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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Priests no longer make sign of the cross at homily. Mark Monday, February 1, 2016

Question:

Growing up in the 70's and 80's the priests always made the sign of the cross before starting their homily, and when they were finished. I attend mass in the ordinary and extraordinary form, as well as eastern rite liturgies.

In the Traditional Latin Mass, and in the eastern rite, priests still make the sign of the cross before and after their sermons. But in the New Mass, I notice that priests have stopped this practice. Is it no longer allowed?

To me, it just feels awkward when the priest starts and finishes his homily without it.
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Mark,

Actually this topic is mostly vague, there are no rules that call for it or prohibit it.  Priests (and deacons) are given quite a bit of freedom when it comes to the homily so I don't see a problem if they lead the people in the Sign of the Cross.

This custom actually got started when preaching was done quite regularly OUTSIDE of the Holy Mass, and therefore at that time it was completely appropriate to sign yourself to mark the "homily" as a time of prayer.  But today during the Mass the homily is FULLY part of the liturgical act and so the Sign of the Cross is really not necessary since Mass already begins and ends with it.

If it were up to me, we would make the Sign of the Cross, but at my parish we don't and I'm completely at peace with that.

Just my opinion.  :-)

Mr. Slavek
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