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This week, the Catholic Church in the United States focuses our attention on the protection of unborn children. On January 22, the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Church observes the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. 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 Bishops of the United States remind us that prayer is the foundation of everything we do in defense of human life. One way to ask God to help us defend all life is to join in praying the 9 Days for Life (USA) novena from 1/16 to 1/24.
A National Prayer Vigil for Life (USA) will take place January 23–24. On this occasion, pilgrims gather in Washington, D.C., to pray through the night for an end to abortion and for a greater respect for all human life. Bishops and dioceses join throughout the country. This is followed by the National March for Life on January 24 in Washington, D.C. There are many other Marches held in cities throughout the country.
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.”
Good and gracious God, we pray for an end to abortion and for the protection of life through all its stages—from conception to natural death. 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 (John 2:1–11)
Use these videos as you discuss today’s Gospel. Please preview to make sure the videos are appropriate for your group:
• Holy Heroes
• John 2:11: Quick Sketching Narration
• Jesus Turns Water into Wine
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope Resources
• Jubilee 2025 activities, handouts, resources, and more
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus cares about families.
For this lesson, you will need crayons, scissors, juice, cookies, small paper plates, cups, napkins, copies of the story coloring page (one per child), and a Church Year calendar. We suggest sharing a snack as a class. Make sure you check to see if there are any food allergies in your class.
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.
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
• Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole (Bible Bag)
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus shows God’s love.
In last week’s lesson (Baptism of the Lord), we made a connection between Jesus’ life to one of the sacraments (Baptism). We do so again this week. Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana (Matrimony). Although our Word of the Week is marriage, we encourage you to make sure the children understand 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
Online Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
• Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole (Bible Bag)
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus acts in the sacraments.
In last week’s lesson (Baptism of the Lord), we made a connection between Jesus’ life to one of the sacraments (Baptism). We do so again this week. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana (Matrimony). This lesson goes on to focus on the action of Jesus in the Seven Sacraments.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
• Seven Sacraments
Venture
Lesson Theme: Sacraments continue Jesus’ actions.
In last week’s lesson (Baptism of the Lord), we made a connection between Jesus’ life to one of the sacraments (Baptism). We do so again this week. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana (Matrimony). This lesson goes on to focus on the action of Jesus in the Seven Sacraments.
Be mindful that students come to you from all kinds of families and that all families are called to be holy. Emphasize that family is where many people first experience God’s love.
For this lesson, you will need pens or pencils, Bibles (one per child), coins and game markers, and a Liturgical Year calendar.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Sacraments 101: Baptism (Why We Baptize)
• Sacraments 101: Confirmation (Why We’re Confirmed)
• Holy Communion – Why Is It Important?
• Why Go to Confession?
• How Do I Go to Confession?
• Anointing of the Sick – Catholic Central
• Ignite Your Catholic Faith – What Are Holy Orders?
• The Rite of Ordination
• 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 changing water into wine. This lesson focuses on Jesus’ healing, loving actions, which we celebrate in the Seven Sacraments.
This lesson also focuses on the importance of hospitality and families and is an opportunity to discuss the value of lasting love. Be mindful that students come to you from all kinds of families and that all families are called to be holy. Emphasize that family is where many people first experience God’s love.
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
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
• Sacraments 101: Baptism (Why We Baptize)
• Sacraments 101: Confirmation (Why We’re Confirmed)
• Holy Communion – Why Is It Important?
• Why Go to Confession?
• How Do I Go to Confession?
• Anointing of the Sick – Catholic Central
• Ignite Your Catholic Faith – What Are Holy Orders?
• The Rite of Ordination
• What Is God’s Design for Marriage?
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