Merry Summer Christmas
It’s not December, but on Monday, June 24 we celebrate Summer Christmas. Exactly six months from Christmas Eve, Summer Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of St. John the Baptist.
St. John the Baptist is unique among saints because his birthday is celebrated, rather than the day of his death. This distinction arises from the Gospel accounts that highlight his special role in preparing the way for Jesus. He was “filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15), and Jesus Himself praised John as “among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John” (Matthew 11:11-16).
The fact that St. John’s birth aligns with the middle of summer holds significant theological importance: Jesus is referred to as the “light of the world” (John 8:12) and John is known for saying about Jesus, “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Following this celebration, the days gradually shorten until the birth of Christ, after which they start to lengthen once more.
Celebrate Summer Christmas in Your Church of the Home
Bonfires A bonfire is the most essential way to honor this feast. These “St. John’s fires” burn brightly all over the world as a reminder of the light Christ brings. And it’s a wonderful excuse to toast marshmallows!
An Outdoor Feast Fittingly for the time of year, dining al fresco is customary on St. John’s day. In some countries, it’s traditional to wear a flower crown or leaf crown on this day, which makes for stunning photos of your gathering!
Splashing Water Going swimming or splashing friends with water is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the great Baptist. Water guns or water balloons would be a fun modern interpretation!
Songs and poems Singing folk songs and hymns is a heartwarming tradition on this special feast. After all, “he who sings prays twice!”
Dancing Jumping over the campfire is an old custom on this feast, and dancing around the bonfire is a safer alternative (and even more fun!). Folk dances are traditional on this day, expressing the joy that Christ and his saints bring.
Cousin's Day Jesus and St. John were cousins and had a close relationship. Celebrate your cousins by sending a note or message to them. Tell them what you love about them. If you live close to your cousins, why not get together with them and their families and do something fun? If your cousins live far away, you could video chat with them or talk to them over the phone.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
How do we deal with difficulties and storms in our lives? Finding calmness, stillness, and reliance on God's energy can bring peace in challenging times. We must also turn to trusted individuals or families to engage in open conversations for support in times of crisis. Join Bridget as she reflects on this weekend's Gospel.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
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Ruby and Res
Someone left a mess in the grass. Can you guess who it was?
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