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Explanation of the Mass - The Preparation of the Gifts

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts. The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist are not two different acts of worship, but two moments of one same mystery. The change from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist is well marked by the movement of the minister leaving his seat he goes to the altar, which is reserved for the sacrifice.

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Presentation of the gifts, preparation of the altar

  • Year of Renewal: Mass

Presentation of the gifts, preparation of the altar

By Ian Bozant, Contributing Writer

What is the presentation of the gifts? 

The presentation of the gifts marks the beginning of the second major part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This preparation also has been traditionally called the offertory, since the priest prepares the gifts to be offered. Despite the change in name, the essential idea and theology has remained unchanged.

The temptation here is to see the offertory as simply a transition between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In reality, this step is essential theologically, and this is represented in the gestures and prayers that accompany the liturgical actions. It represents a shift in the emphasis in the Mass. In the Liturgy of the Word, we are nourished with the words of sacred Scripture, as well as giving glory to God through the readings, and are prepared to be nourished by the gift of the Eucharist.

What happens during the presentation of the gifts?

During the presentation of the gifts many things occur simultaneously: the presentation of the gifts, the preparation of the altar, the collection and the offertory song. At the presentation of the gifts, the faithful present the gifts of bread and wine to the priest, symbolizing an offering of creation and themselves back to the Father. This also gives an exterior sign of our internal offerings – we offer our prayers and ourselves in the same way that we offer these mere gifts of bread and wine, hoping that just as they are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, so may we be transformed by his grace.

What should I do during the presentation of the gifts?

The faithful are given a moment to recollect themselves and prepare themselves interiorly for the sacrifice about to occur at the altar. This interior preparation should include a refocusing on the actions and prayers of the priest, but should also include an interior union with the offering itself so that we prepare to make a gift of ourselves to the Lord, offering ourselves to him as the bread is offered. This essential shift toward a focus on the sacrificial element of the Mass is embodied by the priest’s own position in the sanctuary. Throughout the entirety of the Liturgy of the Eucharist (from the Preparation to the Communion of the Faithful), he stands centrally at the altar, functioning as priest, as one who offers sacrifice and as the father of a family at the family meal.

During the preparation of the altar, what is placed on the altar? What are the items used for?

The altar is also prepared in such a way that the chalices (vessels that are used to hold the wine), ciboria (vessels that are used to hold the hosts), purificators (linen clothes that are used to wipe away the excess Blood of Christ from the chalices), the corporal (the large, square linen that is placed on the altar and upon which the sacred vessels are placed that is used to catch all particles of Jesus Christ’s Body that may fall), and the Roman Missal (the book with all of the prayers used during the Mass) are placed upon the altar.

Why are the sacred vessels made of precious metals?

The sacred vessels are to be made of precious metal in order that they may befit the dignity of that which they contain.

Why do we have a collection? What is the money used for?

A customary collection is made where the faithful are asked to present a monetary donation for the support of the church, both local and universal. These collections help the parish in its day-to-day operations, as well as to support the ministries of the parish, the archdiocese, and the church worldwide. This is also an ancient custom that took the form of the people giving portions of their crops or livestock to the church and the priest. This serves the purpose of supporting the church, while also reminding us that everything that we have is a gift from God.

The collection usually is brought up by members of the community, expressing outwardly the gift of self on the part of the individual, but also the very vital role of the community in the liturgical worship. Accompanying all of this is a hymn or quiet music, which serves the purpose of fostering that sense of interior gift of self to the Lord.

Ian Bozant is a second-year theologian studying for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at Notre Dame Seminary. He can be reached at  [email protected] .

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the presentation of the gifts

The following is the fourth part in a seven-part series on the Mass.

Before moving forward let’s review. One week ago, we saw that the church considers the Liturgy of the Word power-packed. What the liturgy’s actions say, the word of God enacts. Or as the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” says: “The liturgical word and action are inseparable both insofar as they are signs and instruction and insofar as they accomplish what they signify.”

Two weeks ago, we observed how the entrance rites developed in the church’s history. At the time of St. Justin Martyr in A.D. 155, they were very rudimentary (see CCC, 1345), but other parts of Mass, including the procession of gifts, were already being done.

Three weeks ago, we examined some liturgical concepts that are helpful in understanding the Mass, especially how the liturgy makes use of signs and symbols to communicate God’s grace to us.

For Reflection

• Do I acknowledge the dignity of work, the blessed opportunity to cooperate with God’s creation?

• Am I willing to offer that back to God?

• Am I generous in tithing and almsgiving, or a liturgical freeloader?

• Am I open to God changing me and how I go about my work?

All three of these – symbols, gifts, and word plus action – are important for the part of the Mass we look at today: preparation of the gifts.

Sometimes this is also called this the “offertory,” but since the bread and wine will be supremely “offered” in the eucharistic prayer, we’ll use the term preferred by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

Presentation of the gifts assumed great importance in the early church.

St. Cyprian, martyred in Africa in 258, chided those who came to Mass and received the Eucharist but made no offering of their own: “You are wealthy and rich, and do you think that you celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not at all considering the offering? Who comes to the Lord’s Supper without a sacrifice, and yet takes part of the sacrifice which the poor man has offered? Consider in the Gospel the widow. . .”

