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The baptismal font is illuminated by a skylight, providing natural light for this sacramental space. When not located by the main altar (during the Easter season), the Easter Candle is placed near the font, showing the connection between Baptism and Resurrection. Decorative banners adorn the wall behind the font, along with icons of some of the great feasts of Christendom, including the Nativity of Christ (December 25), Baptism of the Lord (First Sunday after January 6), Resurrection (Easter Sunday), and Pentecost (50th day, or seventh Sunday, after Easter).
Inlaid in the wall behind the font is the Ambry, which houses the Sacred Oils used in Sacraments administered in the Church and by its ministers to the sick. These oils are blessed each year by the Bishop of Rochester at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week, and then distributed to churches throughout the diocese:
- The Oil of Catechumens, used in the Sacrament of Baptism to ward off evil and provide the strength to avoid temptation.
- The Oil of the Sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick to give grace and strength to bear illness or infirmity. Many Catholics have witnessed the power of this anointing to bring spiritual, emotion, and even physical healing.
- The Sacred Chrism, used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders (as well as in the consecration of a church, and the blessing of an altar and the vessels used at Mass).
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Adjacent to the baptismal font is a statue of Saint Anthony of Padua (June 13), patron of seekers of lost articles. He holds the Christ Child (recalling a vision he received at a hermitage, and highlighting his love for the humanity of Christ and his intimacy with God), a book (symbolizing his knowledge, teaching, and preaching), and a lily (a symbol of purity). Votive candles are available to light for personal intentions.
Around the corner from the Baptismal font is an image of the Descent from the Cross (the 13th Station of the Cross), based on the original painting by Rubens. Here, two workers at the top of the Cross help lower the body of Christ while Saint John the Evangelist (December 27) (in red) supports from below and Saints Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (August 31) assist while standing on ladders, framing Christ’s body in the painting. The Virgin Mary (in blue) reaches toward her son, while Mary of Clopas (April 24) (in purple) and Mary Magdalene (July 22) (in gold) look on from the foot of the Cross. On the ground are a basin holding the crown of thorns and nails from the Crucifixion as well as the superscription which had been placed at the top of the cross.
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The back wall also includes a Pietà (showing the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus after being removed from the cross) as well as the Image of the Divine Mercy (second Sunday of Easter), as conveyed in a vision to Saint Faustina (October 5). Here, the right hand of Jesus is raised in blessing, while His left touches His garment in the area of the Heart, from which two rays come forth: Red (denoting blood) and White (denoting water). The caption Jesu Ufam Tobie (Jesus I Trust In You) is presented in the original Polish.
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The north and east walls house the Stations of the Cross, images which depict key events from the day of our Lord’s crucifixion. Based on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, these fourteen stations enable the faithful to participate in a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. The Stations begin on the east wall toward the front of the church (by the organ), and conclude on the north (back) wall.
