Fishy Business

Start by playing Donut Fishing. In this game, donuts dangle on strings, and the goal is to see who can eat theirs the fastest—no hands allowed! See Donut Fishing for complete instructions.

After playing, take a moment to think about it:

• Who thought donut fishing was hard?
• Who thought it was messy?
• What would have happened if the partners didn’t cooperate?

Just like in donut fishing, growing in holiness can sometimes be difficult and messy. We look at saints and holy people and feel like we could never reach that level. We make mistakes, and it can seem impossible. But remember—even St. Peter didn’t think he could be holy enough to follow Jesus.

Read the Gospel:

Luke 5:1-11 (The call of Peter) – the Gospel Reading for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.

He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”

Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:1-11

St. Peter was a fisherman. That was hard, messy work. He spent long days pulling heavy nets from the sea, his hands likely rough and calloused. He probably smelled like fish by the end of the day, and his appearance would have been different from the religious scholars and priests who spent their days studying scripture in the temple. He might not have felt like someone who could follow a holy man, much less Jesus.

But Peter was an expert in his field. He knew how to fish, probably better than anyone. So when Jesus came and told him to take the nets he had already cleaned and put them back in the water, Peter might have been a bit skeptical. He could have thought, Why is a rabbi telling me how to do my job? But even though Peter had his doubts, he did what Jesus asked him to do anyway.

Then something amazing happened. Peter put out his nets and pulled up a catch so large that his nets began to break. He had to call his friends to help him because there were so many fish. Even with their help, getting all those fish into the boat was exhausting work. Peter immediately realized this wasn’t just a lucky catch. This was something miraculous. Peter knew only God could do something like this.

At that moment, Peter also realized something about himself. He knew he wasn’t perfect; he wasn’t a priest or a scholar. He was just a fisherman. He was struck by the fact that God had chosen to reveal His power to someone like him. Peter felt afraid because he didn’t think he was worthy to be near Jesus, a holy man.

But Jesus didn’t turn Peter away. Instead, He invited him to something even greater. Jesus didn’t just ask Peter to come fishing again. He invited Peter to follow Him and become His disciple. This meant Peter would leave everything—his fishing business, his family, and all that he knew—to follow Jesus. Peter could have said no, but instead, he said “yes” to Jesus. Even though Peter knew he wasn’t perfect, he also knew that life with Jesus would help him grow.

Today, we are going to talk about what holiness and discipleship mean for us. First of all, what is holiness? Holiness is not about being perfect. It’s about being close to God. Holiness means opening our hearts to God and letting Him work in us. It’s about having a deep, personal relationship with God, a relationship that transforms us over time.

And what about discipleship? Discipleship is following Jesus. It means being willing to learn from Him and trust in Him, even when it’s difficult. Holiness and discipleship are tied together. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more focused on following Jesus in our everyday lives.

What can we learn from Peter’s story about holiness and discipleship?

First, we learn that holiness starts with saying “yes” to Jesus. Peter could have said no when Jesus asked him to take the boat back out or when Jesus called him to follow. But Peter agreed, even though he didn’t fully understand. If we want to grow in holiness, we have to respond to God’s invitations. Sometimes we’ll feel uncertain, and sometimes what God asks might seem hard, but each “yes” brings us closer to Him. God gives us free will; He never forces us. But holiness requires us to choose Him.

Second, discipleship involves hard work. Holiness doesn’t come without effort. Think about Peter trying to pull in that huge catch of fish. It wasn’t easy, and he couldn’t do it alone. Growing in holiness means putting time and effort into our relationship with God. We can’t ignore our faith or push it aside and expect it to grow on its own. To be disciples, we must pray, make time for God, and sometimes step out of our comfort zones. Discipleship might mean helping others, even when it’s inconvenient, or saying no to things that pull us away from God. The work isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

Third, and maybe most importantly, you don’t have to be perfect to be a disciple. God already knows we aren’t perfect. He understands when we struggle. Peter himself stumbled many times along the way, even after he started following Jesus. But the more time he spent with Jesus, the more he grew. And even when Peter made mistakes, Jesus forgave him and helped him continue on his path. When we spend time with God, He starts to change our hearts. His grace makes us stronger and more able to follow Him, even through hard times. And when we stumble and sin, God is always ready to forgive us and help us back on our path.

