Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

At Catholic Mass, the tradition of making three small Signs of the Cross before the reading of the Gospel has been a point of curiosity for some parishioners. Rose, a member of the Springfield community, asked for clarification on when exactly this gesture should be made.

Father Seth Brown, pastor at Mother of Dolors in Vandalia and St. Joseph in Ramsey, responded by referencing the Roman Missal, which provides both prayers and instructions for celebrating Mass. According to Father Brown, "The deacon/priest is told to make the Sign of the Cross on the book from which he will read the Gospel and then on his forehead, lips, and breast (the faithful is not mentioned to do these gestures). He does so at the same time as he declares, 'A Reading from the holy Gospel according to …'"

He further explained that while only clergy are instructed in official liturgical texts to perform these gestures, "tradition says as early as the ninth century the faithful were making the Sign of the Cross on their forehead and breast when the Gospel was read," with clergy adopting this practice later.

Father Brown noted that although current liturgical norms do not mention congregational participation in this gesture, it remains a widespread custom among laypeople. He added: "I think it’s also good practice for people to pray silently as they make these gestures, 'Lord, please put your Word in my head, on my lips and in my heart,' as you write in your question. It is an appropriate prayer to open ourselves to receiving the transformative words of our Lord."

Regarding timing, Father Brown advised not to focus too much on whether one makes these crosses during or just after saying "Glory to you, O Lord." He observed: "When I see people make these three crosses at Mass, some people do it while they say the response... while others are a second or two later. Being ready and attentive to hear the Word of God and let His Word permeate your thoughts, words, and actions is the most important."

Father Brown serves not only as pastor but also as chaplain for Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry and Vandalia Correctional Center. He is also a research theologian for the Diocesan Curia.