Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross every time they pass by a church?

The sign of the cross refers to the customary crossing of oneself within many orthodox Christian communities. It is done for several reasons, aside from personal idiOSyncrasy, but the most common is in attempt to seek blessing from Heaven prior to the reading of The Bible, or prayer. One may also see athletes crossing themselves before joining in a competition, requesting God's favor upon them before they begin.