Ask a Priest

Q. Sometimes on Sunday, we do the sprinkling rite. What is the significance of this rite and why does it replace both the kyrie rite and the penitential act? If holy water doesn’t land on me personally does that mean I'm not participating or blessed as fully as someone who is hit by holy water? Is this blessing any different than when I cross myself at the Holy Water font? 

Thirsty for Answers
St. Mary Catholic Church, Guthrie


A. The “Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Holy Water,” or “sprinkling rite,” as it is commonly called, serves as a memorial of our baptism and may be celebrated in Mass on Sunday or even on Saturday evenings when the Sunday Mass is anticipated. This rite was developed from the “Asperges” of the pre-conciliar Mass, which traditionally preceded the Sung High Mass in a parish church and which had the same significance. 

Understanding the meaning of the rite helps explain why it replaces the penitential act and the kyrie. Any act of penance is intrinsically related to baptism, and in engaging in a "penitential act” we acknowledge our sinfulness and renew our hope in God’s promise first given to us in baptism. The Roman liturgy, expressing “noble simplicity” in its ritual expression, does not duplicate this act by celebrating both the sprinkling rite and the penitential act and kyrie. Thus, the sprinkling rite replaces these two standard ritual acts.

Practically, this optional rite is also one of only two approved rites of the reformed liturgy to bless holy water, the other being found in the Book of Blessings, “Blessing of Holy Water outside of Mass.” Both blessings are considered “constitutive” because they permanently change the object of water. The prayer of blessing used in the sprinkling rite also includes a petition for the faithful gathered, namely, that this water may renew the grace of baptism in us. Thus, everyone present for the liturgical act receives the same grace, whether or not the physical drop of water touches them.

The sprinkling rite is related to the devotional act of crossing oneself with holy water, as they both signify the same desire of baptismal renewal. However, a distinction must be made: the sprinkling rite is a liturgical act, whereas crossing oneself with water from the holy water font is a devotional act. The liturgical act suggests the entire Church who participates in this act of baptismal renewal, led by Christ the High Priest, whom the priest signifies, remembers their baptismal identity as the chosen people God has redeemed through the cross of Christ and the waters of baptism. The devotional act signifies one’s personal commitment to renew his or her baptismal calling.

Father Zachary Boazman
Pastor, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Okarche
Associate Director of the Secretariat for Divine Worship