By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2015, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

Catechist’s Notes

The Baptism of the Lord Year B

Children’s RCIA Resource

How to Use this Resource

Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship

before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal Session group may gather for the

Catechetical Session at another time during the week.

Catechetical Session When the Dismissal Session is immediately followed by the Catechetical Session,

parents or other sponsors join the group after Eucharist. Baptized children

preparing for confirmation and Eucharist may also join in the Catechetical

Session (RCIA #254; Appendix III, #19). Select the session options that fit your

time frame.

Notes for this Sunday

Sunday’s readings

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 55:1-11

Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

Acts 10:34-38 or 1 John 5:1-9

Mark 1:7-11

Doctrine correlations

Baptism, as the first sacrament of forgiveness of sins, unites us

with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification

so that “we too might walk in newness of life” (CCC #977).

Holy Baptism, the basis of the whole Christian life, is the door

through which we become members of Christ, incorporated into

the Church and made sharers in her mission (CCC #1213).

RCIA team notes

The first and second readings explored here are the optional readings for

Year B. Find out from the liturgy committee which readings will be

proclaim, and adjust the dismissal session, if needed. For other readings,

see the session plans for The Baptism of the Lord, Year A.

Children with special needs

Check for sensitivities to incense.

Getting ready for the session

Items to prepare

check-in sheet and nametag materials

poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers

white cloth on table or counter space for prayer, instrument

Bibles, one set to Mark 1, matches, candle

clear bowl of water, quick-light or charcoal incense in holder

index cards, markers

Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home”

refreshments, serving supplies

Gathering Prayer Ritual

Place a Bible, clear bowl of water, and candle on a white cloth. Have

charcoal with incense granules or quick-light incense in a holder and

matches handy.

Singing option

Use music from your faith community resources. Suggestion is available

from Gather Comprehensive (GIA Publications, Inc.) or online at

christmas-songs.org. Bring songbooks or song sheets and a music player.

Snack option

Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week.

Engaging the Word

Bring plain index cards and markers. On an index card, print the two

questions and place it at Mark 1:7-11. Ask a sponsor to practice the

reading, pausing after each verse and asking the questions.

Sharing Faith groups

Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders.

Crossing the Ages Activity option: Neophyte Visit

Invite children and adult guests who were baptized within the last year

to come and share their experiences of baptism, growth in prayer and

Christian service, and joy in knowing they are God’s beloved. Ask

sponsors to bring refreshments, napkins, cups, and beverages. If

neophytes are not available, see the option in the session and prepare

accordingly.

Catechist’s Notes

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 2

DISMISSAL SESSION

Gathering (15 minutes)

Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of the Word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet

the catechumens as they arrive. Have everyone check in and put on nametags. For anyone new provide

nametag materials.

Gathering Prayer Ritual

Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point.

(†) Light the candle and quick-light incense, or sprinkle incense on hot charcoal. Pause for a moment of

silence.

Pick up the incense container. Waft the incense towards the candle, saying:

May your light, O Christ, show us the way.

Waft the incense towards the Bible, saying:

Teach us, O God, the words of everlasting life.

Waft the incense towards the water, saying:

Salvation comes through life-giving waters.

Waft the incense around the space, saying:

Come, Holy Spirit, and sanctify this gathering place to be holy ground.

Waft the incense towards the catechumens, saying:

God who is among us, open the eyes, open the lips,

and open the hearts of these catechumens as we share here today.

All: Amen.

One at a time, come up to the bowl. As you dip your hand in the water, imagine

God cleansing you of all sin. Return to your place. Your damp hand will dry in a

few moments.

After everyone touches the water, invite them, when you lift a hand, to respond, “You will draw water

joyfully from the springs of salvation.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Isaiah 12.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and not afraid. (response)

Give thanks and acclaim God’s name;

among the nations make known holy deeds. (response)

Sing praise for glorious achievement,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (response)

Song suggestion: “Wade in the Water”

Extinguish the candle flame. Snuff out the incense.

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 3

Connecting with One Another

Invite everyone to sit in a circle. Introduce anyone new. Invite sharing about their experiences with the

“Faith at Home” pages from the previous session.

Building Community

Standing in Line: Ask the catechum ens to form a line. Then, they turn, so that everyone is

shoulder-to-shoulder. Stand in the middle, several feet away from the line, facing the members and ask:

What are some places you stand in line?

How do you feel when someone tries to “cut ahead” in line?

How would you feel if someone was given special preference to move to the

head of a line?

Mention:

Standing in line shows that we are equal. No one in line gets a special privilege. It

was like that when Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus was like us in all things

except sin. Jesus did not expect special treatment but waited his turn like the

others. After Jesus was baptized something amazing happened.

