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Rosary & Mercy

The Sign of the Cross

Updated October 15, 2026

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Touch forehead, then chest, then left shoulder, then right shoulder.

Pray the Sign of the Cross every day with a reminder.

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Key takeaways

  • It names the Trinity and recalls the Cross in one short gesture.
  • Catholics use it to begin and end prayer, and at Mass.
  • Touch your forehead, chest, left shoulder, then right shoulder (Eastern Christians go right to left).

What is the Sign of the Cross?

The Sign of the Cross is a prayer made with the body as well as the voice. It professes belief in the Trinity and in the saving death of Christ. Christians have traced the cross on themselves since at least the second century.

When to pray it

Catholics make it at the start and end of prayer, when entering a church, at the beginning and end of Mass, and at moments of danger or blessing. Many also bless meals and children with it.

The words

Jesus told the apostles to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The prayer repeats that baptismal formula, so each sign recalls your own baptism.

The gesture

Tracing a cross on the body places the sacrifice of Christ at the center of your day. Down the middle and across the shoulders, you mark yourself as belonging to him.

Questions people ask

Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross?

It confesses the Trinity and the Cross, and it recalls baptism. The Catechism notes that Christian life begins and is lived under this sign (CCC 2157).

Which shoulder do you touch first?

In the Latin (Roman) Church, the left shoulder comes first, then the right. Eastern Catholics and the Orthodox touch the right shoulder first.

Is it only for Catholics?

No. Orthodox Christians and many Anglicans and Lutherans also use it. For Catholics it is a core devotion and part of the liturgy.

Do I say Amen at the end?

Yes. Amen means "so be it" and seals the prayer as your own.

Related prayers

Our FatherThe Our Father, also called the Lord's Prayer, is the one prayer Jesus taught his disciples when they asked how to pray.Hail MaryThe Hail Mary greets Mary with the words of the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and of her cousin Elizabeth at the Visitation, then asks for her prayers.Glory BeThe Glory Be is one of the oldest Christian prayers, a brief doxology that gives praise to Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Grace Before MealsThe Catholic grace before meals is a short blessing said at the table.

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Sources: Matthew 28:19 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 232-237, 2157 · USCCB