Touched by Grace: Why We Bless Ourselves with Holy Water

When Catholics enter a church, it is customary to dip fingertips into the holy water font and make the Sign of the Cross, praying: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." This simple gesture holds deep meaning and connects us to the heart of our faith.

A Reminder of Our Baptism
Holy water reminds us of our baptism, when we were washed of sin, received God’s grace, and became temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). 

The holy water font is placed near the church entrance because we “entered the Church” through Baptism. By blessing ourselves as we enter, we recall that sacred moment and prepare our hearts to participate in Mass, recommitting ourselves to live as faithful members of God’s family.

A Profession of Faith
Each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we profess our belief in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and in the saving work of Christ on the cross. This act is both a prayer and a statement of faith, marking us as followers of Jesus.

Holy Water as a Sacramental
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1667, sacramentals are “sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments.” They prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it.  As a sacramental, holy water helps us resist temptation 
and seek God’s protection from sin and evil.

Holy water, blessed by a bishop, priest, or deacon, recalls the grace of baptism and strengthens our spiritual life. Used devoutly, it can help us grow in holiness.

Crossing from the Ordinary to the Sacred
The placement of holy water fonts at the church entrance carries deep symbolism. As we bless ourselves, we leave behind the noise and distractions of daily life and enter into a sacred space—a place set apart for prayer and worship. The cool touch of the water reminds us physically and spiritually that we are being refreshed and renewed, ready to encounter God in the Mass.

Reflection for the Jubilee Year
When and where were you baptized? During this Jubilee Year of Hope, you are encouraged to visit the font of your baptism—the place where your pilgrimage of faith began. Reflect on this gift of becoming part of God’s family, and look forward with gratitude and hope to your next visit to church.