January Catholic Lessons – Easy Liturgical Ideas for Your Kids

January is a great time to refocus on what’s important in our faith and start the year with lessons that strengthen Catholic identity and deepen understanding. From special saints to meaningful prayers, here’s what every Catholic kid should know this month.

1. The Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of Jesus is a big moment to talk about in class (and it’s this weekend!). This feast reminds us of the importance of baptism and how Jesus set an example for all of us. Talk about how baptism is a fresh start, like a new beginning, and how it’s our way of being welcomed into God’s family. This reading comprehension packet about the Baptism of the Lord makes it so easy to get kids ready for Mass this weekend.

But first…get the Full Year of Catholic Kids Bulletins today and make your Mass teaching effortless! Covering every Sunday and Holy Day in English and Spanish, it’s all in one easy download—perfect for keeping kids engaged in their faith all year long!

2. Review Catholic Lessons from Back to School

If you’ve already taught the ACTS Prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) to your students, January is a perfect time to take it to the next level. Help your kids go deeper by looking at Bible verses that reflect each part of the prayer. For example, Psalm 95:6 is a great verse for Adoration, while Philippians 4:6 ties into Supplication. Have them discuss why these verses fit each part of the ACTS Prayer and how they can use them in their own prayer lives. This not only reinforces the prayer structure but also helps kids connect their faith to God’s Word in a more meaningful way.

The ACTS Prayer sorting Cards include 2 sets of prayer cards. I like to use the basic version at the beginning of the year to get students comfortable with the ACTS Prayer. In January, we revisit the lesson and sort the Bible verse cards for an extra challenge.

This year, I wanted to connect the ACTS Prayer to the Bible Timeline we’ve been working on, so I created a Four-Corners game with Bible verses spoken by our favorite Old Testament heroes. The game includes AI-generated images, allowing the kids to visualize who is speaking, and it provides another opportunity to connect the names of Old Testament figures to our lives today.

3. Saints to Inspire Us

January is rich with feast days of incredible saints whose lives offer lessons for students. There are reading comprehension packets for these three saints as well!

Saint Francis de Sales (January 24):
- Known for his wisdom, gentleness, and writing
- Patron saint of writers and those seeking spiritual growth
- Teaches us how to live a devout life with kindness and patience
Saint Thomas Aquinas (January 28):
- Doctor of the Church and brilliant theologian
- Shows us the harmony between faith and reason
- A great example of using intellect to deepen one’s relationship with God
Saint John Bosco (January 31):
- Patron saint of youth and educators
- Dedicated his life to working with young people, especially those in need
- A reminder that every age group has a role in spreading the Gospel

There’s also a skit about Saint John Bosco if you want something new. Or, if you need something even easier to teach about Father Bosco, I love this movie! Mission to Love is shockingly not-boring and the kids always enjoy it. I also have a movie guide to go with it so you can show all that the kids are learning!

4. Living Ordinary Time with Purpose

As we settle into Ordinary Time, focus on how this liturgical season invites us to grow in holiness in the small, everyday moments of life. Discuss how faith can be part of daily routines, from prayer and acts of kindness to seeking God in ordinary experiences.

These Daily Slides help start each class period with a focus on the season. They are color-coded and themed to match the liturgical season, and each day, students will have a chance to reflect on a Bible verse from the upcoming Mass. Plus, there are trivia questions and discussion prompts (some serious, some silly) to get kids engaged.

5. Catholic Social Teaching: Justice and Dignity

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, it’s a great time to teach your students about the importance of justice, peace, and dignity for all people. Discuss how these themes connect to Catholic Social Teaching and share stories of saints who fought for justice, like Saint Francis de Sales, who worked tirelessly for peace and unity.

January Catholic Lessons

By focusing on these January Catholic lessons, you’re helping your students build a strong foundation for the year ahead. January is a time for renewal, and what better way to start the year than with a renewed focus on faith, prayer, and service? Keep these lessons in mind as you help your students grow in their relationship with God throughout the month.

P.S. If you haven’t taught about New Years Resolutions yet, it’s not too late! Check out this post for ideas!

January Catholic Kids Bulletin

***There are THREE ways to get Catholic Kids Bulletins***

✨ 1. Enjoy a FREE Download!
- I created these bulletins as a new mom who couldn’t afford resources like this for my kiddos. So, these will always be free for anyone who needs them! Free downloads are made available a week or two before each new month begins.
✨2. Monthly Purchase
- Not ready to commit to a full year? No problem! You can buy this month’s bulletins for just $9 to help support my small business.
✨3. Full-Year Purchase
- Save time and get the entire YEAR of Catholic Kids Bulletins in one easy download! This comprehensive resource includes both Spanish and English versions, covering every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. This page includes detailed descriptions of the bulletins if you want more information.

These worksheets are designed to match each week’s Mass readings, making them perfect for engaging young hearts and minds during the liturgy.

✝️ Weekly Gospel Connection:
- Each bulletin includes a coloring page that reflects the week’s Gospel reading.
✨ Saint of the Week:
- Each week highlights a Catholic Saint, inspiring kids with the stories of holy men and women.
✍️ Weekly Activities:
- Kids can dive into fun activities, which are different every week. The bulletins may include Psalm tracing, mazes, color-by-number, puzzles, and word searches.
✔️Mass Liturgy Outline:
- The top of each bulletin features an outline of the Mass, helping kids learn the order and structure of the liturgy as they follow along.