Q. 1. It is my understanding that making the Sign of the Cross is a symbol. What does that mean?

A. 1. Catholics make the "Sign of the Cross" as a reminder of their baptism. The "Sign of the Cross" symbolizes that we have been baptized in Christ. For that reason, whenever we begin or we end a prayer, we should do so with the "Sign of the Cross."

On the matter of the "Sign of the Cross," the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties." [C.C.C. # 2157]