The Sign of the Cross is the first prayer most Catholics learn. It begins and ends the Holy Rosary, the Mass, and nearly every Catholic prayer.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
How to Make the Sign of the Cross
- Touch your forehead as you say "In the name of the Father,"
- Touch your chest as you say "and of the Son,"
- Touch your left shoulder, then your right shoulder, as you say "and of the Holy Spirit."
- Say "Amen."
Use your right hand, with fingers together. Eastern Catholics make the sign from the right shoulder to the left.
What It Means
In one short prayer, the Sign of the Cross professes the two central mysteries of the faith: the Holy Trinity, one God in three Persons, named in the words; and our salvation through the Cross of Christ, traced on the body.
Every time we make it, we remember our baptism, when we were baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
When Catholics Pray It
- At the beginning and end of the Holy Rosary
- At the beginning and end of Mass
- Before and after meals
- When waking up and before sleeping
- When passing a church, at moments of danger, or anytime we need God's help
In Latin
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
In the Holy Rosary
The Sign of the Cross opens the Holy Rosary, made while holding the crucifix. It also closes the Holy Rosary after the final prayer.
Next prayer in the Holy Rosary: Apostles' Creed