The General Instruction of the Roman Missal tells us that procession of the gifts is intended to carry on “the spiritual meaning of the ancient custom when the people brought bread and wine from their homes.”

The altar is prepared; the gifts are “set apart” and presented as a sign of the community’s desire to incorporate itself in the sacrifice of Christ; the bread and wine are placed on the altar as the celebrant praises God for his gifts which will become the body and blood of the Lord; finally, in a prayer over the gifts the priest sums up the meaning of all that has taken place.

DURING MASS

• Please go to the gift table after the Prayers of the Faithful.
• Wait for greeters to gather the collection baskets before going up
• For bringing up the gifts: one carries bread, one carries the decanter of wine and one carries the money basket
• You may walk in procession side by side or one by one. When a family of more than 3 presents the gifts, the entire family presents the gifts.
• Care should be given to who is best able to carry which of the gifts (bread, wine, or collection).
• The priest will receive the gifts at the bottom of the sanctuary steps. The money is presented first. After all gifts have been presented, bow your heads toward the altar and return to your seats.