Gathering
Good morning everyone.
Today we are celebrating something very important in the life of Jesus —
His baptism.
This is the moment when Jesus stops living quietly
and begins His work of showing people who God is.
And it is also a day that helps us understand
our own baptism.
Opening Question
Let me ask you something.
Do you remember a time when someone told you who you are?
Maybe:
“You are my son.”
“You are my daughter.”
“You belong to us.”
How does that make you feel?
Safe?
Loved?
Important?
That feeling is at the heart of today’s Gospel.
The Gospel (told simply)
Jesus goes to the River Jordan.
Lots of people are there.
They are saying sorry to God
and stepping into the water.
John the Baptist is helping them.
Then Jesus comes.
John is surprised.
He knows Jesus is special.
He knows Jesus does not need to say sorry for sin.
But Jesus steps into the water anyway.
Jesus chooses to stand with everyone else.
Why Does Jesus Do This?
Jesus is not being baptised because He has done anything wrong.
He is doing it to show something.
He is saying:
“I am with you.
I will not stay far away.
I will stand where you stand.”
Jesus always comes close to people —
especially when they feel weak or unsure.
What Happens Next
When Jesus comes out of the water, something amazing happens.
The sky opens.
The Holy Spirit comes down like a dove.
And God the Father speaks.
He says:
“This is my beloved Son.”
God is telling everyone who Jesus really is.
Not just a good man.
Not just a teacher.
But His Son, whom He loves.
What This Means for Us
Here is the really important part.
When we are baptised,
God says something important about us too.
He says:
“You belong to me.”
“You are my child.”
“I love you.”
Baptism is not just a ceremony.
It is God welcoming us into His family.
That is why baptism matters.
Living as God’s Children
Being baptised doesn’t mean we are perfect.
It means we are never alone.
It means:
we try again when we get things wrong
we learn to say sorry
we try to love others
we trust that God stays with us
Jesus shows us how to live as God’s children.
Quiet Moment
Let’s be very quiet for a moment.
Think about this question:
How could I live today as someone who belongs to God?
Maybe:
being kinder
helping at home
forgiving someone
saying a short prayer
Now, quietly in your heart, say:
“Thank you, God, for loving me.”
Optional Activities (use one if helpful)
Activity Option 1: Remembering Baptism
Ask:
Who has been baptised?
Who has seen a baptism?
Explain briefly:
Water reminds us of new life.
Baptism is the beginning of life with God.
Activity Option 2: The Sign of the Cross
Practise making the Sign of the Cross slowly.
Explain:
We do this because we belong to the Father,
the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Activity Option 3: Words God Says
Say aloud:
“You are loved.”
“You belong to God.”
Invite the children to repeat:
“I am God’s child.”
Closing Prayer
Let us pray together.
Dear God, thank you for Jesus, thank you for our baptism, and thank you for loving us always. Help us to live as your children every day. Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 