Week 10: Introductory Rite: Sign of the Cross

By Archbishop Michael Jackels

Witness Publisher

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.