This and the following posts will cover the rubrics and texts of the initiation rites. I plan to post the rubrics in some, though not complete detail. I’ll add some of the prayers where they illustrate certain principles in the rites. Today, a short rubric that emphasizes visibility for the assembly:
218. The celebration of baptism begins after the homily. It takes place at the baptismal font, if this is in view of the faithful; otherwise in the sanctuary, where a vessel of water for the rite should be prepared beforehand.
Many of the parishes in which I’ve served have had no permanent font, or none large enough for adult immersion. In four of these places, we would fill an animal trough or in one place, a hot tub (literally) with warm water on Holy Saturday. One of the many reasons why I like the monastic antiphonal seating pattern is the ability to provide for a sizable and visible font.