So, remember this: holiness and discipleship are for everyone. God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He calls us. Like Peter, we might feel unworthy or think we don’t have what it takes. But God looks at our hearts and our willingness to say “yes.” Growing in holiness is a journey, with some struggles along the way. But each time we say “yes” to God, we take one more step closer to Him. And through it all, God is there, offering His love and mercy, making us holy one step at a time.

Facilitators: Encourage open, respectful sharing in the small groups. Remind everyone that holiness is a personal journey, and there’s no “perfect” way to answer these questions. Each person’s experiences and thoughts are unique. Encourage participants to listen to each other and be open about their own thoughts and questions. Remind them that God calls each of us to holiness in our own way, just like Peter’s call was unique to him.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think it means to say “yes” to Jesus in your life right now? Are there small ways you can respond to His call each day?
• Peter felt unworthy to follow Jesus. Have you ever felt unworthy to follow God? How do you think God feels about you in those moments?
• Holiness isn’t about being perfect but about letting God work in us. How does this make you feel about your own relationship with God?
• Holiness requires effort and sometimes hard work. What are some things in your life that help you grow closer to God? What challenges do you face?
• God doesn’t call us to follow Him alone. How can you support friends or family in their faith, and how can they support you in yours?
• What does discipleship mean to you? What are some ways you can follow Jesus’ example in your everyday life?
• Jesus performed a miracle that led Peter to trust Him. Can you think of a time in your life when God seemed close or did something unexpected? How did that impact your faith?
• Holiness is a journey with ups and downs. What do you think are some of the “ups” and “downs” of your own journey with God so far?
• How do you think Peter’s life changed after he decided to follow Jesus? How could following Jesus change your life?
• Sometimes we feel pressured to be perfect. How does knowing that God doesn’t expect perfection change your perspective on holiness?

Let each participant share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with, and remember to keep the atmosphere encouraging and welcoming.

This week, think of one specific way you can grow closer to God. Maybe it’s setting aside a few minutes each day for prayer or reading a short passage from the Bible. It could even be thanking God for blessings throughout your day or asking for His help in difficult moments. Choose something small but meaningful that you feel you can stick to this week. Think of it as a way of saying “yes” to Jesus, like Peter did, in your own daily life.

Once you’ve chosen your action, make a commitment to do it each day. If you miss a day, don’t get discouraged—just start again. Growing closer to God isn’t about perfection but about being open to Him and taking small steps. By doing this, you’re inviting God into your life more intentionally, allowing Him to work in you. At the end of the week, take a moment to think about how it felt to stay committed. You might be surprised to find how even a small “yes” to God can help you feel closer to Him.

Let’s close with some prayers and petitions, asking the Holy Spirit to help us grow in holiness. Think about the things you want to ask God for, whether it’s courage, peace, patience, or the ability to make good choices. Remember that the Holy Spirit is here with us, ready to guide and strengthen us in our journey with God. If there’s a specific intention you’d like to offer, you can mention it in your heart or share it with the group if you feel comfortable.

Now, let’s pray together, asking the Holy Spirit to be with us in every part of our lives so we can become more holy. This prayer invites the Spirit to inspire our thoughts, actions, and hearts. As we pray, ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on things that bring you closer to God.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

A printable copy of the prayer is available here.

