Just Teach Sheet Children September Week 1

Parent/Guardian/Catechist – Just Teach Sheet

September Week 1
Theme: Faith & Belonging to the Church
For Ages: 7+ (with parent, guardian, or catechist guidance)
Focus: The Church is God’s family. Through Baptism we belong to Jesus and to one another.

Weekly Goal

The child learns that believing in Jesus is not just “me and God” but joining His family, the Church.

What You’ll Need

This sheet

A Bible (or printed verses)

Child’s prayer space from August

Opening Prayer (Say daily)

Jesus,
You call me to be part of Your Church.
Thank You for making me part of Your family.
Help me to love You and love Your people.
Amen.

�� Day 1 – God’s Family

Say aloud:
When you were born, you joined your family.
When you were baptised, you joined God’s family — the Church!
�� John 1:12 – “To all who received Him, He gave power to become children of God.”

��️ Mini Homily Reflection:
The Church is not a club or a group of friends — it’s God’s family. That means we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ask:

Who is in God’s family? (All baptised Christians)

What makes the Church different from any other group? (It belongs to Jesus!)

�� Day 2 – Belonging Together

Say aloud:
We belong to each other because we belong to Jesus.
�� Romans 12:5 – “We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

��️ Mini Homily Reflection:
If one part of the body is hurt, the whole body feels it. That’s how the Church is.

Ask:

How do we help each other as Church? (Praying, sharing, being kind)

Activity:
Draw a picture of a body. Write names of family, friends, parish members on the arms, legs, head — to show we are all joined together in Jesus.

�� Day 3 – Jesus Is the Head of the Church

Say aloud:
Every family has a leader. Our Church family’s leader is Jesus! He guides us through the Pope, bishops, and priests.
�� Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the Church.”

��️ Mini Homily Reflection:
Jesus never leaves His Church. He is alive, leading us today.

Ask:

Why do we listen to the Pope and bishops? (Because they lead us in Jesus’ name)

�� Day 4 – The Church Teaches Us the Faith

Say aloud:
Jesus gave the Church the job of teaching the truth. That way, we won’t get lost or confused.
�� Matthew 28:20 – “Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always.”

��️ Mini Homily Reflection:
The Church is like a safe lighthouse. Its teachings help us find the way to heaven.

Ask:

Who teaches you the faith at home? At church?

��️ Day 5 – The Church Is for Everyone

Say aloud:
The Church is Catholic — that means it’s for the whole world.
�� Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

��️ Mini Homily Reflection:
No one is left out. The Church welcomes people from every country, language, and culture.

Ask:

Can you name some countries where Catholics live? (Everywhere!)

How do we show welcome in our parish? How should we?

Weekend Wrap-Up – God’s Family

Ask gently:

What does it mean to belong to God’s family, the Church?

How do we know Jesus is still with His Church?

What can we do as a family to live our faith better?

Prayer Prompt or Journal Space

Encourage your child to finish:
“Jesus, I’m glad I belong to Your Church because…”
They may draw or write their answer.

Apologetics for Parents (Talking Point)

Q: Why do we need the Church if I can just believe in Jesus on my own?
A: Jesus never started a “me and God” religion. He founded the Church (Matthew 16:18). The Church is where we find the Sacraments, the Bible, and the truth kept safe for 2,000 years.

Optional Extension (Older Children)

Read CCC 751–752: “The word ‘Church’ means a convocation, a calling together.”
Reflect: Jesus calls us together — we are never Christians alone.