For Episcopalians (and many other Christian denominations), few symbols are as important as the Baptismal Font. It serves as the means and reminder of one of our primary sacraments- the way in which we begin our lifelong spiritual journey with God and in God’s family the Church. Through it we are adopted by God as God’s children.

Baptism has ancient roots that date all the way back to John the Baptist in the Gospels, proclaiming repentance and the forgiveness of sins; Jesus himself was baptized as a way of inaugurating his earthly ministry in alignment with John. We suspect that this practice evolved from the Jewish ritual bath called the tvilah, and it became the way a person “started clean” and began following Jesus Christ in their lives. Baptisms can be full emersion or with water poured the head, and makes an indelible mark on the person which can never be undone. In addition to the water, chrism (scented oil) blessed by a bishop is often used to anoint the person’s head, connecting them to the bishop and their apostolic succession.

For infants, it acknowledges and names the truth that they are already in full connection with their creator just as they should be at this point in their lives, and it is the parents who promise to set this little one on a path of faith that begins even at birth. Later, when the child grows up, they take on these promises as their own during Confirmation. For an adult who is being Baptized, they make these promises for themselves (if a Bishop baptized an Adult, it counts as both Baptism and Confirmation as all qualifications are met at one time!).

Through Baptism, we are washed clean and renewed: washed clean of our sins that separate us from God; washed clean of everything that “builds up” and separates us from whom God has created us to be; and through it we symbolically join with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. During Baptism, everyone present renews their vows and promises to faith, trust, and action.

When not being used for Baptisms, the font sits at the entrance of our church containing Holy Water blessed by a priest. You will often see people touch the water and make the sign of the cross, taking a moment to remember their own Baptism and spiritual journey with God.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.