Family

Guide

January11
The Baptism
of theLord

The Gospel atHome

This Weeks Gospel: Mark1:711

The story of Jesus baptism in Sundays Gospel

is at the very beginning of Marks Gospel, and
it also marks the beginning of Jesus public
ministry. The passage tells us that Jesus is Gods
Son. In a similar way, our own baptisms plunge
us into a relationship with Father, Son, and
HolySpirit.
Exploring the GospelMessage

Seeds (Preschool): Talk about Jesus baptism

with your child. Share memories of your childs
baptism, too. Your child learned that through
Baptism he or she belongs to Gods family.
Although your child may not understand all the
words and actions of the rite of Baptism, he or
she does know what it means to be welcomed
and valued by the family and by theChurch.
Promise (Grades K1): In class, the children
shared the story of Jesus baptism by his cousin
John. Talk to your child about the memories
you have of his or her baptism. Talk about the
white dress, the candle, the godparents, the
priest or deacon who performed the ceremony,
and the pouring of the water. Share with your
child how important it was for you that he or
she be welcomed as a member of the Church
family where all are brothers and sisters in
JesusChrist.
Good News (Grades 23): This week your
child learned that Jesus baptism by Saint John
was the beginning of his work teaching about
Gods love. Your child also became familiar
with the rite of the Sacrament of Baptism. The
class also learned that people are baptized in the

name of the TrinityFather, Son, and Holy

Spirit. Whenever you make the Sign of the
Cross, you are reminded that you are members
of Gods Family, the Church. As a family try
to begin all your activities with the Sign of
theCross.
Venture (Grades 46): While discussing the
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, your child
learned more about the Sacraments of Initiation.
The class also learned how the prophet Isaiah
spoke of the promised Messiah as a Servant of
God. As a family, talk about how Baptism keeps
calling all members of the Church to live the
Gospel and to serve others. Talk about ways
you can remind one another of your baptismal
commitment to serveothers.
Visions (Grades 78): The Feast of the
Baptism of the Lord has been an opportunity
for your teenager to learn that Baptism is a call
to live like Jesus. Each of the signs of Baptism
(the giving of a name, the mark of the cross,
the lighted candle, the pouring of water, and
the white garment) sends a message about
the vocation of a Christian. Talk about each
of the signs. Take time to renew the promises
you all made at your baptism. Ask your son
or daughter to tell the family what he or she
learned about the writing of MarksGospel.
PrayTogether

Before the evening meal or at some other time

when you are all together, take turns thanking
God in your own words. Give thanks for
the great gift of Gods Son and for the gift of
Baptism and membership in the Church.

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