When to make the sign of the cross at Mass?

[4eva_catholic]

Hello…how many times is once supposed to make the sign of the cross during mass and when is it appropriate?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

There are three signs of the cross called for in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

1. At the beginning of Mass:

1. When the Entrance chant is concluded, the priest stands at the chair and, together with the whole gathering, makes the Sign of the Cross…

1. At the Gospel there is a special sign of the cross that is made with the thumb over our forehead, lips, and heart:

1. At the ambo, the priest opens the book and, with hands joined, says, Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you), and the people respond, Et cum spiritu tuo (And also with you). Then he says, Lectio sancti Evangelii (A reading from the holy Gospel), making the sign of the cross with his thumb on the book and on his forehead, mouth, and breast, which everyone else does as well.

1. At the final blessing:

1. Then the priest, extending his hands, greets the people, saying, Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you). They answer, Et cum spiritu tuo (And also with you). The priest, joining his hands again and then immediately placing his left hand on his breast, raises his right hand and adds, Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus (May Almighty God bless you) and, as he makes the Sign of the Cross over the people, continues, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus (the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit). All answer, Amen.