St. Augustine was impressed by a fifth-century procession of gifts in Rome in which the faithful brought from their own homes things from their kitchen tables. (After handling all the gifts, no wonder the priest had to wash his hands!)

Augustine called this an “admirable exchange” – for their gifts, God gave back Jesus. Our present prayer over the gifts from the sixth day in the octave of Christmas uses Augustine’s language: “Lord, receive our gifts in this wonderful exchange: from all you have given us, we bring you these gifts, and in return, you give us yourself.”

Valid matter. The church uses unleavened bread made only of pure wheat flour and water, and wine only from grapes. Why?

Because that’s what Jesus used. He told us to “do this” in his memory, and if “this” changes too much, we’re no longer following his command.

Even in places of the world where wheat or grapes are scarce, the church still insists that these foodstuffs be imported instead of substituted with local products such as corn flour or rice wine. For persons with celiac disease or alcohol intolerance, the church permits virtually gluten-free hosts and mustum, wine, whose fermentation has been arrested.

Collection of money. Yep, it’s in the Bible. “From the very beginning, Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need” (CCC, 1351). Tithing and almsgiving are acts of worship (2 Corinthians 9:10-15) and express not only our desire to help those in need but also our generosity to God.

A $20 bill and a $1 bill are next to each other in a man’s wallet. The $20 bill says, “Isn’t life great! I get to go to the best places: to movies and nice restaurants and the mall.” The $1 bill replies, “Well, I go to church.” (Right about now lots of people are upset with me, while pastors are secretly sighing, “Thank you Father Tom!”)

Made by hand. The ordinary form of Mass uses adapted Jewish “berakah” (blessing) prayers whose words are packed with meaning, even if they’re done silently during the music.

Bread and wine symbolize a wonderful cooperation between God and humans. We lay upon the altar not only creation’s goods but ours, too. The gifts are not mere wheat and grapes, but “the work of human hands.”

Symbolically, that’s us on the altar, offering ourselves to God. In the eucharistic prayer, we will ask God to send the Spirit to change the gifts and change us as well – but, again, I’m getting ahead of myself.

The gift of ourselves is never easy, and the church, knowing that, treats our offerings with great care. The priest places them in a dignified place on the altar, incenses them reverently, and asks God to receive them to himself.

“Pray, sisters and brothers, that our sacrifice” – not only bread and wine, but what they symbolize: our work, struggles, joys, money, our very lives – “may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

In the next part of Mass, the great eucharistic prayer, it happens: the Holy Spirit comes down, and as the words of Christ are repeated over the bread and wine . . . Stay tuned!

Father Tom Margevicius is instructor of liturgical theology at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul.

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The Liturgy of the Eucharist: The Preparation of the Gifts

The Liturgy of the Eucharist At the Last Supper the Lord instituted the Paschal sacrifice and banquet and told his disciples to do it in memory of him. Through this the sacrifice of the Cross is continuously made present in the Church. The priest represents Christ the Lord and, like him, takes the bread and wine into his hands to say the same words as Our Lord so that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The priest does this in memory of Christ, just as the first disciples did following the Last Supper.

In ancient liturgies this part of Mass was called the “Mass of the Faithful”: the first part of Mass, the “Mass of the Catechumens” was as far as those preparing for baptism could go in their initiation. They heard God’s Word, joined their prayers to the Prayer of the Faithful, but weren’t ready to participate in the deepest portion of the Eucharistic mystery. Even today the passage from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist represents a change of gears: we’ve prepared, heard the Lord speak to us, and responded with faith, but now the Lord once again sacrifices himself for us. In this part of the liturgy the sacrifice he made on the Cross is made present for us, today, here and now.

If the emphasis in the first part of the liturgy was Word, faith, and response, the second part could be characterized as offering, sacrifice, and thanksgiving. Now the chair of the priest or bishop is no longer the focus, nor the ambo for the readings. The priest moves to the altar and remains there until after Communion: all attention is drawn to the sacrifice about to be made present on the altar, a sacrifice in which all are participating.

The Preparation of the Gifts Our Lord took bread and wine, blessed them, and then distributed them to his disciples and told them to do the same in memory of him. Bringing the bread and wine and placing them on the altar is at the core of the Preparation of Gifts, and now it becomes a moment for the faithful to offer something of themselves to Our Lord, which is why it’s also been known as the Offertory and, even today, the hymn sung at this point of Mass is known as the Offertory hymn or chant.

The Presentation of the Gifts In many celebrations of the Eucharist the faithful bring up the bread and wine to be used in Mass along with other gifts to serve the needs of the Church and of the poor. This hearkens back to when the faithful actually brought their own bread and wine for use in the Mass and brought it to the altar. This practice probably fell into disuse because it would make things somewhat chaotic today, and because it’s important, with so many varieties of bread and wine now available, to make sure the bread and wine used are suitable for worship.

Even though today the faithful aren’t those who directly prepare or buy the bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ, it is thanks to them that those offerings are possible. Typically on Sundays a collection is taken at this point that makes that bread and wine possible, and also gives the faithful an opportunity to contribute something to the Church and to those in need.

This moment of offering embraces both realities (providing for the Eucharist and providing for the needy), but the focus is coming forward with bread and wine for the transubstantiation into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer. This is why the other offerings are received, but not treated the same way, since they’re for after the celebration of the Eucharist.

