The Ceremonies of the Church

A FORM FOR BLESSING HOLY WATER (EPISCOPAL)

Source: A Priest’s Handbook: The Ceremonies of the Church (Revised), page 266. Dennis Michno, Morehouse, 1998

(Water is poured into a container and, traditionally, a little salt is added to it.)

The priest says:

Almighty God, who through the water of baptism has raised us from sin into new life, and by the power of your life-giving Spirit ever cleanses and sanctifies your people: + Bless, we pray you, this water for the service of your holy Church; and grant that it may be a sign of the cleansing and refreshment of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This Antiphon may be added:

Cleanse me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

During the Fifty Days of Easter, in place of the above antiphon, this may be added:

I saw water proceeding out of the temple, from the right side it flowed; And all those to whom that water came shall be saved. Alleluia.

Holy water may be used -- at an Anniversary of a Marriage, at a Nuptial Blessing or at a Marriage, at the Blessing of Rings at the Blessing of Ashes, at the Reception of the Body at the Commendation and at the Committal at the Consecration of a Grave at the Blessing of Candles at the Blessing of Church Furnishings and Ornaments at the Blessing of Palms at the lighting of the Advent Wreath Many churches will use the water from Baptisms for holy water (not recommended especially if to be stored). (Use purified/distilled water if to be stored any length of time.) The Book of Occasional Services 1991 contains a form for blessing of homes at Epiphany and a form for blessing of homes at Easter.