Holy water is water that a church has blessed or consecrated for religious use. In many Christian traditions, a minister uses it to sprinkle worshippers, altars, or other objects as a sign of God's presence and protection. Some churches keep it in a font near the entrance, while others use it only during special rites.
What is holy water used for?
The most familiar use is sprinkling. At a Catholic Mass, a priest or deacon may bless water at the start of the service and sprinkle the congregation, the altar, or people as they enter. The gesture can signify God's protection, a request for blessing, or a transition into worship. At the Catholic Easter Vigil, newly blessed water is sprinkled over worshippers as they renew their baptismal promises. Other churches associate blessed water with baptism, dedicating an altar or church, healing prayers, or blessing a home.
Catholic funeral rites may include sprinkling with holy water. At an Orthodox Great Blessing of Water, worshippers may take some blessed water in small containers. Some Episcopalians and Anglicans use a sprinkler near the entrance or during major services. Practice varies by congregation.
Which churches use holy water?
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches use blessed or consecrated water. Catholics commonly keep it in a baptismal font or another container. Orthodox churches especially associate it with Theophany, when water is blessed and distributed. Some Episcopal and Anglican congregations bless water for baptism, worship, and dedications. Certain Lutheran churches also use blessed water in baptism.
Many Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and nondenominational churches do not have a separate holy-water rite, though they may bless water for baptism. The phrase is not a standard part of Jewish worship.
How is the water blessed?
A blessing is usually a spoken prayer asking God to sanctify the water and use it for a particular purpose. The minister may make the sign of the cross over the water, then place it in a font, bowl, or bucket. A sprinkler called an aspergillum may be used. Catholics teach that the blessing sets the water apart as holy water; Eastern Orthodox commonly describe their rite as consecration.
Catholic fonts are often emptied and refilled so the water stays fresh. A new supply may be blessed whenever needed. Orthodox water blessed at Theophany is often kept in clean containers and taken home for personal use.
What might a visitor see or do?
Look for a small font, bowl, bucket, or bottle near an entrance or altar. If a server offers a sprinkler, you may receive a light sprinkling at the doorway. In some congregations, worshippers dip their fingers and make the sign of the cross. At an Orthodox water blessing, you can usually bring an empty bottle and ask a server to fill it. Participation is optional.
For a first visit, observe the congregation and ask an usher if you are unsure. The guide to your first church service explains other parts of worship. See also sprinkling and aspersion and the Eastern Orthodox rite of Holy Unction.