Do check it out, but note that it has no binding authority except where it is quoting other documents (which is a significant portion of the text). It remains a useful round up of Church guidelines on the construction and renovation of churches.
The OP mentioned the “necessity” of an immersion fon**This is nowhere required, but frequently insisted on. **t. I will have to check through resources, but I know it is part of the program of changes that Fr Vosko and his elite group of peers seek to institute as the ‘norm’ of liturgical design.
Regarding the authority of Built of Living Stones it says this:
§ 10 § This document has been approved by the bishops of the Latin Church of the United States and issued by the authority of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 16, 2000. Built of Living Stones contains many of the provisions of universal law governing liturgical art and architecture and offers pastoral suggestions based upon the experience of the last thirty-five years. The document presents guidelines that can serve as the basis for diocesan bishops to issue further guidelines and directives for their dioceses. Where the document quotes or reiterates norms from liturgical books and the Code of Canon Law, those prescriptions are binding on local communities and dioceses.
It was agreed to by majority vote of the Bishops of the United States and therefore deserves the faithful’s utmost respect and adhereance. (I’m always amazed when the faithful present themselves as faithful followers of liturgical documents but then dismiss their own bishops).
Regarding fonts it states:
§ 69 § The following criteria can be helpful when choosing the design for the font:
One font that will accommodate the baptism of both infants and adults symbolizes the one faith and one baptism that Christians share. The size and design of the font can facilitate the dignified celebration for all who are baptized at the one font.
The font should be large enough to supply ample water for the baptism of both adults and infants.
Since baptism in Catholic churches may take place by immersion in the water, or by infusion (pouring), fonts that permit all forms of baptismal practice are encouraged.91
Some often suggest large immersion type fonts are an unwarrented moderinst development. This evidences a lack of knowedge regarding the baptismal practice of the ancient and medieval church. A prime example is the Lateran baptistery, where the large depression was completely filled with water through seven spouts shaped like dear (imaging the psalm verse: as the hart panteth for running streams.). Other examples are the ancient fonts of the Milan Cathedral (where Ambose baptized Augustine), San Marcello on the Corso (Rome), and San Lorenzo in Lucina (Rome).
In the medieval era, too, large fonts, although now above the ground, were used to baptized. Illuminated manuscripts often show neophytes, kings, or other personages, in fonts that look like huge pots.
I often think of the question in reverse: why would I prefer a stoop-like font when the great architectural and liturgical patrimony of the church indicates otherwise.
