Stuff.

[Dark_Lite]

Two things:

1. You have to be officially converted to receive Confession right? They don't just let you go even if you're in the process...

2. What's the exact motion for the cross-like gesture that is done over the face at Mass?

 

[marciadietrich]

IF you have been validly baptized (Methodist would qualify as they are Trinitarian) then sometime within a couple of weeks before receiving first communion and confirmation you would have first confession.

IF you have not been baptized, you would first be baptized, confirmed and have first communion then go to confession sometime after when you need to, or even if you'd like to discuss past problems for the sake of having your priest give you spiritual direction.

The sign of the cross in the Catholic Church goes "In the name of the Father (forehead), the Son (chest) and the Holy Spirit (left shoulder to right shoulder), amen (hands together in prayer position)."

Orthodox go right to left shoulder I believe. I don't think it is wrong to do it one way or the other, even one hand or the other, though generally for Catholics would be using the right hand and crosses left to right shoulder.

Marcia

 

[Dream]

Here's a good site to find more about the sign of the cross: http://www.adoremus.org/Folsom-Signs-598.html

 

[marciadietrich]

oh, just thought, maybe you mean the gesture just before the gospel reading when we say 'glory to you oh Lord.' It is a mini cross over forehead, the mouth and then the heart. It means something like having the gospel in our mind, on our lips and in our heart.

Marcia

 

[Dark_Lite]

oh, just thought, maybe you mean the gesture just before the gospel reading when we say 'glory to you oh Lord.' It is a mini cross over forehead, the mouth and then the heart. It means something like having the gospel in our mind, on our lips and in our heart.

Marcia

That's the one. I already know how to do the regular sign of the cross.

 

[Dream]

That's the one. I already know how to do the regular sign of the cross.

You make the sign of your cross with your thumb. Top to bottom, left to right. You do it over your forehead, lips, and heart. May we know God's word, speak God's word, and take to heart all of God's greatness.

 

[raptor13]

You make the sign of your cross with your thumb. Top to bottom, left to right. You do it over your forehead, lips, and heart. May we know God's word, speak God's word, and take to heart all of God's greatness.

On a side note, this is actually the original way of doing the sign of the cross. The larger version (which mimics the blessing given by a priest) did not come until later on.