150 Years of St Aloysius’ Church: (2) Entering the Church
There are few places in a Catholic Church which are not symbolic of some greater truth, and perhaps the church’s entrance is one of the best examples. This is a place of ceremonial welcome for those who are new Christians, but also for those come into the church for Mass, or those who come to pray or to seek some moments of quiet reflection. It is a transitional space where we move from the world into God’s house, marked by taking Holy Water and making the sign of the cross with it.
The Holy Water stoup in our church was given in memory of the priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins who was a curate here. Near the central pillar you will find the Baptismal Font. This richly carved — if rather battered — limestone font is the place where new Christians are baptised into the Church. It is placed near the entrance to this building because the sacrament of baptism makes someone a Christian and welcomes them into the Body of Christ which is his Church. It is the entry point into the life of the Church. It is carved with scenes of the fall and our redemption, showing something of the meaning of baptism. It is also the place from which we have the best view of the whole church building, especially to the altar and tabernacle.
On Saturday, we will welcome into the Church some of those who have been preparing in our classes since October. This reminds us of the promises that we made (or our godparents made for us) when we were baptised: when we renounced Satan and professed our faith in God; when we were washed clean and joined to Christ, anointed with the Chrism of salvation, clothed in a white garment and charged to carry it without stain, with our candles still burning, until the Lord comes as bridegroom to his marriage feast, and welcomes us into his heavenly court with all the saints.