Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross is the gesture of tracing a cross over oneself — forehead, chest, and shoulders — while saying "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," marking the beginning and end of Catholic prayer.
A Profession of Faith in One Gesture
The gesture simultaneously calls on the Holy Trinity and recalls the cross of Christ, making it a brief but complete statement of Catholic belief.
When It's Used
Catholics make the Sign of the Cross at the start and close of prayers, upon entering a church with holy water, and at various points during Mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Catholics touch their forehead, chest, then shoulders?
This traces the shape of the cross on the body itself, moving left-to-right in the Western practice (Eastern Christians traditionally move right-to-left).
Is the Sign of the Cross only for Catholics?
No — Eastern Orthodox and many other Christian traditions also use some form of it, though the exact gesture and order can differ.