Baptism of the Lord, Year B, Primary

Primary Session
Mark 1:7-11

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you God, for sending us your Spirit.
Help us open our hearts to your Spirit of love.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Spirit. To begin, write the word Holy Spirit on a large sheet of poster paper or a chalkboard. Explain that the Holy Spirit is present in our Church and in our hearts. Invite the children to brainstorm how the Spirit helps us in our daily lives. Write down their responses. Discuss:
• When do you need help and guidance?
• Who gives you help and guidance?
• What helps you to grow in faith?

Allow time for discussion. The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in God’s Love. At baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading listen to find out how the Holy Spirit comes to Jesus at his baptism.

Read Mark 1:7-11.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who baptizes Jesus?
• How does the Holy Spirit come to Jesus?
• What does the voice from heaven say?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

Today’s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to an end. Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry.

In today’s gospel Jesus is baptized. John baptizes him in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove. Jesus has much work to do. God sent Jesus to bring healing and justice to all people. The Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus to give him help. God is pleased with Jesus. At his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved son.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What is Jesus sent by God to do?
• How does the Holy Spirit help Jesus?
• How can we help Jesus continue his work on earth?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Spirit
On today’s feast we celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit coming to Jesus at his baptism. At our baptism we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming to us.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, one with the Father and the Son. There are three Persons in the mystery of one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

On the day of Pentecost the Spirit came upon the apostles and the Church was born. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s love is made visible in the world through the Church. The Church continues the work that Jesus gave to the apostles. The Holy Spirit helps us to live our faith today.

• What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?
• How does the Holy Spirit help to make God’s love known in the world?
• How does the Church continue the work of Jesus?

Sacrament Connection
The Holy Spirit comes to us at baptism. We are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In baptism we are welcomed into the Church.

The Gospel in Life
How can you help to show others the peace and love of the Holy Spirit this week?