Baptism Lesson Plan

This lesson plan will introduce students to the theology of Baptism and encourage them to reflect on their own baptismal grace. You can find some additional Sacrament of Baptism activity ideas here.

Baptism Lesson Objectives

• Students will be able to explain why Baptism is important for Christians.
• Students will be able to explain the meaning of each symbol of the Sacrament of Baptism.
• Students will feel grateful for their own Baptism.

Baptism Lesson Activities

Presentation Hook: What is water for?

Bring in a glass or bowl of water. Place it in the front of the room and ask:

How do we use water in our everyday life?

Answers may include:

• Drink
• Thirst quencher
• Wash hands
• Bath/Shower
• Toilet
• Car Wash

Now explain that today’s lesson is about Baptism, the sacrament that uses water to wash away our sins and give us new life.

Present: The Meaning of Baptism

“This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1214).

Present: The Symbols of the Sacrament of Baptism

Introduce students to the symbols for the Sacrament of Baptism including water and immersion. Here is a summary of the section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that describes each symbol:

Sign of the Cross (CCC, 1235) — remembers the gift of salvation give to us by Christ on the cross.

Water (CCC, 1238) — 1) water cleans and refreshes / Baptism cleans away sin and refreshes the soul and 2) complete immersion under water signifies the dying (under water) and rising to new life (out of the water)

Chrism (Oil) (CCC, 1241) — the perfumed oil signifies again the cleansing, but in a particular way oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit (and will again show this gift’s presence at Confirmation)

White Garment (CCC, 1243) — newly clothed in white symbolizes the person baptized has “put on Christ,” or has risen with Christ

Candle (CCC, 1243) — the newly baptized person and their godparents or sponsors are given a candle, which is lit from the big Easter candle, signifying that this person now has the light of Christ within them and that they are now “the light of the world.”

Practice: Introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism

Now give your students a chance to practice what they have learned about the symbols using this matching quiz:

Symbol Choices: Water, Chrism (Oil), White Garment, Candle

1. We put on Christ.
2. Our sins are washed away.
3. We are led by the light of Christ.
4. Our soul is clean with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Or download and print this worksheet from The Religion Teacher’s Sacraments Worksheets:

Students will match the symbols of the Sacrament of Baptism with their meaning.

Download the Worksheet:

Download the Baptism Worksheet

Present: The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Spend some time introducing students to the origin of the Sacrament of Baptism with the story of Jesus’s own baptism in the Jordan River with John the Baptist.

Summary of the Story of Jesus’s Baptism

1. John the Baptist lived in the desert and preached a message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord. While he baptized with water, he prepared people for the one that would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus met John at the Jordan River and asked to be baptized. John felt unworthy, but Jesus insisted that it should be done.
3. Jesus descended into the water and when he came out of the water the heavens opened up and the Holy Spirit came upon him in the form of a dove.
4. A voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
5. Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the desert to resist the temptation of the devil before beginning his ministry.

Discussion: Have students identify any connections to the symbols of the Sacrament of Baptism today especially water, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit.

Practice: Symbols of Baptism Stations

Turn each symbol of the Sacrament of Baptism into a station for students to explore more deeply. Students should spend about 2-5 minutes at each station. Set a timer and have them rotate when it seems like most of the groups are finished.

Station 1: Water

1. Place a bowl of water in the center of the table.
2. Have each student write down a sin in washable marker.
3. Place the paper in the bowl of water. The sin should dissolve into the water and create a blank paper.
4. Students should pray an Act of Contrition.

After the stations, show the papers to the students with the sins washed away. Have them explain how this connects to the actual waters of Baptism.

Station 2: Oil

1. Place a set of index cards in the middle of the table.
2. Each student will draw a picture of themselves participating in their favorite sport, hobby, or activity.
3. On the back of the index card they will write and recite a simple prayer: “Come, Holy Spirit.”

Explain to the students that the oil of their Baptism reminds us that the Holy Spirit is with them in whatever they do.

Station 3: White Garment

1. Bring in a plain white t-shirt and place it in the middle of the table.
2. On the t-shirt each student will write one characteristic of Christ they want to live out the most. Words might include: strong, brave, merciful, wise, peaceful, humble, compassionate, and loving.

Explain to the students that with the white garment of Baptism, we “put on Christ.” These are the characteristics that Jesus gives to us when we live our our Christian life.

Station 4: Candle

1. Place sticky notes in the middle of the table.
2. Have each student draw a stick-figure picture of Jesus.
3. Label the pictures, “Light of the World.”
4. Have the students place the sticky notes on the whiteboard in the shape of a candle flame.

Explain to the students the connection between the light of a candle and Jesus as the light of the world. He brightens our lives in times of darkness. He lights the way when we are lost.

Prayer: Renewal of Baptismal Promises

Take students to the church and stand around the Baptismal font. There invite them to renew their Baptismal promises using this collection of prayers.

V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.

Proof: Baptism T-Chart

Have students fold a sheet of paper in half. On the left write “SYMBOLS” and on the right side write “MEANING.” They will describe the meaning of three symbols of Baptism. One of those three symbols must be water.