How to Make a Feast of the Baptism of the Lord DIY Pilgrimage
As the Christmas season comes to a close (unless you observe through the Presentation of the Lord!), it is once again time to celebrate a special day in the Catholic Church: the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Taking place on Sunday, January 11 (2026), the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrates the moment when Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of His public ministry. During the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the voice of the Father proclaimed Him as His beloved Son.
To celebrate and commemorate this wonderful day in the Church, we invite you to make a DIY pilgrimage!
The Pilgrimage Journey for Families
Note: Before you begin, you will want to gather a few supplies, including a Bible, a bowl of water, and a candle.
1. Gather the Pilgrims
Supplies:
Bowl of water
Candle
Bible
Light the candle and say:
“Today we remember that we are God’s children.”
Have each child dip their fingers in water and make the Sign of the Cross.
2. Tell the Story (Kid-Friendly)
Paraphrase Matthew 3:13–17:
“Jesus went to the river to be baptized. God the Father spoke from heaven and said, ‘This is my beloved Son.’”
Ask:
What do you think it felt like to hear God’s voice?
What do you think God says about you?
Affirm each child by name:
“You are God’s beloved child.”
3. Pilgrim Activity Stop
Choose one:
Walk to a nearby pond, creek, or fountain
Visit your parish church
Walk around your neighborhood praying for neighbors
Let kids take turns leading short prayers.
4. Family Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Parents ask; kids respond:
Do you promise to love God and follow Jesus?
We do!
Sprinkle a little water gently over each child’s head and say:
“Remember who you belong to.”
5. Mission Craft or Action
Choose one:
Draw a picture of your baptism (real or imagined)
Write “Baptized + Beloved” on a card and decorate it
Choose one family service goal for the coming month
Finish with:
“Jesus, help our family live as Your light.”
Optional Add-On (For Both Pilgrimages)
Look up baptism photos or stories
Call a godparent
Share a simple celebratory dessert
The Pilgrimage Journey for Solo Pilgrims or Couples
1. Begin the Journey: Remember Your Baptism
Location: Your parish church or a quiet prayer corner at home
Dip your fingers in holy water (or blessed water).
Make the Sign of the Cross slowly.
Say aloud (together if a couple):
“I belong to Christ.”
Pause for silence (1–2 minutes).
2. Scripture Stop: The River Jordan
Read aloud: Matthew 3:13–17
Reflect quietly or discuss:
Why does Jesus—who is sinless—submit to baptism?
What does it mean to be beloved before doing anything to earn it?
Couple prompt:
How has our shared faith shaped the direction of our life together?
3. Pilgrim Walk or Drive
Take a short intentional walk or drive (10–20 minutes).
Walk near water if possible, or simply walk prayerfully.
Pray one decade of the Rosary or repeat:
“Lord, help me live my baptism.”
4. Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Stand together and pray:
Do you renounce sin and all that leads you away from God?
I do.Do you believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
I do.
Finish by tracing the Sign of the Cross with water on your forehead or each other’s hands.
5. Mission Moment
Write down:
One habit to let go of this year
One virtue God is calling you to grow in
End with the prayer:
“Lord, send me where You need me.”
Optional Add-On (For Both Pilgrimages)
Look up baptism photos or stories
Call a godparent
Share a simple celebratory dessert
That’s it! We pray you have a blessed Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and that you had the most beautiful of Christmas seasons.