Sign of the Cross

[ladylinguist]

Silly question: when is it appropriate to make the Sign of the Cross? I know after/before prayers and stuff, but when else is the sign of the cross used? What’s the intention/purpose of making the sign of the cross? Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[jmcrae]

Silly question: when is it appropriate to make the Sign of the Cross? I know after/before prayers and stuff, but when else is the sign of the cross used? What’s the intention/purpose of making the sign of the cross? Thanks in advance for your answers!

The Sign of the Cross is an invocation of the Holy Trinity.

As we form the mark of the Cross on our bodies by touching the fingertips of our right hand to the head, heart, left shoulder, right shoulder - in our hearts we are praying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

It is appropriate to use it any time we want to ask for the blessing of the Trinity. Normally, we use it at the beginning and end of other prayers. Some people might also use it when they are starting to do something for God, or where they want to ask for God’s aid and blessing to help them succeed.

 

[rpp]

Other times that I can think of include when applying Holy Water to yourself as you enter and leave a church, entering and leaving the pew you are sitting in church (along with, not instead of, genuflecting or bowing).

Of course, one would make the Sign of the Cross after receiving the Body or Blood of our Lord. If you receive both, you should make the sign after each.

If course anytine a priest gives you a blessing, such as during absolution.

There are so many times. The rule of thumb that I use is if my right arm is not sore, I have not made the sign of the Cross enough. (That is a joke.)

 

[LilyM]

The sign of the cross is in fact a prayer in itself, let’s not forget.

1. A prayer commending and dedicating ourselves and/or our actions to each member of the Trinity.
2. A prayer requesting the blessing of God on us and our actions. 3) A prayer, when used with Holy Water, reminding us of our baptismal promises and commitment to God.

It can and is done at many points during the Mass, both by the priest celebrant and members of the congregation (although they are not specifically required to do so). Such times include the Consecration (where the priest, by speaking Christ’s words at the Last Supper over the bread and wine, turns it by transubstantiation into his Body and Blood).

 

[blessedstar]

Jesus said ‘Pray unceasingly’

The Sign of the Cross is a very powerful prayer. We do not make the Sign of the Cross nearly often enough. So whenever your heart is inspired to make this poweerful prayer then make the Sign of the Cross.

I make the Sign of the Cross when I see an ambulance, fire engine, funeral procession, on passing a Catholic Church, before Catholic Statues, when lighting a candle for prayer at home or in Church, before and after prayer, on hearing of good news, on hearing of bad news, when I bless my child, when I bless myself, when I bless my animals, when I bless my home, when I say grace, when we ask for God’s mercy at Holy Mass, etc etc

I must make the Sign of the Cross more often, we all must try and remember this very powerful prayer.

 

[ladylinguist]

Thanks for the answers. I was just very curious as I wanted to make the sign of the cross earlier, but I wasn’t sure if there were particular times when it could be used or not used (I’m still new to Catholic practices, being as yet not actually a Catholic).

 

[annb]

I heard or read the other day…It is always an appropriate time to make the sign of the cross.
When it doubt, make the sign of the cross.