In RCIA - Question about Sign of the Cross?

[LovingLife]

I’m currently in RCIA and I was wondering at what point can I start making the sign of the cross at Mass? I’ve been attending Mass regularly for the past 3 years or so with my husband (who was born Catholic). I’d be more than comfortable (and honored) to make the sign of the cross at Mass, but I’m not sure if that is something I need to hold off until I’m confirmed at the Easter Vigil. With my spiritual journey progressing like it is, it is becoming more and more difficult for me to attend Mass and just watch as everyone gets Communion. I find myself growing more and more eager for Easter time!

Thanks for any help, information or advice! I’ve been meaning to ask at weekly RCIA classes, but I get so wrapped up in the subject matter for the week that it never comes up!

 

[Orionthehunter]

You can start saying it today. The sign of the cross has two primary effects: The act of making the sign of hte cross blesses you and what you are about to do. This is not something restricted to Catholics. Frankly, I do not understand why are separated breathren are reluctant to use this simple but powerful blessing. You can make the sign of the cross when you get up in the morning, before you start your car, before you take an important phone call, before you wake your child in the morning, the opportunities are endless.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’m currently in RCIA and I was wondering at what point can I start making the sign of the cross at Mass? I’ve been attending Mass regularly for the past 3 years or so with my husband (who was born Catholic). I’d be more than comfortable (and honored) to make the sign of the cross at Mass, but I’m not sure if that is something I need to hold off until I’m confirmed at the Easter Vigil. With my spiritual journey progressing like it is, it is becoming more and more difficult for me to attend Mass and just watch as everyone gets Communion. I find myself growing more and more eager for Easter time!

Thanks for any help, information or advice! I’ve been meaning to ask at weekly RCIA classes, but I get so wrapped up in the subject matter for the week that it never comes up!

Most RCIA Catechumens and Candidates are confused with what they can and cannot do at Mass. You can bless yourself with Holy Water, make the Sign of the Cross, pray all the resposes. And if you are a Candidate you will be present for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. You can kneel and respond with everyone else. You just cannot approach Holy Communion.

 

[Pug]

Of course you may participate in the parts of the mass like making the sign of the cross, using holy water fonts, kneeling, genuflecting. Only don’t receive communion. Do these things as they become comfortable for you. Easter is coming!

Oh, you CAN go get ashes on Ash Wed or participate in the stations of the cross during lent.

 

[kage_ar]

Of course you may participate in the parts of the mass like making the sign of the cross, using holy water fonts, kneeling, genuflecting. Only don’t receive communion. Do these things as they become comfortable for you. Easter is coming!

Oh, you CAN go get ashes on Ash Wed or participate in the stations of the cross during lent.

Yup! Also remember that this coming Saturday, you can have a Blessing of the Throat on St. Blaise Day

 

[LovingLife]

Thanks so much for your responses! I think I will start making the sign of the cross at the next Mass I attend! It seems like such a big step for me!

Yup! Also remember that this coming Saturday, you can have a Blessing of the Throat on St. Blaise Day

I think I’ll sit out on that one a while longer. I’m in my min-twenties, and I’ve only seen the Blessing of the Throat twice or so. It still seems very strange for me. Does anyone have a link to some reading I could do on it - to perhaps become more comfortable with the concept? I’ve gotten more comfortable with the washing of the feet, but the blessing of the throat is still strange for me.

 

[kage_ar]

Thanks so much for your responses! I think I will start making the sign of the cross at the next Mass I attend! It seems like such a big step for me!

I think I’ll sit out on that one a while longer. I’m in my min-twenties, and I’ve only seen the Blessing of the Throat twice or so. It still seems very strange for me. Does anyone have a link to some reading I could do on it - to perhaps become more comfortable with the concept? I’ve gotten more comfortable with the washing of the feet, but the blessing of the throat is still strange for me.

Bookmark New Advent - it ROCKS.

newadvent.org/cathen/02592a.htm

 

[Andruschak]

Most RCIA Catechumens and Candidates are confused with what they can and cannot do at Mass. You can bless yourself with Holy Water, make the Sign of the Cross, pray all the resposes. And if you are a Candidate you will be present for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. You can kneel and respond with everyone else. You just cannot approach Holy Communion.

