Catholic Parents....You know when we pass by a parish and make the sign of the cross?

Question

As Catholics I know that is a commonality..How do you explain to your kids (without sounding judgmental) that we only make the sign of the cross for a Catholic Church?

I was raised to make the sign of the cross when we hear sirens or any kind of an emergency..I pray with non-Catholics as well. My in-laws are both American Baptist and we pray our prayers we have in common...They are both loving and accepting that I am raising my kids under my faith. The Catholic faith. They even buy them Rosaries and medals.....

Answer 1

That's tough. You have to explain that Jesus is truly present in the Tabernacle, and that other churches do not have a Tabernacle. But, it is a great opportunity to explain just how lucky they are to receive the REAL Christ in the Eucharist every Sunday.

Answer 2

You could say it is like a hug, and not all friends appreciate hugs, so you are hugging the ones who appreciate it, and shaking the hands of others.

You could also say that you respect and love all Christians, but only Catholics appreciate the Sign of the Cross. You could also make the Sign for all churches, Catholic or otherwise, or even for non-Catholic buildings. I've prayed with my Jewish friends before, and sealed them with the Sign of the Cross. It is an expression of my faith, and my prayers for them, and while they may not have understood it, they appreciated my sincerity. Remember, Christ gave Himself for all of us, Catholic or not, Christian or not, faithful or not, and so there is nothing wrong with wishing this blessing on anyone.

This actually isn't a universal gesture, but is common to some ethnicities. Likewise, in my family we make the Sign of the Cross when we see an emergency vehicle (we also say a prayer for the protection of the lives involved, and so the Sign is incidental).

Answer 3

What I tell my kids (8, 5, 3) is that Jesus is present in the Catholic Church via the Holy Eucharist. Most Protestant churches don't believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the ones that do consume all of the Eucharist at their services so there is none left "in repose." Same goes for Orthodox Christian churches.

Only Catholics have tabernacles where Jesus is present at all times (except Good Friday).

Answer 4

I think that you should make the sign of the cross when you pass by ANY Christian church. Afterall, they believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit like we do.

True, they do not have the body of Christ in a tabernacle as a Catholic church does, but Christ is present there in other ways such as the Word proclaimed and the people gathered in His name.

Answer 5

My wife crosses herself when we pass a church, I never got into the habit. What is wrong with crossing yourself when you pass any kind of church? I guess it cannot hurt? Some people cross themselves or say a little prayer whenever they hear a police, fire or ambulance siren. We do not ask the religion of the sick or injured person in the ambulance or the religion of the police officers or fire fighters.

Does this answer turn this question into Pascal's wager? Do I have to drink?

Answer 6

I cross myself in front of Orthodox and Old Catholic Churches as well. I tell children that it to honor jesus in the tabernacle.

Answer 7

Tell them the truth. Christians beleive many different things, and the group of Christians taht you belong to all believe in the infallibility of the Church, which is something that is different from all other Christian sects. Out of respect for that belief, you make the sign of the cross in front of Catholic Churches. Let them know that it is not disrespectful not to do it for other churches, it is just not necessary.

Answer 8

tell them it's like waving to a friend - you don't wave at people you don't know, and you don't cross yourselves when you pass by churches that aren't Roman Catholic.

Answer 9

Better still how do you explain to you children about concentrating on driving instead of churches..??