Recalling the Word (10 minutes)

Have everyone sit with Bibles in a circle. Use the following as a guide. For information, refer to “Insight

for the Catechist” and the reflections on the “Faith at Home” page. Always affirm the catechumens’

responses, adding comments to aid their understanding.

Help the catechumens find Isaiah 55:1-11.

What do you each notice in this passage?

Help the catechumens find 1 John 5:1-9.

How do we know God’s love?

What would you like to point out or talk about in this passage? (Avoid over

explaining. Encourage the children to express their understandings.)

Have the catechumens find Mark 1:7-11.

I wonder: Why did John say these things about Jesus?

I wonder: Why did Jesus stand in line shoulder-to-shoulder with sinners?

I wonder: Why did the voice from heaven talk to Jesus?

I wonder: How do you feel about becoming baptized?

Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:

Although Jesus never sinned, he joined with those being baptized. During your

own baptism, you will go down into the water and rise to new life in the Holy

Spirit. Through baptism we each become one with Jesus, beloved by God.

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 4

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 5

Praying Intercessions (5 minutes)

With Jesus we pray for the good of all. When I lift my hand, please respond, “God

who loves us, hear our prayer.”

Let us heed your word, O God, that others may not thirst but have life. (Lift a

hand for the response.)

Send your Spirit upon us, your begotten children, so that we might keep your

commandments. (Lift a hand for the response.)

For all catechumens preparing to be baptized with water and the Holy Spirit,

strengthen them to testify in truth. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:

God, you give us commandments as the way of love.

Hear the prayers we have spoken and those we hold in our hearts.

Send your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in the ways of truth

as we are one in Christ for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Option: Break for a snack or social time. If the group disperses now and meets for catechesis later in the

week, collect nametags.

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2015, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

The Catechetical Session follows the Dismissal Session either immediately or at

another time during the week. The catechetical session is designed for catechumens

and parents or sponsors to grow in faith together. The status of the catechumens

never is to be confused with that of baptized children preparing for confirmation

or Eucharist, who may join in this catechesis as supportive companions (RCIA,

Appendix III, #19).

Gathering for Catechesis (5 minutes)

Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children

arriving from liturgy. If this Catechetical Session is not following the

Dismissal Session, allow an additional ten minutes and begin with the

Gathering segment in the Dismissal Session. Have those arriving check in

and put on nametags.

Praying Invite everyone to stand around the prayer focal point. Use the (†) prayer

from the Gathering Prayer Ritual in the Dismissal Session, another prayer,

or sing a gathering song from liturgy.

Engaging the Word (20 minutes)

Distribute four plain index cards to each member. Provide fine-line

markers. Ask them to print on each card one of the following words or draw

a symbol: People, John, Jesus, God. Explain that they will hold up their

cards to answer questions during the proclamation.

A reader proclaiming Mark 1:7-11 pauses after verses 8 and 11 so that the

questions below can be asked. Members hold up cards in response to each

of the questions. Ask:

Who is speaking?

To whom?

After the proclamation, ask the whole group:

What did John teach about Jesus?

Upon coming out of the water, what did Jesus see and

hear?

Sharing Faith (10 minutes)

Form groups of four to six mixed-age groups with Bibles. (If there are only a

few participants, lead the discussion as a whole group.) Print the questions

on large paper or marker board, or distribute questions on cards for an

adult to lead. Circulate to offer support as needed.

CATECHETICAL SESSION

The Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or

Isaiah 55:1-11

Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

Acts 10:34-38 or

1 John 5:1-9

Mark 1:7-11

Insight for the Catechist

Baptism is an entrance into

Christ, so Jesus, the Christ,

certainly had no need for

that. Additionally, since

baptism cleanses all sin,

Jesus, the Lamb of God who

takes away the sins of the

world, had no need for that

either.

The appearance of John the

Baptist filled the people with

expectation as they

anxiously awaited the Christ,

but John had another

purpose. John prepared the

way for One much mightier.

John’s cleansing baptism by

water would be little in

comparison.

Jesus became baptized, as he

was born, in solidarity with

the whole human condition.

Through Jesus’ baptism, the

power of the Holy Spirit is

released into the world. The

one with whom God is well

pleased brings justice in

every nation. Jesus’

followers carry on his work.

With the Spirit, they go

about doing good works and

healing those who are

oppressed.

6

Conversing about mark 1:7-11

How did John feel about Jesus?

What happened that Jesus probably did not expect?

What are our expectations concerning Baptism?

What will we do as baptized followers of Jesus?

