Liturgical Information
The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist [Vigil Mass]

Themes & Motives: predestined glory, salvation, prophecy, light

Introit:
From his mother's womb, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and many will rejoice at his birth. (Lk 1:15,14)

Opening Prayer:
All-powerful God,
help your people to walk the path of salvation.
By following the teaching of John the Baptist,
may we come to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Jeremiah 1:4-10 [Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. /v.5]
• Psalm 71:1-2 / 3-4 / 5-6 / 15,17 [R. Since my mother's womb you have been my strength. v.6b]
• I Peter 1:8-12 [The prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry. /v.10]
• Gospel Verse: see Jn 1:7; Lk 1:17 [He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.]
• Luke 1:5-17 [Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. /v.13]

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
look with favor on the gifts we bring
on the feast of John the Baptist.
Help us to put into action
the mystery we celebrate in this sacrament.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface of John the Baptist: [The Mission of John the Baptist]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We praise your greatness
as we honor the prophet
who prepared the way before your Son.

You set John the Baptist apart form other men,
marking him out with special favor.
His birth brought great rejoicing:
even in the womb he leapt for joy,
so near was man's salvation.

You chose John the Baptist from all the prophets
to show the world its redeemer,
the lamb of sacrifice.

He baptized Christ, the giver of baptism,
in waters made holy by the one who was baptized.
You found John worthy of a martyr's death,
his last and greatest act of witness to your Son.

In our unending joy we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory for ever:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:68)

Prayer after Communion:
Father,
may the prayers of John the Baptist
lead us to the Lamb of God.
May this eucharist bring us the mercy of Christ,
who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

The English translation of the Introit, Opening Prayer, Psalm Refrain, Gospel Verse, Prayer over the Gifts, Preface, Communion Antiphon and Prayer after Communion from The Roman Missal, © Copyright 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Excerpts from the First Reading, Second Reading and Gospel are taken from the New American Standard Bible ® © Copyright 1973 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.