St. Augustine saw this procession as paralleling the procession up the aisles to receive Holy Communion. For him it was a “marvelous exchange” represented by the Incarnation: Christ takes our humanity to bestow on us his divinity ( Enarr . In ps. 129,7). We make offerings that will become him, become divine, and will transform us as well if we receive him worthily. Those few faithful bringing up the gifts are not the only ones offering something: we all offer something, if not materially, spiritually, so that our offering may be transformed into something pleasing to Our Lord, beneficial to us, and beneficial to others. It’s a small token of appreciation for what the Lord is about to offer us once again on the altar and in Communion.

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A Significant Moment in Our Prayer: The Presentation of the Gifts

Occasionally, you might hear someone jokingly refer to “halftime” during Mass — the interval following the Prayers of the Faithful, as the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins. It can be easy, even tempting, to zone out as you sit, waiting for the collection basket to make its way to your pew.  

But if you pay attention, you’ll have the opportunity to enter into something deeper — a significant moment in our prayer.

It’s mentioned by St. Justin Martyr, one of the earliest Christian writers, when describing the Mass in the second century, “Bread is brought up and wine and water…”  

This practice, of people bringing up the gifts, has been part of our Catholic tradition from the very beginning. Although we might think of this action as being merely practical, in reality, it serves a much deeper spiritual purpose.  

Each Sunday Mass, a member or family of the parish volunteers to bring forward “the gifts” — the bread and wine, which are fruit of God’s creation. Through the effort of human hands, these are made into the gifts that we present to the Lord.  

Certainly, the offertory collected during the Mass also serves to represent the work and sacrifices of the previous week. Sharing our monetary “treasures” is one of the ways that we embrace stewardship. It’s an opportunity to generously give back to the Lord, from the fruit of our work.  

In his book What Happens At Mass , Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, explains, “We should not think of the collection of money at this point as some sort of banal, dirty but necessary affair. Money is our work. Money is hours of our lives. And now we give it away, we sacrifice it, for the work of the Church.”

In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul instructs Christians to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).  

The physical act of carrying the gifts of bread and wine forward to the priest is meant to serve as a tangible reminder of the fact that we are all called to stewardship and, most importantly, that we are gathering at the table to share in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

Those who bring forward the gifts each week have the privilege and responsibility of remembering what their action represents — that we are called to give generously of our time, talent and treasure to God, who gives us His very self, at Mass. And for those sitting in the pews, tempted to “check out” for a few minutes, seeing the gifts being brought forward should serve as a powerful reminder to offer our lives back to God, through serving and honoring Him.

For more information on Gift Families, please contact Sarah McKinzie, 812-219-2903, [email protected].

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Why do we present gifts during Mass?

The preparation of the gifts is also called the “offertory,” and it assumed great importance in the early church.

St. Cyprian, martyred in Africa in 258, chided those who came to Mass and received the Eucharist but made no offering of their own: “You are wealthy and rich, and do you think that you celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not at all considering the offering? Who comes to the Lord’s Supper without a sacrifice, and yet take part of the sacrifice which the poor man has offered? Consider in the Gospel the widow… ”

St. Augustine was impressed by a fifth-century procession of gifts in Rome in which the faithful brought from their own homes things from their kitchen tables.

Augustine called this an “admirable exchange” — for their gifts God gave back Jesus. The prayer over the gifts from the sixth day in the octave of Christmas uses Augustine’s language: “Lord, receive our gifts in this wonderful exchange: from all you have given us we bring you these gifts, and in return, you give us yourself.”

Valid matter

For Mass, the Church uses unleavened bread made only of pure wheat flour and water, and wine only from grapes. Why?

Because that’s what Jesus used. He told us to “do this” in his memory, and if “this” changes too much, we’re no longer following his command.

Even in places of the world where wheat or grapes are scarce, the church still insists that these foodstuffs be imported instead of substituted with local products such as corn flour or rice wine. For persons with celiac disease or alcohol intolerance, the church permits virtually gluten-free hosts and mustum, wine whose fermentation has been arrested.

Collection of money

“From the very beginning, Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1351). Tithing and almsgiving are acts of worship (2 Corinthians 9:10-15) and express not only our desire to help those in need but also our generosity to God.

Made by hand

The ordinary form of Mass uses adapted Jewish “berakah” (blessing) prayers whose words are packed with meaning, even if they’re done silently during the music.

Bread and wine symbolize a wonderful cooperation between God and humans. We lay upon the altar not only creation’s goods but ours, too. The gifts are not mere wheat and grapes, but “the work of human hands.” Symbolically, that’s us on the altar, offering ourselves to God. In the eucharistic prayer, we will ask God to send the Spirit to change the gifts and change us as well.

The gift of ourselves is never easy, and the church, knowing that, treats our offerings with great care. The priest places them in a dignified place on the altar, incenses them reverently, and asks God to receive them to himself.

“Pray, sisters and brothers, that our sacrifice” — not only bread and wine, but what they symbolize: our work, struggles, joys, money, our very lives — “may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

© 2007 Rev. Thomas Margevicius Used with permission.

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POPE FRANCIS' CATECHESIS ON THE HOLY MASS. THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS. Vatican English Summary + Full text by Zenit

POPE FRANCIS' CATECHESIS ON THE HOLY MASS. THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS. Vatican English Summary + Full text by Zenit 2

POPE FRANCIS’ CATECHESIS ON THE HOLY MASS. THE PREPARATION OF GIFTS.

