St. Mark Coloring Page
This St. Mark coloring page shows the Gospel writer at his desk with a pen and an open book, and his winged lion resting peacefully at his side. The PDF is free to print. Mark wrote the second Gospel, the shortest of the four, and the city of Venice keeps his relics.
The story of St. Mark
A long time ago in Jerusalem lived a young man named John Mark. His mother had a big house, and the first followers of Jesus often met there to pray. One night, when St. Peter was set free from prison by an angel, the very first place he hurried to was Mark's house!
Mark's cousin was St. Barnabas. When Barnabas and St. Paul set out on a long journey to tell people about Jesus, they took young Mark along. But partway through the trip, Mark went home. Maybe he was tired, or scared, or homesick. Paul was disappointed. But Barnabas gave Mark another chance, and Mark grew strong and brave. Years later Paul wrote that Mark was "very useful" to him. Isn't that good news? God gives us second chances too.
Mark also became a helper of St. Peter, who loved him so much that he called him "my son." Mark listened carefully to everything Peter remembered about Jesus, and the Church tells us that Mark wrote it all down. That book is the Gospel of Mark, the shortest of the four Gospels. It moves fast, from one story to the next, full of Jesus healing people and calming storms.
Tradition says Mark went on to Egypt and started the Church in the city of Alexandria, and that he gave his life for Jesus there. Hundreds of years later, his body was carried to Venice in Italy, where a great golden church is named for him.
We celebrate St. Mark on April 25.
What to color
- St. Mark's clothes: a blue or green tunic with a red or brown cloak, the way icons often paint the Gospel writers.
- The winged lion: golden yellow, with brown or gold wings. The lion is Mark's special sign, and in Venice you can find winged lions everywhere.
- The book and pen: the Gospel he wrote. Give the book a bright cover and gold edges.
- The halo: yellow or gold, to show he is a saint in heaven.
- The window: light blue sky and yellow sunshine.
A prayer to pray together
Mark's Gospel starts with these words of the prophet, which John the Baptist called out in the desert (Mark 1:3):
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Then children can pray: St. Mark, pray for us, and help us tell others about Jesus.
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page on April 25, St. Mark's feast, which falls in the joyful Easter season.
- Read a short story from the Gospel of Mark together, such as Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35–41).
- Make a paper lion mask with a yellow plate and paper wings.
- Learn the symbols of all four Gospel writers: a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. Can you match each one?
- Talk about it: Mark got a second chance. Who can you give a second chance to this week?
Read the full story: St. Mark the Evangelist in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Mark?
Icons often give Mark a blue or green tunic with a red or brown cloak. The lion can be golden, with gold or brown wings, and the halo yellow. The book can be any color you like, with gold edges.
Why does St. Mark have a lion?
The early Church gave each Gospel writer one of four heavenly creatures from the Bible. Mark got the lion because his Gospel begins with John the Baptist calling out in the desert like a voice roaring in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord."
Is St. Mark the same as John Mark in the Bible?
Yes, the Church has long understood them to be the same man. John Mark traveled with St. Barnabas, his cousin, and with St. Paul, and later helped St. Peter, who called him "my son."
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.