What is the baptismal font in the Catholic Church?

A baptismal font is a basin, vase, or other receptacle in which water is store for the Christian ritual of baptism. The baptismal font is a very important part of ecclesiastic ritual and architecture. In the Christian world, fonts matter.

Where is the font in a church?

The font is a piece of church furniture and is usually located near the entrance to a church. This reflects its function in the Christening service, where people are baptized and begin their journey as new church members and as followers of Jesus.

Who gathers around the baptismal font?

immediate family
In infant Baptism, the immediate family gathers around the baptismal font (see the figure), and the child is held over the basin while the priest or deacon pours water three times over the child’s head and says his first and middle name, and then, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy …

Why is the baptismal font at the front of the church?

Fonts are often placed at or near the entrance to a church’s nave to remind believers of their baptism as they enter the church to pray, since the rite of baptism served as their initiation into the Church. Some church bodies use special holy water while others will use water straight out of the tap to fill the font.

What does a font represent in a church?

Fonts hold consecrated water used in the baptism of newcomers to the Christian church (usually infants). Fonts are usually located at the west end of the church, often near the south door. Fonts are usually of stone, and often lined with lead.

Why do baptismal fonts have 8 sides?

Many are eight-sided as a reminder of the new creation and as a connection to the practice of circumcision, which traditionally occurs on the eighth day. Some are three-sided as a reminder of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What is a baptism pool called?

Baptismal fonts are pools or containers that hold the water for the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism. …

Why is the baptismal font at the entrance of the church?

Some are three-sided as a reminder of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fonts are often placed at or near the entrance to a church’s nave to remind believers of their baptism as they enter the church to pray, since the rite of baptism served as their initiation into the Church.

Do you need a cover for a baptism font?

“1. In every church and chapel where baptism is to be administered, there shall be provided a decent font with a cover for the keeping clean thereof. 2.

Where was the font in the Reformed Church?

The Reformers moved the font to the front of the church where baptism was performed in the midst of the covenant people of God, or as the Scots phrased it, “in the face of the congregation.”

What does the Book of blessings say about the baptismal font?

The Book of Blessings says the font “should permit baptism by immersion, wherever this is the usage” (1085), while the General Introduction to Christian Initiation makes a clearer theological statement, calling immersion “more suitable as a symbol of participating in the death and resurrection of Christ” (GICI, 22).

What is the purpose of a baptismal font?

Baptismal Font, a basin or vase, serving as a receptacle for baptismal water in which the candidate for baptism is immersed, or over which he is washed, in the ceremony of Christian initiation. In the Church’s present practice it is ordinarily a decorative stone basin,…

Where should the font be placed in a small church?

41) offers the recommendation that if the font must be placed near the sanctuary, in a small church, the area around it should be clearly defined as distinct from the sanctuary. He suggests that it “would seem best” to locate the baptistry in a prominent position: e.g., near the major door at the “west” end of a church.

How tall was the baptismal font in the Catholic Church?

Instead of a basin below the floor level, walls of masonry were built up to a height of three or four feet, to facilitate the ministers holding a child over its opening; or a font hewn from solid stone rested on the chapel floor.

Is it permissible to have the baptismal font near the altar?

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university. Q: In my new parish I noticed that both the baptismal font and the Easter candle are placed right in the center of the church, a few feet from the altar. Is this permissible, even during Lent?