  OFFICIAL VATICAN-PROVIDED SUMMARY IN ENGLISH Dear brothers and sisters: In our catechesis on the Mass, we now turn from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Following the Lord’s command at the Last Supper to “do this in memory of me”, the Church at every Mass makes sacramentally present the sacrifice of the New Covenant sealed by Jesus on the altar of the cross. The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts of bread and wine which will then be consecrated in the Eucharistic Prayer and received by the faithful in Holy Communion. The rite of the Preparation of the Gifts invites us to present our own lives as a spiritual offering together with the gifts we bring to the altar. The Prayer which concludes this rite voices our confidence that the Church’s offering will be transformed by the Holy Spirit and become a sacrifice pleasing to the Father, in union with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. At every Mass, may we experience the Preparation of the Gifts as an invitation to offer our lives completely to the Lord, in order to receive from him the grace to live ever more fully our vocation to grow in holiness and to serve the coming of his Kingdom. Speaker: I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia and the United States of America. With prayerful good wishes that this Lent will be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you! © Libreria Editrice Vaticana FULL TEXT TRANSLATION OF ZENIT.ORG The Holy Father’s Catechesis Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning! Continuing with the catechesis on the Holy Mass, the Liturgy of the Word — on which I reflected in the past catechesis –, is followed by the other constitutive part of the Mass, which is the Eucharistic Liturgy .  In it, through the holy signs, the Church renders continually present the Sacrifice of the new Covenant sealed by Jesus on the altar of the Cross (Cf. Second Ecumenical Vatican Council, Constitution  Sacrosanctum Concilium,  47). The first Christian altar was the Cross, and when we come to the altar to celebrate Mass, our memory goes <back> to the altar of the Cross, where the first sacrifice was made. The priest, who represents Christ in the Mass, carries out what the Lord Himself did and entrusted to the disciples in the Last Supper: He took the bread and the chalice, rendered thanks, and gave them to the disciples ,  saying: “Take, eat . . . drink: this is my Body . . . this is the chalice of my Blood. Do this in memory of Me.” Obedient to Jesus’ command, the Church ordered the Eucharistic Liturgy in moments that correspond to the words and gestures done by Him ,  on the vigil of his Passion. Thus, in the preparation of the gifts ,  the bread and wine are taken to the altar, namely, the elements that Jesus took in His hands. In the Eucharistic Prayer we give thanks to God for the work of Redemption and the offerings become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It’s followed by the breaking of the Bread and Communion, through which we relive the experience of the Apostles, who received the Eucharistic gifts from the hands of Christ Himself (Cf.  Ordinamento Generale del Messale Romano),  72). The preparation of the gifts corresponds, then, to Jesus’ first gesture: “He took the bread and the chalice of wine. It’s the first part of the Eucharistic Liturgy. It’s good that it’s the faithful that present the bread and wine to the priest, because they signify the spiritual offering of the Church, gathered there for the Eucharist. It’s beautiful that it’s in fact the faithful that bring the bread and wine to the altar. Although today “the faithful no longer bring, as before, their own bread and wine destined to the Liturgy, yet the rite of the presentation of these gifts keeps its value and spiritual meaning” ( Ibid.,  73).  And in this connection, it’s significant that, in ordaining a new presbyter, the Bishop, when he gives him the bread and wine, says: “Receive the offerings of the holy people for the Eucharistic sacrifice” (Roman Pontifical – Ordination of Bishops, of presbyters and of deacons). <It’s> the people of God that brings the offering, the bread and wine, the great offering for the Mass! Therefore, in the signs of the bread and wine the faithful people put their own offering in the priest’s hands, who places it on the altar or table of the Lord, “which is the center of all the Eucharistic Liturgy”( (OGMR , 73). That is, the center of the Mass is the altar, and the altar is Christ. It’s always necessary to look at the altar, which is the center of the Mass. Offered, therefore, in the “fruit of the earth and the work of man,” is the commitment of the faithful to make of themselves, obedient to the divine Word, a “pleasing sacrifice to Almighty God the Father,” “for the good of all His Holy Church.” Thus “the life of the faithful, their suffering, their prayer, their work, are united to those of Christ and to His total offering, and in this way they acquire a new value” ( Catechism of the Catholic Church,  1368). Our offering is certainly a small thing, but Christ is in need of this small thing. The Lord asks little of us, and He gives us so much. He asks little of us. He asks us for good will in ordinary life; He asks us for an open heart; He asks us for the will to be better to receive him who offers Himself to us in the Eucharist. He asks us for these symbolic offerings, which will then become His Body and His Blood. An image of this self-giving movement of prayer is represented by incense that, consumed in the fire, gives off a perfumed smoke that goes up on high: to incense the offerings, as is done on feast days, to incense the cross, the altar, the priest and the priestly people manifest visibly the offertory bond that unites all these realities to Christ’s sacrifice (Cf.  OGMR,  75). And don’t forget: it’s the altar that is Christ, but always in reference to the first altar, which is the Cross, and on the altar, which is Christ, we bring our little gifts, the bread and wine, which then will become so much: Jesus Himself who gives Himself to us. And all this is what the prayer over the offerings expresses. In it the priest asks God to accept the gifts that the Church offers Him, invoking the fruit of the wonderful exchange between our poverty and His richness. In the bread and wine, we present our life to Him, so that it’s transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s sacrifice and becomes, with Him, one spiritual offering pleasing to the Father. While the preparation of the gifts is thus concluded, it disposes us to the Eucharistic Prayer (Cf.  Ibid,  77). May the spirituality of the gift of self ,  which this moment of the Mass teaches, be able to illume our days, our relations with others, the things we do, the sufferings we meet, helping us to build the earthly city in the light of the Gospel. [Original text: Italian]   [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester] In Italian A warm welcome goes to the Italian-speaking faithful. I am happy to receive the participants in the General Chapter of the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, the Christian Brothers Schools and “God’s Volunteers” of the Focolare Movement. I greet the faithful of Pavullo nel Frignano, accompanied by the Bishop, Monsignor Germano Bernardini; the young people guests of the Hospitality Center of L’Aquila; the school Institutes, especially those of Civitavecchia and of the Pallotine Sisters of Rome; the members of the Order of Malta of Lombardy and Veneto and the FAIPA associates: “The Golden Keys.” I hope that you all can live the faith as service to God and to brothers. Finally I greet the young people, the sick and the newlyweds. Lent is a favourable time to intensify the spiritual life: may the practice of fasting be of help to you, dear young people, to acquire greater mastery over yourselves; may the thought of the future help you, dear elderly, to give hope to young people: speak with them; may prayer be for you, dear sick, the means to entrust your sufferings to God and to feel Him always close; finally, may the works of mercy help you, dear newlyweds, to live your conjugal life always oriented to the needs of brothers. [Original text: Italian]   [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester] I greet the faithful present in St. Peter’s Basilica. Thank you! Thank you so much for your patience in waiting up to now. May the Lord bless you — bless your patience. But I thought it was better to be here than in the cold, no? Truly? Yes? All right. Now I will give you the Blessing, but first let us pray to Our Lady. [Hail Mary . . .] [Blessing] [Original text: Italian]   [ZENIT’s translation by Virginia M. Forrester]

