Teen Track – Just Teach Sheet
January Week 5 (2026)
Theme: Baptism and New Life in Christ
Focus: Failing, Mercy, and Beginning Again
Audience: Teens (Ages 12–16)
Weekly Goal
To help teens understand that failure does not cancel Baptism.
This week names struggle honestly and prepares for February’s focus on Mercy & Reconciliation.
What You’ll Need
This sheet
A Bible
A pen and notebook
A quiet space
Opening Prayer (Daily)
Lord Jesus,
You know my struggles.
Help me trust Your mercy
and never stop coming back to You.
Amen.
Day 1 – Everyone Fails
Teaching
Struggle is not a sign that faith isn’t working.
It’s part of being human.
The question is not if we fail,
but what we do next.
1 John 1:8
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
Reflection
Honesty is the beginning of growth.
Questions
Why do people hide their struggles?
What happens when no one admits failure?
Practice
Write one honest sentence to God about something you find hard.
Day 2 – God’s Mercy Is Not Earned
Teaching
God’s mercy is not a reward for good behaviour.
It is a gift for people who need help.
Luke 15:20
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.”
Reflection
God runs toward those who return.
Questions
Why do people think they must “fix themselves” first?
What does the father do before the son explains himself?
Practice
Say quietly:
“God, I trust Your mercy.”
Day 3 – Saying Sorry Is Not Weakness
Teaching
Admitting failure takes courage.
Pride hides.
Humility heals.
Psalm 51:12
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Reflection
God heals what we are willing to bring into the light.
Questions
Why is saying sorry difficult?
How does honesty change things?
Practice
Ask God for a clean heart.
Day 4 – Mercy Leads to Change
Teaching
God forgives — and then helps us grow.
Mercy is not permission to stay stuck.
Lamentations 3:22–23
“His mercies are new every morning.”
Reflection
God believes growth is possible.
Questions
Why do people confuse mercy with “not caring”?
How does forgiveness help us change?
Practice
Ask:
“God, help me start again.”
Day 5 – Staying Close to Christ
Teaching
The Christian life is not about never falling.
It’s about always returning.
John 15:4
“Remain in Me.”
Reflection
Closeness to Christ is where strength comes from.
Questions
What helps you stay close to God?
Who supports you in faith?
Practice
Pray for one person who helps you stay close to God.
Weekend Summary
Key truths
Failure does not cancel Baptism
God’s mercy is a gift
Honesty leads to healing
Mercy helps us grow
Returning matters more than pretending
Reflection prompts
God shows mercy when…
I can return to God by…
Catechism References
CCC 1422–1424 – Conversion
CCC 1446 – Christ’s call to repentance
CCC 1458 – Beginning again
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
thank You for Your mercy.
Help me trust You,
return to You,
and begin again.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 