With the whole group conclude:

Water, which naturally cleanses, symbolizes the washing away of our sins. When

we are baptized, we become united with Christ, who died for our sins and rose so

that we might walk in the newness of life in the Spirit. Holy Baptism is the basis of

the whole Christian life. It is like a door through which we become members of

Christ. Coming into the church, we share in the mission doing Jesus’ work.

Carrying Out the Word (5 minutes)

Summing Up

Invite everyone to gather around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this

week’s session.

Jesus was consecrated by the words of God, “You are my beloved Son. With you I

am well pleased.” From that point on Jesus’ work, which led to the cross, was a

sign of redeeming our sins. In rising with Christ out of the waters of Baptism

followers seek to live in the righteous ways of God with the power of the Holy

Spirit.

Closing Prayer

Ask everyone to close their eyes and imagine.

For you awaiting baptism, during the meditation, imagine what I say might feel

like. For those of you already baptized, recall your own experience or, if you do not

remember it, imagine what it was like. (Pause.)

Feel yourself going down into the baptismal waters. Imagine your clothes getting

wet, damp against you and clinging. (Pause.)

Hear the minister say, “I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.” Hold your breath a moment as you feel yourself under the

water. (Pause.)

Imagine coming up suddenly out of the water. (Pause.) Feel what being born of the

Holy Spirit is like. (Pause.) Hear God saying to you, “You are my beloved. In you I

am well pleased.” (Pause.)

When you are ready open your eyes. (Pause.)

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 7

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B 8

Invite comments. Then conclude:

Go forth from this place filled with expectation.

And may God, who gives us Living Water, bless us,

(Make the Sign of the Cross on yourself as a model.)

protect us from evil,

and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Distribute the “Faith at Home” page. Collect the nametags.

Crossing the Ages Activity

(Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes)

Neophyte Visit (New ly baptized share their new perception of faith and help the

catechumens, RCIA #245, 9.)

Explain:

We are about to welcome some

special guests who were baptized

within this past year. They will

share about their baptism and

faith experiences as one of God’s

beloved.

Assign the catechumens tasks:

inviting in the guests

uncovering the refreshments

distributing napkins

serving refreshments

pouring beverages

cleaning up

When ready, have the assigned catechumens invite in the guests. Welcome and introduce everyone. Invite

the guests to share their baptismal experiences, growth in prayer and Christian service, and joy in knowing

they are God’s beloved. Encourage the members to ask questions. Then, have the catechumens serve

refreshments. Invite everyone to join in the closing prayer.

Option: Invite sponsors and parents to bring and share their baptismal garments, photos, baptismal

candles, and other memorabilia of their baptismal celebrations.

At a convenient time for the family, gather around a dining table or in the living room. Silence all

electronics. Place a Bible opened to Luke 2 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

Reflecting on Isaiah 55:1-11

God, who offers mercy and forgiveness, has thoughts far above human ways. The Holy One of Israel

renews the everlasting covenant with the people of David, who shall be a beacon to the nations. The

sign is that those who are thirsty, hungry, and poor shall have plenty. Agricultural images show how

God’s word shall bear fruit when the wicked change their ways.

In what ways does our turning away from wickedness help others have what they need?

Set out drawing paper and supplies. Each family member draws an illustration that shows an idea in

this passage. Then, share your drawings.

Reflecting on 1 John 5:1-9

Love is the theme of John’s letter. Faith in Jesus, begotten of God, is the victory of love that conquers

the world. The Spirit testifies at Jesus’ water baptism, which culminates in his sacrifice of blood on

the cross.

What thoughts do we have about sharing in Jesus’ water baptism and sacrifice on the

cross?

Set a stepping stool in a prominent place. Family members take turns standing on the stool and

making testimonial statements about faith in Jesus Christ and God’s love.

Reflecting on Mark 1:7-11

Upon being baptized, Jesus heard a voice from heaven as the Spirit descended upon him.

What does being baptized with the Holy Spirit mean to each of us?

How do the family members who are catechumens feel about being drawn to the waters

of baptism?

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2015, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

Faith at Home The Baptism of the Lord Year B

Remember Sunday’s Word

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or

Isaiah 55:1-11

Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

or Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

Acts 10:34-38 or

1 John 5:1-9

Mark 1:7-11

Friends on the Way - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B TeamRCIA.com

Baptized with Jesus

Authorities watched John when he was baptizing and calling people to repent. Eventually, John was arrested

and put to death. Later, the authorities condemned Jesus for teaching about forgiveness of sins. In the picture

below, draw Jesus coming up out of the water while hearing the heavenly voice. Color the picture.