Teen Track – Just Teach Sheet
December Week 4 (2025)
Theme: Advent & Preparation
Focus: Mary, Trust, and Saying Yes to God
Audience: Teens (13–18)
Weekly Goal
To help teens understand that Mary’s “yes” was not passive or emotional, but a courageous, intelligent, and faithful act.
This week shows that Christianity is not about drifting along, but about choosing to trust God when the future is unclear, and allowing Christ to come close through obedience.
What You’ll Need
This sheet
A Bible
A quiet space for reflection
Optional: Advent candle
Opening Prayer (Daily)
Lord Jesus,
You entered the world through Mary’s yes.
Teach me to trust You when I don’t understand,
to obey You when it costs something,
and to make room for You in my life.
Help me not just to admire Mary,
but to imitate her faith.
Amen.
Day 1 – God Interrupts Mary’s Ordinary Life
Teaching
Mary was not praying for something dramatic when the angel appeared.
She was living an ordinary, hidden life — and God entered it.
Luke 1:26–28
Mary was young, unknown, and without power — yet God chose her.
God often calls people not when they feel ready, but when they are available.
Mini homily reflection
God’s call usually interrupts plans rather than fitting neatly into them.
Faith begins when we allow God to disturb our comfort.
Questions for reflection
Where do I resist God because He might disrupt my plans?
Do I believe God can work through my ordinary life?
Practice
Spend two minutes in silence saying:
“Lord, I am open to Your will.”
Day 2 – Mary Asked Honest Questions
Teaching
Mary did not blindly agree.
She asked a real question: “How can this be?”
Faith does not cancel intelligence — it uses it.
Luke 1:34
Catechism of the Catholic Church 494
Mini homily reflection
God is not threatened by honest questions.
He is threatened by closed hearts.
Questions for reflection
What questions do I avoid asking God?
Do I bring my doubts to prayer or hide from them?
Practice
Write one honest question you have about God or faith. Offer it to Him in prayer.
Day 3 – Mary’s Yes Was Costly
Teaching
Mary’s yes risked misunderstanding, gossip, rejection, and fear.
She said yes without knowing how everything would work out.
Luke 1:38
Mini homily reflection
Mary trusted God more than her reputation, comfort, or safety.
That is real faith.
Questions for reflection
What does following Christ cost me right now?
Where do I choose approval over obedience?
Practice
Today, choose obedience in one small but real way, even if it is unnoticed.
Day 4 – Mary Brings Jesus Near
Teaching
After Mary said yes, Jesus was physically close to the world — hidden, quiet, real.
Where Mary is welcomed, Christ comes near.
Luke 1:41–42
Mini homily reflection
Christ does not force His way into lives.
He comes where He is welcomed.
Questions for reflection
Where in my life is Jesus still kept at a distance?
What would welcoming Him there look like?
Practice
Say slowly:
“Jesus, I welcome You into my life.”
Day 5 – Saying Yes Today
Teaching
Mary’s yes was once — but our yes must be daily.
Each choice either opens space for Christ or closes it.
Luke 11:28
Mini homily reflection
Holiness is not about big moments.
It is built from faithful yeses over time.
Questions for reflection
What is one area where God is asking for my yes right now?
What fear keeps me from saying it?
Practice
End the day praying:
“Lord, today I choose to trust You.”
Weekend Summary
Key truths
God works through ordinary lives.
Faith includes questions, not blind belief.
Mary’s yes involved courage and sacrifice.
Welcoming Mary leads us to Christ.
Saying yes is a daily decision.
Reflection prompts
Mary teaches me to…
My yes to God this week is…
Journal Prompts
What am I afraid God might ask of me?
What would trusting God more actually change?
Where do I need courage instead of comfort?
Apologetics for Teens
Was Mary forced to say yes?
No. God waited for her free consent. Love never coerces.
Why does Mary matter so much?
Because God chose to enter the world through her obedience.
Isn’t Mary just a side character?
No. Salvation history turns on her yes.
Why imitate Mary?
Because she is the first and perfect disciple.
Does honouring Mary distract from Jesus?
No. Mary always brings us closer to Him.
Catechism References
CCC 488–494 – Mary’s faith and obedience
CCC 2617–2619 – Mary as model of prayer
CCC 967–970 – Mary in the Church
Closing Prayer
Mary, Mother of Jesus,
you trusted God when the path was unclear.
Teach me to listen,
to ask honestly,
and to say yes with courage.
As Christmas comes near,
help me make room for Jesus in my life.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 