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26th January to 1st February: Baptism & New Life in Christ
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One section used well is enough.
This material is offered to support steady growth in faith.
MONDAY 26th January
Guarding the Gift of Baptism
(Saints Timothy & Titus)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving us.
Thank You for making us God’s children.
Help us listen and learn today.
Amen.
Teaching
When we are baptised, God gives us a very special gift.
This gift is called faith.
Faith is not something we buy or earn.
It is given to us because God loves us.
Saint Paul tells Timothy to guard this gift.
That means we look after it carefully.
We look after our faith by:
praying
trusting God
trying to love like Jesus
Faith is like a light.
If we care for it, it helps us see the way.
Scripture
“Guard the good treasure entrusted to you.”
(2 Timothy 1:14)
Questions
What is something special you take care of?
How can we look after our faith?
Practice
Together say:
“Thank You, God, for the gift of faith.”
Closing Prayer
God our Father,
help us look after the gift
You have given us in Baptism.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us take our faith seriously
and live as people who belong to You.
Amen.
Teaching
St Paul reminds Timothy that faith is entrusted, not invented.
That matters.
Baptism gives us a new life in Christ that we did not earn.
It was given before we understood it.
Guarding the gift of Baptism does not mean being perfect.
It means being faithful.
Faith grows when we:
stay connected to the Church
pray honestly
keep returning when we drift
Treating faith as disposable weakens it.
Treating it as entrusted helps it grow.
Scripture
“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.”
(2 Timothy 1:6)
Reflection Questions
Where do I treat faith as optional?
What helps faith stay alive?
Practice
Choose one small way this week to take faith seriously
(e.g. prayer, Mass, kindness, honesty).
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me guard the gift
You have given me in Baptism.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Open our hearts to the gift
we have received in Baptism.
Amen.
Catechesis
Baptism entrusts us with new life in Christ.
This life is not self-generated; it is received.
St Paul’s instruction to Timothy reminds the Church that fidelity matters.
The task of the baptised is not to reshape the faith to suit personal preference,
but to receive it reverently and live it faithfully.
The Church exists to safeguard what she has received.
So do we.
Faith is guarded through:
prayer
sacramental life
belonging to the Church
steady conversion
Baptism gives a real, lasting identity — even when neglected.
Scripture
2 Timothy 1:13–14
Reflection Questions
Where do I neglect the grace of Baptism?
What helps me remain faithful over time?
Practice
Return this week to one spiritual habit
that has been neglected or taken lightly.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Strengthen the faith
You planted in us through Baptism.
Amen.
TUESDAY 27th January
Living Baptism in Ordinary Life
(Saint Angela Merici)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving us.
Help us learn how to live
as God’s children every day.
Amen.
Teaching
Saint Angela Merici loved God very much.
She showed her love by caring for people every day.
She did not do loud or famous things.
She did small, loving things.
Baptism helps us love God in ordinary ways:
at home
at school
with our friends
Living our Baptism means trying to love like Jesus each day.
Scripture
“Let your light shine before others.”
(Matthew 5:16)
Questions
How can we show love today?
Where can we help someone?
Practice
Do one quiet kind thing today for someone else.
Closing Prayer
Thank You, God,
for helping us love You
in small, everyday ways.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us understand
how faith shapes daily life.
Amen.
Teaching
St Angela Merici shows us that holiness grows quietly.
Baptism does not remove us from ordinary life.
It sends us into it with purpose.
Faith grows when we:
listen
obey
remain faithful in small things
We often look for dramatic signs of holiness.
God usually works through patience and consistency.
Scripture
“Whoever is faithful in little things
is faithful in much.”
(Luke 16:10)
Reflection Questions
Where am I being invited to be faithful, not impressive?
Why is patience important in faith?
Practice
Choose one responsibility today
and do it with care and attention.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me live my Baptism
in ordinary life.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Teach us to live our Baptism
faithfully in daily life.
Amen.
Catechesis
St Angela Merici reminds the Church that Baptism is lived primarily in the ordinary.
Holiness is not reserved for extraordinary moments.
It is formed through obedience, attentiveness, and love in daily responsibilities.
Baptism shapes how we:
work
relate
serve
remain faithful
The Christian life matures not through intensity,
but through steady perseverance.
Scripture
Luke 16:10
Reflection Questions
Where do I underestimate ordinary faithfulness?
How does Baptism shape my daily choices?
Practice
Offer one ordinary task today consciously to God.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Help us live the grace of Baptism
faithfully and patiently.
Amen.
WEDNESDAY 28th January
Receiving Before Teaching
(Saint Thomas Aquinas)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving us.
Help us listen to You
and learn from You today.
Amen.
Teaching
Saint Thomas Aquinas loved learning about God.
But before he taught others, he listened.
He knew that God speaks to us first.
We learn by listening before we speak.
When we are baptised, God makes us His children.
That means we are always learning how to love Him better.
Listening helps our faith grow.
Scripture
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
(1 Samuel 3:9)
Questions
How do we listen to God?
