Ask the Priest: Thanksgiving for Baptism

Why is water poured into the baptismal font at the back of the church sometimes, when it is not used in the service?  

During Eastertide in our Choral Service we have begun our service of worship with a short liturgy giving thanks for our baptism. The presiding celebrant pours a little water into the font and leads the assembly in prayer giving thanks for the gift of baptism, which unites us to Christ in his life, death, and resurrection.

During Lent, we began our Eucharistic services with a Penitential Rite, affirming our desire for repentance, turning to God, and seeking forgiveness, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to more faithfully follow Jesus. The Eastertide Thanksgiving for Baptism, brings symmetry to the cycle of the church year that includes Lent, Easter, Ascension, and concludes with Pentecost.

By the way, on Sunday, June 3, at the Choral Service, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.