Teen Track – Just Teach Sheet
January Week 3 (2026)
Theme: Baptism and New Life in Christ
Focus: Belonging to the Church – Identity and Responsibility
Audience: Secondary school age (11–16)
Weekly Goal
To help young people understand that being Christian is not a private identity.
Through Baptism, we belong to the Church — a real community with real responsibilities.
This week shows that belonging gives meaning, direction, and purpose.
What You’ll Need
This sheet
A Bible
Quiet time for reflection
Opening Prayer (Daily)
Lord,
You did not call me to follow You alone.
Help me understand what it means to belong to Your Church
and how I am meant to live because of it.
Amen.
Day 1 – Christianity Is Not a Solo Project
Teaching
Many people today think faith is “just between me and God.”
Christianity says something different.
From the beginning, God gathered people together.
The Church is not an extra — it is part of God’s plan.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“You are the Body of Christ.”
You cannot belong to Christ without belonging to His Body.
Mini reflection
Faith grows when it is shared, not hidden.
Think about it
Why do teams, families, and communities matter in life?
Day 2 – Baptism Makes You Part of Something Bigger
Teaching
Baptism does not just change your relationship with God.
It changes your relationship with other people.
You are joined to the Church — across countries, cultures, and time.
Romans 12:5
“We are one body in Christ.”
You belong to something bigger than your friend group or school.
Mini reflection
Belonging gives identity and stability.
Think about it
Where do people your age usually look for belonging?
Day 3 – Everyone Has a Place and a Role
Teaching
The Church is not made of identical people.
Everyone is different, but everyone matters.
God does not ask everyone to do the same thing —
He asks everyone to belong and contribute.
1 Corinthians 12:18
“God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.”
Mini reflection
Being different does not mean being unimportant.
Think about it
What gifts or strengths might God have given you?
Day 4 – Belonging Brings Responsibility
Teaching
Belonging to the Church is not just about comfort.
It brings responsibility.
Being part of the Church means:
• caring about others
• telling the truth
• forgiving
• not walking away when it’s hard
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens.”
Mini reflection
Real belonging always asks something of us.
Think about it
What responsibilities come with being part of a team or family?
Day 5 – Living as a Christian in the Real World
Teaching
Belonging to the Church shapes how you live at school, online, and with friends.
Faith is not switched off outside church.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world.”
Being part of the Church means choosing honesty, kindness, and courage — even when it costs.
Mini reflection
Your choices affect others, whether you notice or not.
Think about it
Where is it hardest to live your faith honestly?
Weekly Summary
Christianity is not private or individual.
Baptism makes us part of the Church.
Belonging gives identity and stability.
Everyone has a place and a role.
Belonging brings responsibility.
Straight Questions, Straight Answers
Why can’t I just believe on my own?
Because Christ formed a community, not just individual followers.
What if the Church lets me down?
People fail; Christ remains faithful.
Do young people really matter in the Church?
Yes. You are full members, not “future” Christians.
Is belonging restrictive?
No. It gives direction and meaning.
Catechism References
CCC 751–752 – The Church as God’s people
CCC 781 – The Church as family
CCC 1267 – Baptism incorporates us into the Church
CCC 2179 – Parish life and belonging
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
thank You for calling me into Your Church.
Help me belong fully,
care for others,
and live my faith honestly
wherever You have placed me.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 