When is it hard to listen?
Practice
Sit quietly for one minute.
Then say together:
“Speak, Lord. I am listening.”
Closing Prayer
Thank You, God,
for teaching us.
Help us listen to You every day.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us learn how to listen to You
before speaking or acting.
Amen.
Teaching
Saint Thomas Aquinas was very intelligent.
But he knew something important:
faith is received before it is explained.
Baptism does not make us experts.
It makes us disciples.
Listening to God means:
prayer
learning from Scripture
being open to correction
When we rush to speak or decide,
we can miss what God is teaching us.
Scripture
“Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak.”
(James 1:19)
Reflection Questions
Where do I rush ahead of God?
What helps me listen more carefully?
Practice
Before making one decision today,
pause and say:
“God, guide me.”
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Teach me to listen to You
and trust Your wisdom.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Open our hearts to Your truth
and teach us to listen with humility.
Amen.
Catechesis
Saint Thomas Aquinas reminds the Church that understanding follows faith.
Baptism places us in a posture of receptivity.
We are taught before we teach,
formed before we lead.
Christian wisdom begins with humility:
acknowledging that truth is received, not mastered.
This posture protects us from pride
and keeps our faith rooted in God, not opinion.
Scripture
James 1:19
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak.”
Reflection Questions
Where do I resist being taught by God?
How does Baptism call me to humility?
Practice
Spend five minutes this week
reading Scripture slowly and quietly.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Teach us to listen before speaking
and to receive Your truth with trust.
Amen.
THURSDAY 29th January
Receiving the Promise
(Ordinary Time – “Receiving the Promise”)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
God our Father,
thank You for loving us
and keeping Your promises.
Amen.
Teaching
God always keeps His promises.
When we are baptised,
God promises to stay with us.
Even when we feel scared or unsure,
God does not leave us.
Baptism means God is close to us
every day of our lives.
Scripture
“The Lord is faithful to all His promises.”
(Psalm 145:13)
Questions
Who keeps promises to you?
How does it feel to know God stays close?
Practice
Thank God for one promise He keeps.
Closing Prayer
Thank You, God,
for staying with us always.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Help us trust You
even when faith feels hard.
Amen.
Teaching
Baptism begins with God’s promise,
not our promise to Him.
God commits Himself to us first.
Faith is not about never doubting.
It is about trusting God’s faithfulness
when feelings change.
God’s promise in Baptism
is stronger than our weakness.
Scripture
“If we are faithless,
He remains faithful.”
(2 Timothy 2:13)
Reflection Questions
When is it hardest to trust God?
What helps you remember God’s faithfulness?
Practice
When you feel uncertain, say:
“God, I trust You.”
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me trust Your promise
and stay close to You.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Faithful God,
Help us trust Your promises
and rest in Your faithfulness.
Amen.
Catechesis
Baptism is fundamentally God’s promise.
It does not depend on our emotional consistency
or moral perfection.
God binds Himself to us in Christ.
This covenant endures through struggle and doubt.
Christian hope rests not in our strength,
but in God’s faithfulness.
Scripture
2 Timothy 2:13
Reflection Questions
Where do I struggle to trust God’s promises?
How does Baptism anchor hope?
Practice
Recall one moment when God was faithful in your life.
Thank Him for it.
Closing Prayer
Faithful Father,
Thank You for keeping Your promises.
Help us trust You always.
Amen.
FRIDAY 30th January
Small Beginnings
(Ordinary Time – “Small Beginnings”)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving us.
Help us learn how You help us grow.
Amen.
Teaching
God does not always start with big things.
God often starts with small things.
When we are baptised,
God begins something new in us.
It may feel small at first,
but it can grow very big.
Faith grows when we:
pray
try again
keep trusting God
Even small steps matter to God.
Scripture
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.”
(Matthew 13:31)
Questions
What small thing can grow?
How can our faith grow?
Practice
Do one small good thing today
and offer it to God.
Closing Prayer
Thank You, God,
for helping our faith grow
a little each day.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us trust that You are working
even when growth feels slow.
Amen.
Teaching
We often want faith to change everything quickly.
But God usually works slowly.
Baptism begins a new life in us,
but that life grows over time.
Small choices matter:
choosing honesty
choosing prayer
choosing kindness
God works patiently.
We are invited to do the same.
Scripture
“Do not despise these small beginnings.”
(Zechariah 4:10)
Reflection Questions
Where do I get frustrated with slow growth?
What small step is God inviting me to take?
Practice
Choose one small habit
that helps your faith grow.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me trust Your work in me,
even when I cannot see it yet.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Help us trust the quiet work of grace
within our lives.
Amen.
Catechesis
The Christian life unfolds gradually.
Baptism plants a real seed of new life,
but growth is often hidden and slow.
Grace works beneath the surface.
Impatience can tempt us to measure progress too quickly.
God forms holiness over time,
through fidelity to small, repeated acts of faith.
Scripture
Zechariah 4:10
Reflection Questions
Where do I expect instant change?
How do I cooperate with grace patiently?
