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Crossing Ourselves with Holy Water

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Father Joe

One of the first gestures we should make on entering a church is to dip a hand into the holy water and to reverently bless ourselves with the appropriate words. This is to remind us of our Baptism as we, moved by the Holy Spirit, enter our Father’s house; we come to sing his praises in the Eucharist through his Son, Jesus Christ. Our Baptism is the gateway to the Eucharist. We receive Christ himself so that he may strengthen the grace we received in Baptism. He provides us with his help and the companionship we need on our journey to our Father’s eternal house in heaven.

Filed under: Awalt Papers |

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One Response

  1. Dave's avatar
    Dave, on May 11, 2012 at 3:25 pm said:

    Father – what are the appropriate words?
    Thanks!

    FATHER JOE: Sometimes people say no words at all, only mentally. Coming into the church, they might whisper with the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” With or without water, these are the words. They are often spoken aloud at the beginning and at the end of prayers. It is also the gesture and words with which the priest begins Mass.

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