the presentation of the gifts

The Record Newspaper - Covering the Catholic Community of Central Kentucky

Liturgy Matters — Presentation of the Gifts

By Dr. Judy Bullock

What is the significance of the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass?

Judy-Bullock-2013-w

The congregation is seated. The hospitality ministers take up the collection. Members of the assembly prepare to bring the bread and wine to the altar along with gifts for the poor.

In the early church the people brought the bread they had baked and the wine they had made in their homes for the liturgy. In this way it was clear that these gifts of bread and wine represented the people, “the work of human hands.” Over time this ministry became the purview of specialists, as monasteries and religious communities produced the hosts and wine for Mass.

For those old enough to remember the pre-Vatican II liturgy, you may recall that the priest, usually entering from a side door near the altar, brought the bread and wine to the altar as he entered at the beginning of Mass.

With the liturgical revisions of Vatican II the church recommended a gift procession where members of the congregation carry the bread, wine and gifts for the poor through the assembly to the altar. This ritual sought to recapture the same spiritual intent of the early church liturgy. The procession through the assembly brings attention to this offering, hoping to make it clearer that it comes from all the people.

After the gifts have been placed on the altar and the altar prepared, the priest celebrant prays, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

The rest of the assembly responds, “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 holy church.”

Today if asked what their part in the Presentation of the Gifts includes, many would still say that it is their contribution to the collection. Even though the collection is an important support for the work of the church, it is not the most significant part of this rite.

Our part in this presentation of gifts and preparation for the great Eucharistic Prayer is our intention to offer ourselves to the Father with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the church expresses this intention that the “faithful not only offer this unblemished sacrificial Victim but also learn to offer their very selves, and so day by day to be brought, through the mediation of Christ, into unity with God and with each other, so that God may at last be all in all.”

Our sacrifice is to turn ourselves over to God with a willingness to let go of those things that keep us from being Christlike. We are asked to offer our very lives to the Lord, as a living sacrifice. At Communion, when we receive that very bread and wine that we brought to the altar that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit into the Body and Blood of Christ, we pray that we too may be transformed, one body in Christ.

St. Augustine’s prayer says this very well, “May we become what we receive.”

Dr. Judy Bullock is the director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Worship.

The Record

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Mass – Preparation Of The Gifts

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the presentation of the gifts

a complete, systematic plan for growing into the fullness of Christian Life

  • Jan 25, 2023

Experiencing the Mass: Presentation of the Gifts (Part 1)

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

by Fr. David M. Knight

the presentation of the gifts

View readings for today:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012523.cfm

Dear Readers: Since the Church is presently engaged in a Eucharistic Revival, we thought it would be helpful to post excerpts from his booklet called Experiencing the Mass , for the next few weeks. (This is not a sales pitch. However, the booklet is available for order on this website for $5 per copy if you would like have a copy.)

At the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist the gifts, which will become Christ’s Body and Blood, are brought to the altar. 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 . 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. [1] The [ presider] may incense the gifts placed upon the altar...

so as to signify the Church’s offering and prayer rising like incense in the sight of God. [2]

“Thy Kingdom come....”

