What is Holy Water? Water has always played an important symbolic role in biblical faith. Ancient Israel used to purify people and places by sprinkling them with water (see Lev 14:49-52; Num 19:18). Israelite priests ritually washed their hands before and after offering sacrifice. The temple in Jerusalem had fonts for worshippers to cleanse themselves. In the sacrament of Baptism, a sacramental (holy water) becomes the material substance used by God to effect the remission of sins. Plain water becomes holy water through the blessing of an ordained minister. For instance, water is blessed at the Easter Vigil for the baptism of those being received into the Church that night. This holy water is to be retained for the entire liturgical year. After being blessed, the holy water is placed in a font accessible to worshippers. Some churches, like ours, now have large baptismal fonts. Worshippers can dip their fingers into the font and then make the sign of the cross as a preparation to enter the sacred mysteries. With this sacramental, we’re continually reminded of our baptism and union with Christ in his death and resurrection, and we pray to be cleansed and forgiven of any sins that have stained us on our journey through the world. Adjusted from “Why do Catholics use holy water?” by Al Kresta
