The Pastor's Desk

Why do Catholics make sign of the cross?

Catholics make the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of prayers, during Mass, and at various points in their daily lives as a way to invoke the Holy Trinity and express their faith. It is also used during significant moments such as baptisms and blessings.

Why we genuflect at Mass. What does it mean and when should we do it?

According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil” (274).

Why Mass Begins with the sign of the Cross? 

Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross because the entire rite takes place within the space of the Most Holy Trinity.

What is the liturgical kiss? 

The Liturgical Kiss is when the bishop or priest and deacon kiss the altar at the beginning of Mass because it symbolizes Jesus himself. The same with the text of the Gospel: After the priest or, if present, the deacon reads the Gospel, he kisses the text. Kisses show up at other times: during Good Friday services, for example, when the faithful process forward to kiss the feet of Jesus on the crucifix.

Why Catholics sit and stand during readings? 

Standing has been a common posture for prayer since the early Christians. It’s a sign of respect, and can also be a wordless symbol for the Resurrection. Catholics may sit while the two readings from the Old Testament and from the New Testament Epistles are read; but we always stand for a reading of the Gospel, in which are found the words of Christ himself.