The Presentation of Gifts can be a lost moment in the Mass. If the gifts are not brought up in a solemn procession, passing through the whole assembly, to be placed in the hands of the presider, the putting of the chalice, bread and wine on the altar can be just a “housekeeping” moment—like changing the props between scenes during a play. To reduce the Presentation of Gifts to this would be to lose a precious movement in the celebration of Eucharist.

First there is the significance of the procession itself. The 1985 Sacramentary says clearly “ it is desirable” that the bread and wine be brought up “by members of the congregation” because this expresses “the participation of the faithful” in the celebration of the eucharist. The primary thrust and repeated intention of the Vatican Council’s reform of the liturgy was to restore and encourage the visible, active participation of the laity in the Eucharistic celebration that had been taken away from them over the course of previous centuries. This is the expressed intention and desire of the bishops who speak for the Catholic Church:

It is very much the wish of the Church that all the faithful should be led to take that full, conscious, and active part in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy, and to which the Christian people, ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a redeemed people’ have a right and to which they are committed by reason of their Baptism. [3]

This is also the reason why there should be as many hosts on the paten (plate) that is brought up in the procession as there are people present at Mass:

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 .

In the procession every person present in the pews is symbolically being brought forward, represented by a host on the paten, to be placed on the altar. That is why the gifts are brought up from the back, passing through the whole congregation. It is to say the whole assembly is coming forward, “presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice,” as they did on the day of their Baptism, to be placed on the altar and offered with Jesus and in Jesus as one with him in the mystery of his sacrifice on the cross. [4]

This is a reaffirmation of Baptism. It is the “Catholic altar call.” By placing ourselves on the altar with the bread and wine we are saying, as adults, that we accept and embrace our Baptism ; that we understand and are entering into what is being done and expressed at Mass ; that we want to be part of it.

We are also pledging ourselves to continual conversion ; that is, to making constant changes in our lifestyle.

The bread and wine are being put on the altar to be transformed. We put ourselves on the altar with them to be transformed—not into the body and blood of Christ, since we already are that by Baptism—but into the “perfect image” of Christ that Baptism committed us to grow into. This is a pledge of continual conversion which, as we shall see, is a renewal of our baptismal consecration to bear witness to the Gospel by a lifestyle unintelligible without it.

The prayer the presider says as he holds up the gifts is almost identical for the bread and wine:

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,

for through your goodness we have received

the bread (wine)we offer you:

fruit of the earth (vine) and work of human hands,

it will become for us the bread of life (our spiritual drink).

This is a very theological prayer. It summarizes the mystery of redemption, the mystery of grace, by which what is created has become divine.

Like the bread and wine, which represent us, we are the “fruit of the earth”—of generation from our parents’ bodies. And like the gifts, transformed by the “ work of human hands ” from wheat and grapes into bread and wine, we too are the “work of human hands.” What we are at this moment, as we present ourselves to God, is the fruit, the “work” of all the choices we have made throughout our lives; the choices that have formed us into the persons we are.

God created our human natures. “What” we are by our nature is the same in all of us. But we create ourselves as persons. “Who” we are as persons is unique in each one of us. What our “name” means at any given moment is the cumulative effect of all the free responses we have made to life, to others, to God since we were born. What we hold up to God in the Presentation of Gifts is our present selves: “ fruit of the earth and work of human hands .”

In every Mass we recommit to the mystery of our Baptism. We do it with the increased understanding we have grown into (even since the previous day or week) of what our baptismal commitment commits us to. What it asks and what it promises.

We do this, however, conscious of the mystery of redemption. The bread “ will become for us the bread of life .” And the wine will become “ our spiritual drink .” What “earth has given” is going to be made divine. In the same way, by the transforming miracle of our incorporation into Christ at Baptism, we, though human, are to be communicators of the “bread of life” to others. We are to give others “spiritual drink.” We have “become Christ.” We have been made divine. We “present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God” so that Christ might use them as the medium of his own self-expression. With us, in us, and through us , Jesus Christ will express—in the flesh, through our physical words and actions—the divine truth we know through the gift of faith; the divine promise we live for by the gift of hope; the divine love we give to God and others as the gift of his own love poured out in our hearts. Our daily expression of this is animated at Mass:

With love we celebrate his death.

With living faith we proclaim his resurrection.

With unwavering hope we await his return in glory. [5]

We are called , we are empowered , we are sent to bear witness to Jesus Christ by living on the level of God . This is Pope Paul VI’s definition of Christian witness :

Anyone who rereads in the New Testament the origins of the Church, follows her history step by step and watches her live and act, sees that she is linked to evangelization in her most intimate being:

... The Church remains in the world when the Lord of glory returns to the Father. She remains as a sign—simultaneously obscure and luminous—of a new presence of Jesus, of his departure and of his permanent presence. She prolongs and continues him.

And it is above all his mission and his condition of being an evangelizer that she is called upon to continue. For the Christian community is never closed in upon itself.... This intimate life only acquires its full meaning when it becomes a witness , when it evokes admiration and conversion, and when it becomes the preaching and proclamation of the Good News. Thus it is the whole Church that receives the mission to evangelize, and the work of each individual member is important for the whole.

The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself. ( Evangelization in the Modern World , no. 15).

