Primary Session
Matthew 4:12-23
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, you call us to follow you.
Help us to share in your life and work.
In Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is vocation. To begin provide each child with crayons and a fish cut out of construction paper. Explain that Jesus’ first followers were fishermen. Invite the children to write on the back of their fish one thing that they can do to show that they are followers of Jesus.
Discuss:
- How did Jesus love and serve others?
- What are Jesus’ followers called to do?
- How can you love and serve others?
Allow time for discussion. God calls us to share in Jesus’ life and work. This is our vocation as Catholic Christians.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today listen to how Jesus calls his first followers.
Read Matthew 4:12-23.
Allow for silence.
Scripture discussion Starters
- Where does Jesus find the fishermen?
- How does Jesus call his first followers?
- What does Jesus go on to do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s Gospel Jesus begins his ministry of love and service to others. Jesus’ first followers are fishermen. Jesus calls them to come and follow him. They put their nets away and follow Jesus.
Jesus invites his new friends to become fishers of people. Many people become followers of Jesus. They join Jesus as he preaches, heals and works miracles throughout the land.
Jesus chose to share his life and work with those whom he called his disciples. Today, Jesus calls us to be disciples too. We are called to love and serve others.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How do Jesus’ followers fish for people?
- Why do many people follow Jesus?
- How does Jesus show us how to live?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Vocation
Our vocation is our call to share in Jesus’ life and work. We are called to follow Jesus and serve others. We do this in many ways. Catholics believe that all people are called by God to live as followers of Jesus.
The Catholic Church has used the term vocation to describe the call to priesthood and religious life. Today, the Church teaches that all people who are baptized are called to serve others.
We are God’s children. The gift of God’s life and love received at baptism is a grace. This grace is lived out by our actions in the world. By our baptism we are called to live lives of love and service.
- What does our baptism call us to do?
- Who are the people you know who live lives of love and service?
- Who helps you to follow Jesus?
The Gospel in Life
How can you live as a follower of Jesus this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 14
Kindergarten, chapter 5
Grade 1, chapter 15
Grade 2, chapter 21
Grade 3, chapter 21
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