Baptistery and Baptismal Font


bap1968

St. Joseph's baptismal area is shown here in a picture taken when the church was new. The font is made of the same marble as the altar, lectern, and tabernacle pillar. The font is at the center of a circular sunken basin which can be filled with water for adult baptisms at Easter. The circular shape of the font and the basin are symbolic of a womb, indicating that the waters of Baptism are the waters of rebirth and of new life, and that it is through the sacrament of Baptism that a person becomes a child of God.

The font's original brass cover which appears in the photograph is no longer used. By leaving the font uncovered, St. Joseph Parish hopes to communicate that the sacraments are open to all.