Part 10: Introductory Rite: Sign of the Cross

After the opening song at Mass, the priest leads us in tracing a cross on our bodies as we say the words: In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Sign of the Cross is a reminder of our Baptism, when the cross was traced on our forehead, and those words were said as water poured over us.

That’s why, when people enter and/or leave the church, they dip their fingers in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross – as a reminder of our Baptism.

And the words “in the name of” are a reminder that we, the baptized, are acting by the order of God, and by the power of God, to respond to God’s call to worship on Sunday at Holy Mass.

This is part of a series on how to worship at Holy Mass by Archbishop Jackels. The name comes from the "4 H's" of the 2nd Mission Priority: Enhancing the Sunday assembly for Holy Mass. This series was published between February and December of 2017.

                     
PREVIOUS                     NEXT