Themes for the Fishy Business Lesson Plan on Holiness

• God’s Call to Everyone: Holiness is not just for a few; God calls each of us to be holy. He wants a close relationship with all of us. This lesson plan on holiness shows that anyone can grow in holiness.
• Saying Yes to God: Holiness starts with a simple yes. Just as Peter listened to Jesus and followed, we are also called to respond to God’s invitations. The lesson plan on holiness helps youth understand that our journey starts with trust.
• Trusting in God’s Power: Peter’s experience shows that great things happen when we trust God. Even in daily life, God’s presence can change everything. The lesson plan on holiness teaches youth to rely on God’s help.
• Holiness in Daily Life: Holiness isn’t only in church but also in our regular activities. Peter was a fisherman, yet Jesus called him where he was. This lesson plan on holiness teaches that we can serve God in all we do.
• Humility Before God: Peter felt unworthy in front of Jesus, yet Jesus called him. Recognizing our imperfections helps us stay open to God’s grace. This lesson plan on holiness encourages youth to approach God with humble hearts.
• Holiness Through Discipleship: Following Jesus is the path to holiness. Like Peter, we leave our comfort zones to grow closer to God. The lesson plan on holiness teaches that discipleship is central to a holy life.
• Dependence on God’s Mercy: God is ready to forgive when we stumble. Like Peter, we don’t need to be perfect, just open to God’s mercy. This lesson plan on holiness reminds youth of God’s forgiveness.
• The Work of Holiness: Holiness requires effort, just as Peter worked hard to haul in fish. Building a relationship with God means spending time and effort. This lesson plan on holiness shows that growing closer to God involves dedication.
• Spreading God’s Love: Jesus called Peter to be a “fisher of men.” Our faith calls us to share God’s love with others. This lesson plan on holiness encourages youth to see holiness as a way to lead others to Christ.
• Growing in Faith Together: Holiness often grows in community, as Peter worked with others. This reminds us that we don’t journey alone. This lesson plan on holiness encourages building faith with friends, family, and the Church.

Background Material for the Fishy Business Lesson Plan on Holiness

Holiness is a central part of Catholic teaching and the heart of the Christian life. It is a call from God to all people. Holiness means being close to God, following His will, and allowing Him to work through us. This lesson plan on holiness explores this call to a deeper relationship with God by looking at the story of Peter, a simple fisherman who responded to Jesus’ invitation and became a disciple. Peter’s response teaches us what it means to grow in holiness and become the person God created us to be.

The Bible tells us that God calls each one of us to be holy. In the Old Testament, God says, “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This call is also repeated in the New Testament when Jesus says, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Jesus does not mean we must be without flaws. Rather, He calls us to love God with our whole hearts and to try to follow Him in all we do. Holiness is about staying close to God and letting His grace transform us.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, holiness is described as our shared mission as Christians: “All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (CCC 2013). This means holiness is not just for priests, religious, or the “perfect.” Holiness is for everyone, no matter our background or state in life. God calls us all to love Him deeply and let His love shape our lives.

The story of Peter in Luke 5:1-11 is a good example of this. Peter was an ordinary fisherman with no special training in religion. But when Jesus told him to put out his nets, Peter listened and obeyed, even though it did not seem to make sense. This shows that holiness starts with trust in God, even when His call seems hard or confusing. Peter’s “yes” allowed him to experience a miracle and gave him a glimpse of who Jesus truly is. This encounter led Peter to realize his own unworthiness, but Jesus called him anyway. Jesus didn’t look for Peter to be perfect. Instead, He wanted Peter to be willing to follow and to keep saying “yes” to God.

This lesson plan on holiness also teaches that growing in holiness means working with God’s grace. St. Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Our efforts alone are not enough; we need God’s help. Holiness is not something we earn but something we receive as a gift from God. When we follow Jesus, His grace gives us the strength to live as His disciples. The story of Peter shows that holiness is a journey and that we grow through trust, obedience, and the grace of God.

This lesson plan on holiness helps young people see that holiness is achievable and that it happens one step at a time. It is about saying “yes” to God daily and working with His grace. Peter’s story reminds us that we do not have to be perfect to follow Jesus. Instead, we only need to be open to Him, trusting that He will make us holy as we walk with Him. This is what holiness looks like: a journey with God, shaped by His love and mercy.

Music Suggestions for the Fishy Business Lesson Plan on Holiness

• Fish With Me by Ken Canedo
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• Holy, Holy, Holy by Audrey Assad
• Come Follow Me by Gael Berberick, Barney Walker, Kevin Keil
• Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans on holiness and reflections like this lesson plan on holiness, see this page. We offer resources to help teachers, youth ministers, and catechists bring Catholic teachings to life. These lesson plans are designed to be engaging and easy to use, making it simple to share the faith with young people. Explore our collection to find inspiring ways to guide youth in understanding and growing in their faith.