John the Baptist was a great prophet who lived a long time ago. Before John was born, the angel Gabriel proclaimed that God had a special mission for him.

When John grew up, he preached that the Messiah was coming and people should get ready. At the Jordan River he baptized those who wished to find new life in Jesus. He came to be known as John the Baptist. One day, Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized too. The story of John teaches us how the sacrament of Baptism gives us the gifts of God’s grace, life, and love. He is the patron (June 24) of the sacrament of Baptism and of converts.

Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me! series, these beautifully illustrated early-reader books tell the real stories of saints that come to life and connect with today’s children aged 4 to 9.