[1] These two paragraphs are from the directions in the 1985 Sacramentary . They are not as complete in the new Roman Missal but the teaching and intention are the same. [2] General Instruction on the Roman Missal , 2002, nos. 73-75. [3] Vatican II, Sacred Liturgy. nos. 11, 14. For those unfamiliar with the laity’s exclusion from full, active participation in the Mass, Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland, New Zealand, explains it succinctly in his book Priesthood: A Re-Examination of the Roman Catholic Theology of the Presbyterate : Alba House, New York, 1990, pages 81-85. See also Bernard Botte, O.S.B., From Silence to Participation : An Insider’s View of Liturgical Renewal, translated by John Sullivan, O.C.D., The Pastoral Press, 225 Sheridan St. NW, Washington D.C. 20011, 1988. [4] See Romans 12:1-2. This is the “theme text” for the Presentation of Gifts . [5] Weekday Preface V.

Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry

www.ImmersedinChrist.org

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  • Introductory Rites  
  • LITURGY of the WORD   (Biblical Readings, Homily, Creed, Intercessions)  
  • LITURGY of the EUCHARIST   (Preparation, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion Rite)  
  • Concluding Rite
[ After the people have assembled, an opening song or entrance antiphon is sung or recited as the priest and the ministers enter the church and process to the altar; after reverencing the altar (sometimes also using incense), they go to their chairs. ]
Priest :  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  [ All together make the sign of the cross. ] All :  Amen. Option A: Priest :  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All :  And also with you. Option B: Priest :  The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. All :  Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. or All :  And also with you. Option C: Priest :  The Lord be with you. [or Bishop :   Peace be with you.] All :  And also with you.   [ The priest or another minister may then briefly introduce the Mass of the day, saying something about the readings, the feast, and/or the special occasion being celebrated. ]

Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water:

Priest :  Dear friends, this water will be used to remind us of our baptism. Let us ask God to bless it, and to keep us faithful to the Spirit he has given us.  [ or similar words of introduction ] Option A: Priest :  God our Father, your gift of water brings life and freshness to the earth; it washes away our sins and brings us eternal life. We ask you now to bless this water, and to give us your protection on this day which you have made your own. Renew the living spring of your life within us and protect us in spirit and body, that we may be free from sin and come into your presence to receive your gift of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All :  Amen. Option B: Priest :  Lord God almighty, creator of all life, of body and soul, we ask you to bless this water: as we use it in faith forgive our sins and save us from all illness and the power of evil. Lord, in your mercy give us living water, always springing up as a fountain of salvation: free us, body and soul, from every danger, and admit us to your presence in purity of heart. Grant this through Christ our Lord. All :  Amen. Option C (during the Easter Season): Priest :   Lord God almighty, hear the prayers of your people: we celebrate our creation and redemption. Hear our prayers and bless this water which give fruitfulness to the fields, and refreshment and cleansing to man. You chose water to show your goodness when you led your people to freedom through the Red Sea and satisfied their thirst in the desert with water from the rock. Water was the symbol used by the prophets to foretell your new covenant with us. You made the water of baptism holy by Christ's baptism in the Jordan: by it you give us a new birth and renew us in holiness. May this water remind us of our baptism, and let us share the joy of all who have been baptized at Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All :  Amen. [ After blessing the water, the priest moves through the church sprinkling all of the people while an antiphon or other song is sung. When the sprinkling and the song is finished, the priest concludes this rite as follows: ] Priest :  May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the eucharist we celebrate make us worthy to sit at his table in his heavenly kingdom. All :  Amen. [ This rite is commonly celebrated during the Easter Season, but may also be used at other times. When it is used, the Penitential Rite is omitted, and the Mass continues with the Gloria (on most Sundays and solemnities) or with the Opening Prayer (during Advent and Lent, and on weekdays). ]

or   Penitential Rite:

Priest :  As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.        or   Coming together as God's family, with confidence let us ask the Father's forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.        or   My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.       [ or similar words of introduction, followed by a period of silent reflection. ] Option A: All :  I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God. Priest :  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All :  Amen. Option B: Priest :  Lord, we have sinned against you: Lord, have mercy. All :  Lord, have mercy. Priest :  Lord, show us your mercy and love. All :  And grant us your salvation. Priest :  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All :  Amen. Option C: [ The following or other invocations may be spoken by the priest or another minister, but the priest always gives the final blessing. ] Minister :   You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy. All :  Lord, have mercy. Minister :   You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy. All :   Christ, have mercy. Minister :   You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy. All :  Lord, have mercy. Priest :  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All:  Amen.
[ The following acclamations are sung or recited, either in English or Greek, unless they have already been used, as in option C above. ]  Priest :  Lord, have mercy.   All :  Lord, have mercy. Priest :  Christ, have mercy.  All :   Christ, have mercy. Priest :  Lord, have mercy.   All :  Lord, have mercy.  or  Priest :  Kyrie, eleison.    All :  Kyrie, eleison. Priest :  Christe, eleison.  All :   Christe, eleison. Priest :  Kyrie, eleison.    All :  Kyrie, eleison.
[ This ancient hymn of praise is used on all Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and major feasts, and in solemn local celebrations. It is preferably sung by the whole congregation, but may also be sung by the choir or recited by all . The priest may begin with a brief sung or spoken invitation for the people to praise God. ] All :  Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King,  almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:  have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father:  receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One,  you alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High,  Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,  in the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Priest :  Let us pray. [ After a time of silent prayer, the priest sings or says the Opening Prayer, which is different for each Mass. At the end, the people proclaim their consent. ] All :  Amen.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Lector :  A reading from the Book (or Letter, or Acts) of ...  [ Different readings are prescribed for each day. At the end of the reading, the lector proclaims, and the people respond: ] Lector : The Word of the Lord. All :   Thanks be to God!

