The Gifts & Altar

Presentation of the Gifts

The practical details of this part of the Mass have looked different at various points in history. In earlier times, the gifts would typically be things that people brought from their homes. People would bring all sorts of food, along with bread and wine, and gifts for the poor (money or otherwise). These gifts would all be brought up and then sorted. The bread and wine were used for the Mass, some food and money were given to the priest to provide for him, and the remainder of the food and money were divided up and given to the poor. So, one can see that even in the earliest times, this part of the Mass was about offering and giving. In our modern day, to simplify the offertory, the ushers collect money. This money still symbolizes our gift: what we give to God for the Mass (bread, wine, candles, etc., are purchased for the Mass), what we give to provide for the needs of the priest and the upkeep of the church, and what we give to provide for the needs of the poor and those less fortunate. As the ushers prepare to collect the offerings, we can take a look at our lives, all that we have, all that the Lord has provided for us. We can show our gratitude and thank the Lord by offering a portion of what we have back to him for the good of the Church and others.

Along with the collection, the bread and wine (and water in some places) are brought forward, just as in the days of the early Church. Around the year 150 A.D., St. Justin Martyr describes this part of the Mass by saying simply: “bread, water, and wine are brought” (Understanding the Mass, p. 109). The gifts are brought forward by members of the faithful. Whether it is the ushers, family members who requested the Mass intention, or other parishioners, whoever brings the gifts forward represents the whole congregation, bringing forth our offerings to God.

As we think about our practical or material gifts during this part of the Mass, we should not overlook the opportunity to also offer spiritual gifts. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was known for asking priests to leave room on the paten for her intentions. One priest also recalled her saying that she would place her heart on the paten so that it would be near Jesus in the Mass. If we think about this part of the Mass, offering the gifts we have in thanksgiving to God and in union with Jesus, it is true that one of the best offerings we can make is ourselves! Along these lines, Charles Belmonte teaches, “Together with Christ, we offer everything that we are and all that we possess, all that we have done or try to do. We offer our memory, intelligence, and will; our family, profession, hobbies, success, sufferings, failures, and worries; and our aspirations, [joys and hopes], and spiritual communions. Likewise, we offer our small and big mortifications: all those acts of love we performed yesterday and as many as we plan to perform today” (Understanding the Mass, p. 110).

If you haven’t thought about the offertory in this way before, I encourage you to think about including your personal spiritual offering along with whatever you drop in the basket. It certainly is a great way to join to the prayers the priest offers at the altar spiritually and a great way to deepen our unity with the perfect offering of Jesus!

Preparation of the Altar

After the Creed and Intercessions, for which we used a standing posture of prayer, we sit down while the preparations for the Liturgy of the Eucharist take place. As the Diocese of Peoria teaches, “Before Jesus sat down with his disciples to celebrate the Last Supper, he instructed that various preparations be made. Preparations such as securing and preparing a room, making bread and purchasing wine all needed to be done before this sacred event could take place. The same is true when we celebrate Mass… Typically, there is music during the preparations—either instrumental, by the choir, or a common hymn. The music at this point should assist in our proximate preparation for the Liturgy of the Eucharist” (“A Study of the Mass,” p. 11). Since we are about to participate in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, music can help us be more prayerfully prepared and in the right mindset. Have you ever noticed that songs at this point in the Mass are often slower in tempo and more flowing in words? No doubt, this is to help prepare us for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Singing and listening to meditation-type music can help us prepare to pray and meditate on the most beautiful mystery in front of us: Jesus Christ’s one perfect sacrifice before the Father is made present to his spouse, the Church, and the bread and the wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

In complement to the preparation for the people, what about everything the celebrant and the servers are doing in the sanctuary? The General Instruction for the Roman Missal reminds us that certain items are needed for the Liturgy of the Eucharist (GIRM, 117–118). Let’s take a quick look at each material:

1. Two to six lighted candles

2. A crucifix on or near the altar (the altar should be covered by a white cloth)

3. The Missal (the big red book with all the prayers the priest says). This book contains words in black and red ink. The words in black are the words that the priest says and the words in red are instructions for the priest on what to do (how and where to stand, how to speak, what arm gestures to use, etc.).

4. Corporal: This is a square white cloth that is unfolded and placed on the altar. Since it comes from the word meaning body, it makes sense that the Body and Blood of Christ will become present upon this cloth during Mass.

5. Chalice: This special cup is made of precious metals (generally gold-plated or silver-plated) because we use the most precious materials we have to honor Jesus truly there in his most precious Body and Blood.

6. Purificator: This is a long and narrower white cloth that is used to wipe the rim of the chalice.

7. Paten: This item which looks like a small plate is also generally gold-plated or silver-plated and is used for the large host which the priest holds up during the Eucharistic Prayer. Note: In some places, you might see a deeper gold-plated dish used which is typically called a dish paten.

8. Ciborium: This is another gold or silver-plated item that has a matching lid and which holds the smaller hosts. When hosts are reserved in the tabernacle, they are typically kept in a ciborium.

There are other materials you might see depending on the local parish customs:

•  Pall: This is a square white cloth stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice. This cover prevents flies, insects, dust, etc., from getting into the chalice.  

•  Chalice veil: This is a cloth cover for the chalice. It not only can protect the chalice when not in use, but it also helps heighten our sense of mystery by “veiling” the chalice from our sight until the time for the Most Blessed Sacrament draws near. Chalice veils can match the color of the priest’s vestments or can always be white in color.

•  Burse: This “pouch,” which often matches the chalice veil/vestments in color, is placed on top of the chalice veil and is used for the keeping of corporals.

•  Communion patens: Plates with handles that the servers hold during Communion. These patens are meant to help catch any particles of the Eucharist which may fall from a Host or help to catch a Host which accidentally falls.

As you can see, there are many items we use for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, each with purpose and meaning. No wonder the altar servers sometimes seem to be reviewing a checklist in their minds to make sure we have everything we need!

Source: Eucharisticrevival.org