The stone or metal vessel containing holy waterWater that has been consecrated during the Easter vigil and which is used for baptisms and ritual blessings., used for administering baptismThrough this sacrament, a person becomes a member of the Church community of faith. The core of the event is a ritual washing, which is usually limited to sprinkling the head with water. Traditionally baptism is administered by a priest, but nowadays it is often also done by a deacon.. Often the baptismal fontA small basin at the entrance of a church, containing holy water so that the faithful may sprinkle themselves with it when entering the church, while making the sign of the cross, as a symbol of outward and inward cleansing. is/was located in a specially designed baptistery, usually close to the entrance of the church.