Q&A for How to Cross Yourself

If you literally CAN'T kneel, but still confess, God will understand.

When we make the Sign of the Cross, we form our fingers in one of several ways to form some aspect of the Holy Trinity or of Christ and His five wounds (if we use all five fingers). In essence, to kiss our fingers afterward is to render a kiss to God.

Even though there are times when the sign of the cross is mandatory, there are no particular moments when it is not proper.

You are welcome to cross yourself even if you are not Catholic since it's a form of prayer. However, I would highly recommend that you research the Sign of the Cross to truly understand what you are proclaiming through this action and prayer. I would also suggest you look into Catholicism since your desire to cross yourself may be a sign from God to join his Church.

Of course! You are welcome to pray as much or as little as you want after receiving Communion.

No, if you're playing a Catholic in the theatre you're allowed to cross yourself, as long as it's done properly and in the right context.

Yes, the Church accommodates everyone regardless of their limitations or handicaps.

There are many different traditions among churches. When in doubt, observe your neighbors or refer to the missal provided by the church. Western Catholics genuflect (kneel) on the right knee when looking at the Tabernacle, and kneel on both knees at various points during Mass, including when receiving Communion.

You may if you want, but not usually.

The Latin method goes up, down, left, right; the Byzantine method goes up, down, right, left.

Pope Paul III changed it because he wanted to make it "easier" to do.

Yes; that is the Byzantine method.

In the past, priests held that if you wrote with your left, it meant that it was the "devils hand". Such superstition has been overcome these days and if not, change whom you're getting advice from as they are still in the Dark Ages.

It is not necessary when the sign of the Cross is done in ritual actions (eg. Entering the church, taking the Host, etc.), but may be necessary when encountering a passage in prayer where the Trinity is invoked (eg. Glory be to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost).

As far as I know, there's no special meaning in doing it twice in a row; you only have to do it once.

Making the sign of the cross three times in succession represents the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Catholics cross themselves before and after prayer, and at many other times. Please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information.

In this case, the article is referring to the differences between the Roman Catholic Church (and affiliated bodies), which is based in Vatican City, and the Eastern Orthodoxy (also known as the Orthodox Catholic Church), which is divided into many groups which consider themselves the same Church, but have their own individual centers and leadership instead of deferring to the Vatican. Ask your parents or a church leader if you aren't sure.

No, only Catholic and Orthodox sects make the sign of the cross. Protestants and Baptists simply say, "In the name of Jesus Christ."

Yes, many saints have done this. It is reverent. Also, if you go to mass on Good Friday, the congregation kisses a wooden cross.

Yes, anybody can cross themselves. You don't even have to be baptized! The Sign of the Cross is just to remind us of the Trinity and of Jesus' suffering on the cross.

Most sins can be forgiven in confession, with the exception of blaspheming the Holy Spirit or committing suicide, as you cannot pray when you are dead.

Perfection is being free from all sin and imperfections. Holiness is being in relationship with God. Righteousness is acting justly, following God's rules, and one becomes righteous through their holiness they gain through their fellowship with God, through God's perfection.

No, it is not unacceptable and there is nothing about not being allowed to use your left hand to cross yourself.

No, it isn't the full act of making the sign of the cross. However, lots of Catholics get a bit sloppy and don't make a big effort to go below the chest. Your friend might not know she is missing part of the act. Have a friendly discussion about how each of you learned the sign of the cross and what each part means.

The Catholic Church does not require or believe in full-immersion Baptism. Catholics use baby baptism. If a person was never baptized as an infant, a person can still be baptized -- it just won't be by immersion.

It is not at all a number to stick to. You can remind yourself and humbly call upon God making the cross either at the beginning or the end or both times of starting your prayers.

The cross represents the shape of the cross we remember Jesus crucified on. The cross has us remember the Heavenly Father as most high, His beloved Son Jesus as the center of all, and then everything covered by the Holy Spirit. We make the cross if we love God and have faith in what we have learned about Him.

Different churches and some countries evolved and cross their own way. The meaning is mainly to address God in the presence of the Father, His Sin, and the Holy Spirit, however you cross yourself.

Defeating evil that tempts you every now and then requires as much effort as and when you feel affected. You can't eat your food one day for all your life. However, defeating evil spirit is possible with steadfast adherence to good living. You can practice self-control and mortify yourself by avoiding what you don't need and doing every work that is necessary for you, both physically and spiritually like discipline and love which is needed for your overall well being and strength.

Thank the Lord through prayer. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) Try not to think of it afterwords lest a success trip you into pride. “Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 18:12).