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Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross every time they pass by a church?
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
The sign of the cross refers to the customary crossing of oneself within many orthodox Christian communities. It is done for several reasons, aside from personal idiosyncrasy, but the most common is in attempt to seek blessing from Heaven prior to the reading of The Bible, or prayer. One may also see athletes crossing themselves before joining in a competition, requesting God's favor upon them before they begin.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIt has always been taught that way, so therefore, it is now considered bad if you do it with your left hand because it has been taught with the right hand for so many years. I THINK it is because the left hand is of the devil.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThis is done as a sign of respect. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is really the Body and Blood of Christ, and the Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle of the Church. Whenever Catholics cross in front of the tabernacle they are supposed to genuflect as a sign of respect for Christ. Since the tabernacle "is to be situated 'in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor,'" it is usually right in the center, making it so when you pass by a Church, you are crossing in front of the tabernacle (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1183). The only difference is that there is now a set of doors between you and the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, Catholics should show the same sign of respect to Christ in the Eucharist whether there are doors in between them and the Eucharist or not.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoTraditionally, the sign of the cross signifies the Trinity and reflects a profession of faith. Many people of different denominations do this at communion and at the time of the benediction during the service.
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoIt is in respect and adoration for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoThe sign means a lot of things, It means membership to the lord's kingdom. It is also a mark of discipleship.
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Why sign do Catholics make before the Gospel?
When the Gospel is announced, Catholics make a small sign of the cross on their foreheads, their lips, and their chest.
Why do catholics dip there hand in water on there way in the church?
Since we are entering a sacred place, many will make the sign of the cross before entering church, and the water they sign with has been blessed. We use water as a sign of new life with and in Jesus so that we might be will be spiritually renewed.
Why did marrying Catherine Howard make the catholics happy?
So they could take over Henry's church
What role does the pope have in the church?
To Catholics the Pope is the head of church. He has what we call "papal infallibility" which is the ability to be correct in any aspect of religeous decision making. Catholics do not worship the pope but see him as a man who can make decisions on how they can have a better relationship with God.
What do you call the dipping as you enter the church and make the sign of the cross?
Genuflection.
Is Robert Griffin III Catholic?
I don't know for sure, but some of his personal mannerisms seem to indicate that he is Catholic. RGIII makes the sign of the cross after every touchdown and other times on the football field. I would think it would be unique if a Baptist would make the sign of the cross. The only religious groups that I'm familiar with that makes the sign of the cross are Catholics and High Anglicans (Church of England). The orthodox Churches also make the sign of the cross, but opposite to the Catholics and Anglicans. Baylor is a Baptist College. I would think non-Baptists can attend Baylor. Non-Catholics attend Notre Dame and all Jesuit colleges and high schools. Historically, Baptists have been virulent anti-Catholics, primarily because of the Catholic Pope. I've read that the anti-catholic fever reached an all-time high with Baptists when JFK ran for President. Now with Romney running for President, the Baptists are at it again. I had a Southern Baptist friend from Oklahoma tell me once that when he was a child, the Catholics were considered idol and devil worshipers and the Pope was the anti-Christ. Amazing!!
Are Catholics the only ones to make the sign of the cross?
The answer is.... NO. Christians, pentocostal, jehovah witnesses and other religions also use the 'holycross'.
What do you do when you enter a church?
Dip your fingers in the holy water font and make the Sign of the Cross.
What do you do when you enter a Catholic Church?
Dip your fingers in the holy water font and make the Sign of the Cross.
What are the other practices of Catholics every Lenten season and Holy Week?
Catholic PracticesCatholics usually only eat fish on Fridays during Lent because during that time they believe they should give up to meat every Friday as penance and in recognition of the crucifixion of Jesus. Many Catholics do choose to eat fish as an alternative. AnswerThe Church continues to encourage abstinence (eating no meat) on Friday as an act of penance. The practice is no longer binding under sin. Catholics are encouraged to practice the classic penitential acts: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Historically, Catholics have "given up" something for Lent, something that is permissible, but they are offering something extra to God. Many Catholics try to attend daily Mass during Lent, make the Stations of the Cross on a regular basis, add extra prayers to their usual routine. Before Vatican Council II, EVERY day, except for Sunday and Feasts was a fast day, allowing only one full meal during the day, and many Catholics try to abstain from meat on Wednesday and Friday during Lent.
Why did Bismark try to crush Catholic Church and socialists?
Bismarck distrusted Catholics especially the clergy whose first loyalty he believed was to the pope instead of to Germany. In response to what he saw as the Catholic threat, Bismark launched the battle for civilization. His goal was to make Catholics put loyalty to the state above allegiance to the Church.
When in church do catholics use holy water?
Holy Water is used at initiation in the church in Baptism. The most common use is that of when the faithful enter the church and exit at which point it is proper to make a full sign of the cross. It can also be sprinkled upon the faithful as part of a blessing. Beyond this, the number of uses is probably in the thousands - each diocese and even each parish priest can use it for any number of reasons to symbolize a blessing or cleansing.
