Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 360.

YOUCAT Question n. 360 - What is the meaning of the Sign of the Cross?

(Youcat answer) Through the Sign of the Cross we place ourselves under the protection of the Triune God.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2166) The Christian begins his prayers and activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) At the beginning of the day, at the beginning of a prayer, but also at the beginning of important undertakings, a Christian makes the Sign of the Cross over himself and thus starts his business “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. We are surrounded on all sides by the Triune God; calling upon him by name sanctifies the things we set out to do; it obtains blessings for us and strengthens us in difficulties and temptations.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2157) The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties.

(The next question is: What does it mean for a Christian to be baptized with a particular name?)