Baptistry with a view of the upper church

The Baptistry

The Baptismal Font

Upper portion of the statue of Saint John the Baptist

Statue of Saint John the Baptist

Just inside the front doors of the church is the baptistry. This unique placement of the baptismal area serves to remind us that it is through our baptism that we become members of the worshiping church.To emphasize the relationship between baptism and the Eucharist, the baptistry stands on a direct line with the altar.

The Baptistry is recessed three steps below the floor level of the church. As one approaches the font for baptism one goes down the three steps symbolizing going down into the waters and dying to sin. After baptism one comes up three steps symbolizing rising to new life.

The silver lid covers the actual baptismal basin. The font was cut from granite quarried at Cold Spring, a town about fifteen miles from Saint John's. All the granite in the church comes from there except for the white granite of the altar, which is from Vermont.

This figure serves as a reminder of our patronal saint and was cast in bronze by DORIS CAESAR.

Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Saint John's Abbey, University and Preparatory School.