Holy water font?

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Genovefa

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I went to Mass tonight. I didn’t partake, but participated in everything else. But I had a question. Is it okay for me to dip my fingers in the holy water when I enter the church even if I am not in full communion?
 
Yes, you can bless yourself with holy water. Dip you fingers and then make the sign of the cross.
 
Yes, you may. 🙂

I remember being concerned about this too because I thought it was like I was “baptizing myself,” so to speak, but you are not. There is more to baptism than holy water, but the water can still impart some grace to you.
 
Also, you can dip your fingers in the water then flick the water in the sign of the cross toward the Tabernacle whilst praying “By this Holy Water and by thy precious blood, O Lord wash away the sins of all my dear departed brothers and sisters in Purgatory, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”.
 
As long as is doesn’t burn. Just kidding (I couldn’t resist). Seriously, I think Holy Water is very powerful and helpful to our spirituality. It’s a great reminder of our Baptism and causes evil to flee.

Glennonite
 
Genovefa said:
I went to Mass tonight. I didn’t partake, but participated in everything else. But I had a question. Is it okay for me to dip my fingers in the holy water when I enter the church even if I am not in full communion?
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Catholics use holy water as a reminder of our baptism, so it is proper for any baptized person to cross themselves with holy water upon entering the church. It would not necessarily be wrong for an unbaptized person to do so, but that is the reason for the custom.
 
Code: 
Catholics use holy water as a reminder of our baptism, so it is proper for any baptized person to cross themselves with holy water upon entering the church.
I have been baptized. I should have mentioned this.

Also, what is the reason for getting down on one knee before entering the pew?
 
Genovefa said:
Code: 
Catholics use holy water as a reminder of our baptism, so it is proper for any baptized person to cross themselves with holy water upon entering the church.
I have been baptized. I should have mentioned this.

Also, what is the reason for getting down on one knee before entering the pew?
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This is called genuflecting and is done toward the tabernacle (where the Blessed Sacrament is kept). It’s usually behind the altar or to one side of it. Some people make the Sign of the Cross as they kneel. If the tabernacle is elsewhere, such as a day chapel, it would be appropriate to bow toward the altar as a sign of reverence.
 
puzzleannie said:
Catholics use holy water as a reminder of our baptism, so it is proper for any baptized person to cross themselves with holy water upon entering the church. It would not necessarily be wrong for an unbaptized person to do so, but that is the reason for the custom.
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If one has not been baptized, one should/may use it in anticipation of their baptism.
 
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