We have a Holy Water Font in the sun room in front of my DD’s bedroom. Our humidity here is typically in the range of 15%, so it also dries up quickly. I’m shaking my head at the fact that while I’ve suggested to Father that we needed a sponge on the Font at Church, I didn’t think of it for home!
Duh!
I want to get a couple more, one for the front door, so we can use it on the way in and out of the house (and it serves as a witness to our faith for those who come calling). I haven’t done so yet, as my husband isn’t Catholic, and I’ve been introducing things Catholic to the public areas of the house slowly so as not to overwhelm him.
As for keeping Holy Water on hand, I have a small bottle with one of those wire / clamp style tops that you see, sometimes on ceramic canisters. I made a Fimo casing for it and matching Fimo beads made into a Rosary. The bottle holds Holy Water I get from Church, as others have described.
As for simply getting drinking water and having the Priest bless it, you may find Priests willing to accomodate this form of blessing of water, but just so you know, properly prepared Holy Water has a small amount of salt added. The Easter Candle is used to bless the Holy Water during Holy Week. I’m certain that the container we have is insuffient to meet the needs of our Parish for the entire year, so I believe the Priest blesses more, but I believe it would be properly prepared with regards to the inclusion of at least salt.
It’s nice to have sacramentals around, isn’t it!
I was realizing the other day that having a Holy Water Font at or near the front door is much like the Jewish Custom of placing a Mezuza on the door frame.
I like the thought that we are realizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and that God is willing to shower us with Graces. He has provided us with a Church to make this possible in a real and substantial way in the World. Isn’t it wonderful!
CARose