Just Teach Sheets – Teens January Week 2 – 2026

Teen Track – Just Teach Sheet
January Week 2 (2026)
Theme: Baptism and New Life in Christ
Focus: Baptismal Signs – Water, Light, and Living Differently
Audience: Secondary school age (11–16)

Weekly Goal
To help young people understand that Baptism is not a memory or a label, but a real beginning.
The signs used in Baptism explain what God has done and how a baptised person is meant to live.

What You’ll Need
This sheet
A Bible
Quiet time for thinking

Opening Prayer (Daily)
God,
You have given me more than I realise.
Help me understand what Baptism means
and how I am meant to live because of it.
Amen.

Day 1 – Why God Uses Signs at All

Teaching
God knows we learn through what we can see and touch.
That’s why He uses signs — ordinary things that carry deep meaning.

Jesus constantly used signs: water, bread, light, touch.
The Church continues this because Christianity is not just ideas — it is God acting in the real world.

John 3:5
“Born of water and Spirit.”

In Baptism, God does something invisible (gives new life) through something visible (water).

Mini reflection
God does not stay far away. He works through real things.

Think about it
Why do important things use signs (medals, certificates, uniforms)?

Day 2 – Water: More Than Washing

Teaching
Water has two meanings in Baptism.

First, it cleans.
It shows that God forgives sin and gives a fresh start.

Second, it can cover and overwhelm.
Going into water shows the old life being left behind.

Romans 6:3–4
“We were buried with Him through Baptism into death.”

This means Baptism is not about being “nice” —
it is about dying to one way of living and starting another.

Mini reflection
You cannot live the same way once direction has changed.

Think about it
What attitudes or habits pull you away from God?

Day 3 – New Life: Not a Reset Button

Teaching
Baptism gives new life, but it does not erase your personality or struggles.
It changes who you belong to and where your life is heading.

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Anyone in Christ is a new creation.”

This new life grows slowly, like a plant.
Grace is real — but it needs cooperation.

Mini reflection
God starts the work, but you choose whether to grow.

Think about it
What helps people grow? What stops growth?

Day 4 – Light: Truth, Not Just Comfort

Teaching
Light helps you see clearly — even when what you see is uncomfortable.

Jesus says:
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world.”

The baptismal candle means Christ gives light for:
• choosing right from wrong
• seeing lies clearly
• knowing where your life is going

Light does not always feel easy, but it is always honest.

Mini reflection
Darkness hides problems. Light reveals them so they can be healed.

Think about it
What lies or pressures do young people face today?

Day 5 – Living Your Baptism Daily

Teaching
Being baptised does not mean you are perfect.
It means you are responsible.

Ephesians 5:8
“Live as children of light.”

Living your Baptism means:
• choosing truth over popularity
• saying sorry when you fail
• trying again instead of giving up
• letting God shape your choices

Grace helps — but it does not replace effort.

Mini reflection
Faith is lived in choices, not slogans.

Think about it
Where do you need to choose light this week?

Weekly Summary

God uses signs because He works through real things.
Water means forgiveness and leaving the old life behind.
Baptism gives real new life that must grow.
Light means truth, direction, and honesty.
Living Baptism means choosing the right direction again and again.

Straight Questions, Straight Answers

Is Baptism just a symbol?
No. The Church teaches it truly changes us.

Why do baptised people still sin?
Because grace helps us choose — it does not force us.

What if I don’t feel different?
Grace is real even when feelings aren’t.

Is Baptism about rules?
It is about truth, freedom, and responsibility.

Catechism References

CCC 1213 – Baptism as foundation of Christian life
CCC 1243 – Meaning of baptismal signs
CCC 1265–1266 – New life in Christ
CCC 1695 – Living as children of light

Closing Prayer

Lord,
thank You for the new life You have given me.
Help me leave behind what pulls me away from You,
walk in the light You give,
and choose what is right even when it is hard.
Amen.