Reminder Water

Those of us in the "believers' church" tradition make a big deal about baptizing only those old enough to believe, understand, and make an "adult" commitment. We disparage infant baptism because babies can't choose it, can't understand it, and can't believe.

But on the other hand, we have no official or regular way of remembering our baptism. We might remember it when we happen to attend someone else's baptism, but it's possible to attend church for months or years without a baptism reminder.

Not so in Catholic churches, where a font with water is always by the entrance to the sanctuary. Upon entering, you dip your hand in the water and cross yourself as a reminder of your baptism. You do the same as you exit, each and every time you worship.

It's a way--as an adult--of claiming that infant baptism as your own. It's a constant reminder that God--in total grace--loved, called, claimed, accepted, and incorporated you into the community of faith without any "works" on your part. And so every Sunday you dip your hand into the water to pray, "Thank you, God" and also to pray, "God, what You and my parents chose for me, I now choose--again--for myself."

This font of "Reminder Water" (my term, not theirs) , is in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mt. Angel, Oregon.

See Sabbatical Crosses (and others). Order prints, etc.