Do catholics have to cross themselves when passing a church?

Question

I am just asking because i noticed a fellow passenger on my bus doing this when we passed a catholic church (but not when we passed a church of ireland or presbyterian church)

is this a requirement or just a superstition (for example when I was a kid me and my brother used to lift out feet when driving past a graveyard)?

If it is a requirement is there a penalty for not complying?

Answer 1

This is an optional sign of respect. It is neither a requirement or a superstition.

Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. There is always Eucharist present in the tabernacle of a Catholic Church so Jesus Christ is physically present in every Catholic Church.

Some Catholics respond to this mystical presence by a prayer as they pass. The Sign of the Cross is one of those prayers.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

This is what as known as a pious tradition. There is no requirement.

We do it because it is awkward to genuflect while riding in a motor vehicle, and we are aware of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle of a Catholic Church.

I also teach my children to make the sign of the cross and say a prayer any time they hear sirens.

A priest friend blesses emergency vehicles as they pass- frequent, because the local paramedic station is next door to the parish office.

See, Catholics spen MUCH more time in prayer than Protties give us credit for!

Answer 3

"Have to"?? No. But it's a good practice. If we (as Catholics) believe that Jesus Christ is Really Present in the Tabernacle of the Catholic Church - then - "crossing ourselves" is merely a point of recollection and a reminder of this fact. It's a matter of respect for the Lord who is Really Present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

Answer 4

We don't have to. And it's not a superstition -- unless you think prayer is a superstition, which I don't.

And no, lol, there is no "penalty" for not doing it: it's just a blessing you ask for yourself.

In the Church building is the Tabernacle: in the Tabernacle is the consecrated host, which is Jesus's actual body. In reverence to that host, we make the sign of the cross to remind ourselves of that fact and to ask God's blessing.

When I'm driving in traffic and am frustrated and mad, when I pass a Catholic Church, I cross myself and say this prayer: God, please bless me, because if anybody needs blessing, it's me!

Answer 5

I'm not Catholic, but when I was a child in New Orleans, Catholic people crossed themselves when passing ANY church or cemetery. I suppose customs differ from place to place.

Answer 6

Yup. Its call vain Matt 6:7, 15:19 Mark 7:7 they are following not the bible but what a bunch of men who thought they were above God decreed. The Catholic church is full of things to lead you from Christ and to make you guilty if you don't jump thru this hoop or that one. None of which is in the bible.

Answer 7

It is a requirement in order to secure the blessing of the Saint for whom the church is named. No penalty, absent the loss of that Holy Saint's Most Sacred Blessing.

Answer 8

I do...but it is not required. It is a sign of respect and acknowledgement of the Church.

Answer 9

The cross symbol is a reminder of their baptism. They are reflecting on God's goodness and their salvation.

Answer 10

No, it's just superstition... kinda like Tucco crossing himself every time he saw a dead body (even one of his own doing) in "The Good, the bad and the Ugly".