In this lesson your students will understand the meaning of the Sign of the Cross. When they make the Sign of the Cross, they will remember the sacrifice Jesus made for them and affirm their belief in the Holy Trinity.
The format for the lesson is a simplified version of Lectio Divina Lesson Planning called The RE3 Framework: Read, Reflect, and Respond. Learn more about The RE3 Framework here.
Sign of the Cross Lesson Objectives
- Students will be able to (SWBAT) make the Sign of the Cross.
- SWBAT explain the two-part meaning of the Sign of the Cross.
- Students will feel grateful for what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Read & Watch
Watch this video: The Meaning of the Sign of the Cross.
Have students complete this graphic organizer as they watch the video:
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Then read a brief excerpt from the story of the Crucifixion: Luke 23:39-43:
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43
Reflect
Think back on your the day so far. Think of one mistake you made today.
- Did you do anything to upset your parents?
- Did you do anything to upset your teacher(s)?
- Did you hurt the feelings of your siblings or peers?
- Is there anything you could have done to help someone else, but didn’t?
Pick that one mistake of the day.
Then remember the words of Jesus from the Cross:
God will forgive us for all of our mistakes. He forgives our sins. He saves us.
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do”
Luke 23:34
Respond & Pray
Encourage the students to thank Jesus for forgiving them.
Find a cross or a crucifix to use during a short prayer of thanksgiving.
Walk up to each student and have them say a solemn and simple prayer: “Thank you, Jesus.”
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The Religion Teacher’s Prayer Worksheet Collection includes thirty printable handouts to help kids meditate on the meaning of popular Catholic prayers and devotions. This resource features worksheets with meditations on the Hail Mary, Angelus, Mealtime Prayer, Acts of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Love, Act of Contrition, Memorare, and more!
