Children's Liturgy Guide

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A · Ordinary Time

Jesus Calls His Friends

Reading: Matthew 4:12-23

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and sees fishermen working hard with their nets. He calls out to them to follow Him, and they leave their nets and boats right away to become His special helpers.

Key Points

  • Jesus personally invited ordinary working people to follow Him
  • The fishermen responded immediately, leaving their work and boats behind
  • Jesus promised to make them fishers of people, meaning they would help bring others to God
  • Jesus calls each of us to follow Him and share His love with others

Background

This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee and His calling of the first four disciples: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. The immediacy of their response demonstrates the compelling nature of Jesus' invitation and the radical commitment that discipleship requires. The metaphor 'fishers of men' transforms their familiar occupation into an image of evangelization. Theologically, this call reveals that Jesus initiates relationship with humanity, choosing ordinary people for extraordinary mission. The passage also fulfills Isaiah's prophecy about light dawning in Galilee. For children, emphasize the personal invitation Jesus gives to each person and how the fishermen said yes right away without hesitation. Set aside the complex geography of Galilee, the nature of itinerant discipleship, and the socioeconomic implications of abandoning a family trade.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank You for calling us to be Your friends. Help us to hear Your voice and follow You with happy hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has someone special ever picked you to help them with an important job? How did you feel when they chose you?

Example: My dad picked me to help him wash the car last weekend and I felt so proud because he said I was big enough to be his helper now.

Bridge to the reading: It feels wonderful when someone important chooses us for a special job. In today's reading, Jesus walks along the seashore and picks out some fishermen to be His very special helpers.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. What were Peter and Andrew doing when Jesus first saw them by the sea?

    Example: They were throwing their fishing net into the water because catching fish was their job every day.

  2. What special words did Jesus say when He invited them to come with Him?

    Example: Jesus said follow me and I will make you fish for people instead of fishing for regular fish.

  3. What did James and John leave behind when they heard Jesus call them?

    Example: They left their boat and their fishing nets and even their father who was still sitting in the boat.

  4. Why do you think the fishermen followed Jesus right away without asking questions?

    Example: I think they could feel that Jesus was really special and they wanted to be near Him and learn from Him.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel inside when you know that Jesus wants you to be His friend and helper?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy and special inside because Jesus loves me and wants me even though I am little.

  2. What is one kind thing you could do at school to help share Jesus' love with someone?

    Example: I could ask someone who is sitting alone at lunch to come and eat with me and my friends.

  3. Who is someone at home you could show Jesus' love to this week by helping them?

    Example: I could help my mom by picking up my toys without her asking me and that would make her happy.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus walked by the sea and called fishermen named Peter, Andrew, James, and John. They left their nets and boats right away to follow Him. Jesus calls each one of us to follow Him too and to share His love with everyone around us.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who are waiting to be chosen or included by others, that they may know Jesus has already called them to be His special friends, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank You, Jesus, for calling us to follow You. Help us to say yes to You like the fishermen did and to share Your love with everyone we meet. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Calls His Friends

Matthew 4:12-23

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

I Q B E Z N Z T O A Q P N Z X
E B O A T S P B Y A H H F S N
J W K S F R F K W Q O I M G J
M E H Q S I P U O J D O O A V
Y O E Z C P D N L V I R J X E
F D H W M B S K L K O T A B T
P A N D R E W V O S Z Y M C H
X U J O I R I A F T B A E I M
Q T A Z E P Q R C E J N S M V
K W M P P R B K Q N K E D D R
U O L W S E A B T M S N S H V
I E Q E C A L L E D G Z Z U L
H F I S H E R M E N R K G V S
V W M Z Z I G Y R F S I N Y S
V T V Y E C U I P E T E R B K

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • follow
  • Peter
  • Andrew
  • James
  • John
  • fishermen
  • nets
  • sea
  • boats
  • called
  • helper

ChildrensLiturgy.org