The Sign of the Cross
How to make the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:19).
- Forehead — touch your forehead: "In the name of the Father,"
- Chest — bring your hand down to your chest: "and of the Son,"
- Left shoulder — touch your left shoulder: "and of the Holy"
- Right shoulder — touch your right shoulder: "Spirit. Amen."
We use the right hand, open, and we trace the cross while saying the words. It is how a Christian begins and ends prayer.
Before the Gospel
The three small crosses
Right before the Gospel, with your thumb you trace a small cross on your forehead, your lips and your chest.
- Forehead — a small cross on your forehead: "the Gospel in my mind"
- Lips — a small cross on your lips: "on my lips"
- Chest — a small cross on your chest: "and in my heart."
We do this while the priest announces the Gospel, and we respond: "Glory to you, O Lord."
At Holy Mass
What we respond at Mass
When the priest says one thing, the assembly responds. Here are the most common responses.
The priest: "The Lord be with you."We respond: "And with your spirit."
After a reading: "The word of the Lord.""Thanks be to God."
Before the Gospel: "A reading from the holy Gospel…""Glory to you, O Lord."
After the Gospel: "The Gospel of the Lord.""Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ."
"Lift up your hearts.""We lift them up to the Lord."
"Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.""It is right and just."
Before Communion: "Behold the Lamb of God…""Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."
Sign of peace: "The peace of the Lord be with you always.""And with your spirit."
At the end: "Go in peace.""Thanks be to God."