An ornamental receptacle (vase, basin), made of stone, metal, or wood, for holding baptismal water used in solemn administration of the sacrament. Since such administration is the chief right of a pastor, one of the external signs of a parish church is the baptismal font. The Roman Ritual provides for its construction and control. The new Code of Canon Law reaffirms the traditional view that every parish church should have its own baptismal font.