Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts

After the liturgy of the word, the offertory song is begun. Meanwhile the ministers place the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, and the missal on the altar.

Sufficient hosts (and wine) for the communion of the faithful are to be prepared. It is most important that the faithful should receive the Body of the Lord in hosts consecrated at the same Mass and should share the Cup when it is permitted. Communion is thus a clearer sign of sharing in the sacrifice which is actually taking place.

It is desirable that the participation of the faithful be expressed by members of the congregation bringing up the bread and wine for the celebration of the eucharist or other gifts for the needs of the Church and the poor.

The Priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread, and holding it slightly raised above the altar, says quietly:
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.

Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

If no offertory psalm, hymn, or anthem is sung, the Priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice.

Then the People may respond:
Blessed be God for ever.

The Deacon (or the Priest) pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly:
By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

Then the Priest takes the chalice and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, says quietly:
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.

Then he places the chalice on the corporal.

If no offertory psalm, hymn, or anthem is sung, the Priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice. Then the People may respond:
Blessed be God for ever.

The Priest bows and says quietly:
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.

He may now incense the offerings and the altar. Afterward the Deacon or server incenses the Priest and People.

Next the Priest stands at the side of the altar and washes his hands, saying quietly:
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.

Standing at the center of the altar, facing the People, he extends and then joins his hands, saying:
Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

The People respond:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his Name, for our good, and the good of all his Church.

Prayer over the Gifts

With hands extended, the Priest sings or says the Prayer over the Gifts, at the end of which the People respond:
Amen.