors, a stapler, coloring tools, and Bibles (one per student).
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 recognized Jesus as the Son of God because the Holy Spirit appeared and rested on Jesus during his baptism. This is the sign God told John to look for.
The Son of God 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
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson 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
Image credit: IgorZh/stock.adobe.com