As a canidate, I have done all that except be present for the Litergy of the Eucherist when RCIA is in session. At those times I am required to leave with the catecumans to re-read and discuss the Sunday scripture readings. I say re-read because I raed the scriptures saturday after midnight, when I get home from work

On non-RCIA Sundays, I stay, and my Church allows those who approach with crossed arms to receive a blessing in place of the Eucherist. I have a Holy Water Font at home, used frequently. I do the SOTC before and after meals, and just about any other time I want to. Best of all, I do not need my cats 'permission to do so

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Note re the Holy Water font: If you are a Candidate you ight regard blessing yourself with the holy water as a commemoration of your Baptism; if a Catechumen as an anticipation of your Baptism.

 

[Andruschak]

Note re the Holy Water font: If you are a Candidate you ight regard blessing yourself with the holy water as a commemoration of your Baptism; if a Catechumen as an anticipation of your Baptism.

Great Idea!

 

[marvi43]

I have noticed that some people carry Holy Water with them in small bottles. What do people use it for outside of Church? Can you get a bottle and fill it up with the Holy Water in the fonts?

 

[anamchara]

I have noticed that some people carry Holy Water with them in small bottles. What do people use it for outside of Church? Can you get a bottle and fill it up with the Holy Water in the fonts?

marvi, your parish might have little bottles of Holy Water to give out. Our DRE had a whole bunch of them and gave me a few to take home. You can use Holy Water in your home, have a tiny font near the front door and fill it up. You can bless yourself before you leave for the day or before you go to bed at night. The kids bless themselves before they head out the door for school.

I have also seen people take tiny bottles of Holy Water and fill them up at the font at the big cathedral down town. Our own priest keeps a big amount of it and you can go fill your little bottle.

 

[beckers]

Thanks so much for your responses! I think I will start making the sign of the cross at the next Mass I attend! It seems like such a big step for me!

I think I’ll sit out on that one a while longer. I’m in my min-twenties, and I’ve only seen the Blessing of the Throat twice or so. It still seems very strange for me. Does anyone have a link to some reading I could do on it - to perhaps become more comfortable with the concept? I’ve gotten more comfortable with the washing of the feet, but the blessing of the throat is still strange for me.

Well heck i have been catholic all my life and never heard of the blessing on the throat so your a head of me!

 

[keri6789]

I’m in the RCIA classes too!! I was really worried about making the sign of the cross too. I was told it isn’t a “Catholic” thing. Anyone can do it as long as you know the meaning. I now find myself doing it all the time. It makes me feel this peace come over me. I don’t know how to describe it…It just makes me feel better. I get chills thinking about that feeling. And I always always always do it before I leave mass with holy water. It just gives me this peace…I love that feeling!! I’m just like you. I can’t wait until Easter!!! I to want so much to be a part of Communion. Good luck with your journey!

 

[auppie]

You can start saying it today. The sign of the cross has two primary effects: The act of making the sign of hte cross blesses you and what you are about to do. This is not something restricted to Catholics. Frankly, I do not understand why are separated breathren are reluctant to use this simple but powerful blessing. You can make the sign of the cross when you get up in the morning, before you start your car, before you take an important phone call, before you wake your child in the morning, the opportunities are endless.

that just might be a good idea!

 

[GreatFaith]

I’m in the RCIA classes too!! I was really worried about making the sign of the cross too. I was told it isn’t a “Catholic” thing. Anyone can do it as long as you know the meaning. I now find myself doing it all the time. It makes me feel this peace come over me. I don’t know how to describe it…It just makes me feel better. I get chills thinking about that feeling. And I always always always do it before I leave mass with holy water. It just gives me this peace…I love that feeling!! I’m just like you. I can’t wait until Easter!!! I to want so much to be a part of Communion. Good luck with your journey!

You said it all! I have been crossing myself for as long as I can remember and I am in RCIA too! It’s just a great sense of not being alone and knowing that I am in God’s hands! That peace belongs to all Christians. I ,too, hunger for the Eucharist and am counting down the days!!