Children's Liturgy Guide

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B · Ordinary Time

Following Jesus Right Away

Reading: Mark 1:14-20

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 was walking by the sea and called some fishermen to follow him. Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets right away and went with Jesus to help him share God's love.

Key Points

  • Jesus personally called the fishermen by inviting them to follow him
  • The disciples responded immediately, leaving their nets and boats behind
  • Jesus invited them to become 'fishers of people,' meaning they would help bring others to God
  • Following Jesus means being ready to say yes when he asks us to do something

Background

In this passage, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee after John's arrest, proclaiming that 'the kingdom of God is at hand.' He then calls his first disciples in a remarkably direct manner. The immediacy of the disciples' response is striking: they leave their livelihoods, their father, their entire way of life. This radical discipleship theme is central to Mark's Gospel. The metaphor of 'fishers of people' transforms their ordinary skill into apostolic mission. For children, emphasize the simple, personal invitation Jesus makes and the disciples' willingness to follow right away. Set aside the deeper theological implications of the Kingdom's arrival and the eschatological urgency Mark conveys. Focus on Jesus calling ordinary people and their brave yes.

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 listen when you ask us to follow you and to be brave enough to say yes. 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 anyone ever asked you to come and do something special with them, like play a game or help with a job?

Example: One time my grandpa asked me to help him in the garden and I got to dig holes and plant flowers with him and it was really fun.

Bridge to the reading: It feels exciting when someone special asks us to join them, doesn't it? In today's reading, we will hear about Jesus walking by the sea and asking some fishermen to come and follow him on the most special adventure of all.

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. Where was Jesus walking when he saw the fishermen?

    Example: Jesus was walking by the sea, near the water where the fishermen were working with their boats and nets.

  2. What were Simon and Andrew doing when Jesus called them?

    Example: They were throwing their fishing nets into the water because they were fishermen and that was their job.

  3. What did Jesus say the fishermen would become if they followed him?

    Example: Jesus told them they would become fishers of people, which means they would help bring other people to God.

  4. Why do you think the fishermen left their nets right away to follow Jesus?

    Example: Maybe they could tell Jesus was really special and they wanted to be with 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 do you think Simon and Andrew felt when Jesus looked at them and asked them to come?

    Example: I think they felt surprised and maybe a little nervous but also really happy that Jesus picked them.

  2. What is something you could do to follow Jesus at home with your family?

    Example: I could help my mom or dad when they ask me to do something, even if I was playing with my toys.

  3. This week, how could you say yes to helping someone at school?

    Example: If my teacher asks for a helper to pass out papers, I could raise my hand and say yes right away.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus walked by the sea and called some fishermen to follow him. Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their nets right away because they wanted to be with Jesus. Jesus calls each of us too, and we can follow him by saying yes when he asks us to love and help others.

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 all children who are deciding whether to be kind or helpful today, that they may be brave and say yes, 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 be like Simon, Andrew, James, and John, ready to say yes to you every day. 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

Following Jesus Right Away

Mark 1:14-20

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • follow
  • fishermen
  • nets
  • Simon
  • Andrew
  • James
  • John
  • sea
  • boat
  • called

ChildrensLiturgy.org