Preparation and Procession of the Gifts

Like the Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist consists of several different parts. 

The Preparation of the Gifts

In the old Latin Mass this part of the liturgy was referred to as the Offertory. The altar server would bring from the credence (side) table the bread and wine to be offered in the celebration, whilst the priest set up the vessels on the altar.  The priest would take the host (generally just one large priest's host on a paten or plate) and recite privately a series of Offertory prayers.  He would do the same with the wine in the chalice. 

If any people were going to receive Holy Communion, more often than not the hosts used would simply come from the tabernacle. 

Procession Of the Gifts To the Altar 

On Sundays you will have noticed it is now common that the gifts of bread and wine being used at the Eucharist, are brought forward by members of the assembly, from a table placed in the body of the church.

Sometimes a family might do this, a couple, young people or simply people chosen beforehand from the community. 

Having people present the gifts to the priest is a reminder to the assembly that the bread and wine represent their own lives and the fruit of their labour.

‘Even though the faithful no longer bring from their own possessions the bread and wine intended for the liturgy as in the past, nevertheless the rite of carrying up the offerings still retains its force and its spiritual significance.’   (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 73)

While this is taking place assisting ministers prepare the altar and the priest receives the gifts from the people. The old Offertory prayers have now been replaced by two prayers which praise God for providing these gifts from creation; gifts that will become for us the Body and Blood of Christ. 

Role Of Music

The General Instruction also says that a song might accompany this action.  In many places this is also a time when the choir or a group of singers could sing something by themselves thus enriching the prayer of the assembly.  As it is not a procession it is not  necessary for the whole assembly to sing at this time. ‘The procession bringing the gifts is accompanied by the Offertory Chant which continues at least until the gifts have been placed on the altar. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 74)

The General Instruction also tells us that this is the usual time for the collections of money or other gifts for the Church and the poor. It is stated that after collection they be placed ‘in a suitable place but not on the altar.’

What About Incense?

On more festive occasions incense might also be used during the Preparation of the Gifts. The priest will incense the gifts and the altar and if a deacon is present (or another minister), he will incense the priest and the people. 

The use of incense in Christian worship is very ancient. It is a symbol of honour and of purification. By incensing the altar, the ministers, and the whole assembly, before the great prayer of thanksgiving, (the Eucharistic Prayer) the dignity of the baptised worshipping community is acknowledged and affirmed.

Invitation To Pray

The Preparation of the Gifts concludes with the priest washing his hands as ‘an expression of his desire to be cleansed within’ and an invitation to the whole Assembly to pray that ‘our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father’ The priest then recites the Prayer over the Gifts. With the preparation complete, we are now ready to pray the Eucharistic Prayer.

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This article was originally published in Let’s Walk Through The Mass. © Diocese of Parramatta.  1999, 2000, 2007. Reprinted with permission.