Practice
Commit to one small, steady spiritual practice.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Give us patience with ourselves
as You patiently work within us.
Amen.
SATURDAY 31st January
Gentle Formation
(Saint John Bosco)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving children.
Help us know how gently You care for us.
Amen.
Teaching
Saint John Bosco loved children very much.
He helped them by being kind and patient.
He did not shout or frighten them.
He showed them God’s love gently.
God is gentle with us too.
In Baptism,
God welcomes us into His family with love.
Scripture
“Let the little children come to me.”
(Mark 10:14)
Questions
Who is gentle with you?
How can we be gentle with others?
Practice
Speak kindly to someone today.
Closing Prayer
Thank You, Jesus,
for being gentle with us.
Help us be gentle too.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us see how You form us
with patience and love.
Amen.
Teaching
St John Bosco believed that young people grow best
when they are treated with kindness and trust.
God works the same way with us.
Baptism places us in God’s care.
God does not form us through fear or pressure,
but through encouragement and patience.
Growth in faith happens
when we feel safe enough to change.
Scripture
“Love is patient and kind.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4)
Reflection Questions
How does fear affect faith?
Why does kindness help people grow?
Practice
Encourage someone today
instead of criticising.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me trust Your gentle love
as You shape my life.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Teach us to reflect Your gentleness
in the way we live and lead.
Amen.
Catechesis
St John Bosco’s pastoral approach reflects a deep truth of Baptism:
every person possesses inherent dignity.
Christian formation respects freedom and grows through love.
God’s grace does not coerce.
It invites, accompanies, and heals.
A baptismal vision of formation
is patient, relational, and merciful.
Scripture
Matthew 11:29
“Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Reflection Questions
How do I respond to weakness in myself or others?
Where am I being invited to greater gentleness?
Practice
Choose one situation this week
where you will respond with patience rather than control.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Shape our hearts according to Yours.
Help us form others with love and mercy.
Amen.
SUNDAY 1st February
The Shape of Baptised Life
(The Beatitudes)
CHILDREN (5–10)
Opening Prayer
Jesus,
thank You for loving us
and showing us how to live.
Help us listen to You today.
Amen.
Teaching
Jesus goes up a hill and talks to the people.
He tells them something surprising.
He does not say:
“Happy are the strongest”
“Happy are the richest”
“Happy are the most important”
Jesus says:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
That means:
happy are the people who know they need God.
When we are baptised,
we become God’s children.
God teaches His children how to live:
by being kind
by trusting God
by helping others
The Beatitudes show us
what God’s children look like.
Scripture
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)
Questions
Who helps you when you need help?
Why is it good to trust God?
How can we live as God’s children this week?
Practice
Choose one:
Say together: “Jesus, I trust You.”
Draw a picture of yourself as God’s child.
Closing Prayer
Thank You, Jesus,
for showing us how to live
as God’s children.
Help us trust You every day.
Amen.
YOUNG PEOPLE (11–18)
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Help us understand
what it means to live as Your followers.
Amen.
Teaching
The Beatitudes describe a different way of living.
Jesus does not praise confidence, power, or success.
He blesses:
humility
mercy
gentleness
trust
Why?
Because these qualities show a heart open to God.
Baptism gives us a new identity.
We are no longer defined only by what we achieve
or how others see us.
The Beatitudes describe the life
that grows from baptismal grace.
Scripture
Matthew 5:1–12 (read slowly or in part)
Reflection Questions
Which Beatitude stands out to you?
Why do you think Jesus describes blessing this way?
How does this challenge the values of the world?
Practice
Choose one Beatitude to focus on this week
(e.g. mercy, humility, kindness).
Ask God to help you live it.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Help me live the life
You have given me in Baptism.
Teach me Your way of living.
Amen.
ADULT
Opening Prayer
Lord,
Open our hearts to Your Word
and help us recognise our baptismal calling.
Amen.
Catechesis
The Beatitudes are not a list of commands to achieve.
They are a portrait of Christian life.
Jesus describes what life looks like
when the grace of Baptism is allowed to shape a person.
“Poor in spirit” does not mean weak or passive.
It means knowing that everything is received from God.
The Beatitudes reveal:
dependence rather than self-sufficiency
mercy rather than judgment
trust rather than control
They describe Christ Himself
and therefore describe the life into which we are baptised.
Scripture
Matthew 5:1–12
Reflection Questions
Which Beatitude challenges me most?
Where do I rely on myself rather than God?
How does Baptism invite me to live differently?
Practice
This week, choose one Beatitude
and consciously shape your actions around it.
Let it become a way of living, not just a reflection.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of new life in Baptism.
Shape our hearts according to Yours,
so that our lives may reflect Your grace.
Amen.
FINAL NOTE FOR THE WEEK
This week has shown us that Baptism:
gives us a gift to guard
shapes ordinary life
teaches us to listen
rests on God’s promise
grows through small beginnings
is formed gently
and finds its shape in the Beatitudes
You do not need to do everything.
Returning again and again is enough.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 