Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Feast Day: June 24
Resources
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist celebrates his birth. St. John the Baptist was the cousin of Jesus and came to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24.
Patron Saint of …
He is the patron saint of converts, epileptics, nurses, monastic life, tailors, booksellers, printers, heart patients, and firefighters. He is also the patron saint of many locations, including Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada, Newfoundland, Florence, and Genoa.
Daily Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Vigil Mass
- First Reading – Jeremiah 1:4-10: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71: “Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.”
- Second Reading – 1 Peter 1:8-12: “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.”
- Gospel – Luke 1:5-17: “He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
Mass During the Day
- First Reading – Isaiah 49:1-6: “The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: “I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.”
- Second Reading – Acts 13:22-26: “John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”
- Gospel – Luke 1:57-66, 80: “When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.”
Sponsored
Cry Out Lesson Plan
This Cry Out lesson plan will help youth understand who this prophet was and the role he played in making the way for Jesus.
Litany
In this litany, we ask this saint by his many titles and roles to pray for us so we can be more like him.
What Are You Waiting For? Reflection and Discussion Questions
This discussion and set of reflection questions helps youth consider his message that “One mightier than I is coming after me.” Some things are worth waiting for.
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
He must increase; I must decrease.
John 3:30
Becoming Like John the Baptist Video
Jeff Cavins speaks of how St. John the Baptist was a “polished arrow in the quiver of the Lord” and explains how we can be one as well.