Blessing of Water

The priest then blesses the baptismal water. With hands joined, he sings or says the following prayer:

Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power.

In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness.

The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.

Through the waters of the Red Sea you led Israel out of slavery, to be an image of God's holy people, set free from sin by baptism.

In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.

Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross.

After his resurrection he told his disciples: "Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Father, look now with love upon your Church and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to the water of this font the grace of your Son.

You created man in your own likeness: Cleanse him from sin in a new birth of innocence by water and the Spirit.

The priest may lower the Easter candle into the water either once or three times, as he continues:

We ask you, Father, with your Son, to send the Holy Spirit upon the waters of this font.

He holds the candle in the water.

May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life. (We ask this) through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the candle is taken out of the water as the People sing the acclamation:

Springs of water, bless the Lord.
Give him glory and praise for ever.

Any other appropriate acclamation may be sung.