What is the correct way to cross yourself?

What is the correct way to cross yourself?

To “cross yourself,” take your right hand and put your thumb, index, and middle finger together. In Western Christianity, you then touch your forehead, the center of your chest, your left shoulder, and your right shoulder. In Eastern (Orthodox) churches, you touch your right shoulder before your left shoulder.

How do you make the sign of the cross?

The “sign of the cross” is made by saying the Trinitarian invocation while touching one’s right hand to the forehead first (Father), then to the lower chest or stomach (Son), then to the left shoulder and the right shoulder (Holy Spirit), and closing with both our hands together for assent (Amen).

What does the cross gesture mean?

sign of the cross, a gesture of ancient Christian origin by which people bless themselves, others, or objects. The sign of the cross is used throughout Christian liturgies, in moments of need or danger, at the beginning and end of prayer, and on numerous other occasions.

What does priest say before reading gospel?

The reading of the Gospel is usually preceded by the chanting of a prokimenon or alleluia. The Gospel lesson is not simply read, but is chanted by one of the higher clergy (deacon, priest, or bishop).

What is crossing yourself called?

Making the sign of the cross (Latin: signum crucis), or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity.

Is crossing yourself a Catholic thing?

Crossing oneself is a common practice for Christians in liturgical churches, especially but not limited to the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican (Episcopal) churches. Many Christians also make the sign of the cross when they hear the name of the Blessed Trinity.

What do you say when you cross yourself?

This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the Trinitarian formula: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

What does the phrase cross yourself mean?

Definition of cross oneself : to make the sign of the cross on one’s head and chest I crossed myself as I entered the church.

What is it called when a Catholic crosses himself?

What does priest say at end of Mass?

The term “Mass” is derived from the concluding words of the Roman Rite Mass in Latin: Ite, missa est (‘Go, it is the dismissal’, officially translated as ‘Go forth, the Mass is ended’)….Summary table regarding priests with pastoral responsibilities.

Situation Masses permitted Masses required*
Christmas Day*** 3 1

How do Catholics cross themselves?

For Roman Catholics the sign of the cross is made using your right hand, you should touch your forehead at the mention of the Father; the lower middle of your chest at the mention of the Son; and the left shoulder on the word “Holy” and the right shoulder on the word “Spirit.”

What do you say when you cross?

Bless the cross yourself.

  1. Lord, bless this Cross that it may be an instrument of Your Divine Mercy in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
  2. Bless this Cross in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Why do priests make the sign of the cross?

When a priest or bishop is blessing the people, he makes the sign as if signing them. This means that, rather than signing himself, he moves from their left to their right. The “little” sign of the cross is the marking of small crosses, using the thumb, on the forehead, mouth, and heart.

How do you make the sign of the cross at mass?

Today, Roman Catholics make the sign with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass. Place the small cross first on your forehead, then on your lips, then on your breast. There are many interpretations for this blessing.

How does the sign of the cross permeate a Catholic’s prayer life?

The sign of the cross permeates a Catholic’s prayer life, from the public prayer of the Mass to private prayer around the dining room table. The priest opens Mass by leading the congregation in the Sign of the Cross. At the end of the Mass, he blesses the people “in the name of the Father,…

Which way do you cross the cross when blessing a child?

When a parent makes the sign of the cross over a child, they will cross them from left to right, just as the priest blesses. When they make the sign of the cross over themselves, they would do it, logically, the other way.