Responsorial Psalm:

[ The choir and/or cantor sing or recite the psalm; the people join in the repeated response. ] 

Second Reading:

[ A second reading is prescribed for all Sundays and major feasts, but not for most weekdays or minor feasts. The lector's introduction and conclusion and the people's response are the same as in the First Reading, above. ] 

[stand] Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation:

Choir or Cantor :   Alleluia!    All repeat :   Alleluia! Choir or Cantor :   [ verse ]     All repeat :   Alleluia! [ The "Alleluia" may be repeated two or more times, especially during the Easter Season. If it is not sung, it may be omitted. ] [ During the Season of Lent, a different "Gospel Acclamation" is used, such as "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!" or "Praise and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ!" or "Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!" or something similar. ]
Before the Gospel Proclamation : Deacon (or Priest ) :   The Lord be with you.   All :  And also with you. Deacon (or Priest ) :   A reading from the Holy Gospel according to... [ Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John ] All :  Glory to you, Lord! After the Gospel Proclamation : Deacon (or Priest ) :   The Gospel of the Lord.    All :   Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

[sit] Homily:

[ The bishop, priest, or deacon then speaks to the people, usually focusing on that day's scriptures and/or on the feast or special occasion being celebrated at that Mass; but the homily may also be based on any liturgical text from the Mass. ]

[stand] Profession of Faith:

[ On Sundays and solemnities, the Nicene Creed is normally recited by everyone after the homily. The Apostles' Creed may be used instead, esp. in celebrations of Masses with children. ] NICENE CREED: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,      maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.  We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,      eternally begotten of the Father,      God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,      begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.      Through him all things were made.      For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven:          [bow during the next two lines:]     by the power of the Holy Spirit      he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.     For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;     he suffered, died, and was buried.     On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;     he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.     He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,     and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,      who proceeds from the Father and the Son.      With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.      He has spoken through the Prophets.      We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.      We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.      We look for the resurrection of the dead,      and the life of the world to come.  Amen. APOSTLES' CREED: I believe in God, the Father almighty,      creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.     He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit         and born of the Virgin Mary.     He suffered under Pontius Pilate,         was crucified, died, and was buried.     He descended to the dead.     On the third day he rose again.     He ascended into heaven,         and is seated at the right hand of the Father.     He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,     the holy catholic Church,     the communion of saints,     the forgiveness of sins,     the resurrection of the body,     and the life everlasting. Amen.

General Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful:

Lector :   …let us pray to the Lord. All :   Lord, hear our prayer.   [ or a similar response, repeated after each petition ]

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Priest :  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. All :   Blessed be God for ever. Priest :  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. All :  Blessed be God for ever. [ If there is no singing during the presentation of the gifts, the priest may say the preceding prayers aloud, and the people may respond. But if a presentation song is being sung, the priest recites these prayers inaudibly, and the people's response is omitted. Then, after the priest has washed his hands and the music is finished, he invites the people to join in prayer: ]
Priest :  Pray, my brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. All :  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:

[ The priest sings or says this prayer, which is different for each Mass. At the end, the people respond: ] All :  Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer:

[ The priest may choose from among four regular Eucharistic Prayers, or two other Eucharistic Prayers for Masses of Reconciliation. On appropriate occasions, the priest may also choose from among three Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children, or four recently approved Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions. Each prayer has a similar structure, including some responses and acclamations by all the people. There are also many choices for the "Preface," depending on the liturgical season, the feast of the day, and the ritual or occasion being celebrated at that Mass. Click here for the full texts of the various Eucharistic Prayers . ] [ The posture of the people during the Eucharistic Prayer is different in various countries and regions; in the United States, the people normally stand until the "Holy, Holy", and then kneel until after the "Great Amen." ] Preface Dialogue: Priest :  The Lord be with you.   All :  And also with you. Priest :  Lift up your hearts.   All :  We lift them up to the Lord. Priest :  Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.   All :  It is right to give him thanks and praise. Holy, Holy (Sanctus): All :   Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. [kneel] Memorial Acclamation: Priest :   Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:  All :  A - Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.     or B - Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.      or C - When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.     or D - Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the World. Doxology and Great Amen: Priest :   Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. All :  Amen!   [ may be sung more than once ]

COMMUNION RITE

Lord's Prayer:

Priest :  Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us.       or   Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the courage to say:       or   Let us ask our Father to forgive our sins and to bring us to forgive those who sin against us.       or   Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus taught us. All :  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest :  Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. All :  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Sign of Peace:

Priest :  Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever. All :  Amen. Priest :  The Peace of the Lord be with you always.  All :  And also with you. Deacon or Priest :   Let us offer each other a sign of peace. [ The ministers and all the people exchange an embrace, handshake, or other appropriate gesture of peace with those near them, according to local custom. ]
All : Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. [kneel] [ This text may be sung or recited, and may be repeated several more times until the breaking of bread and the preparation of the communion vessels is finished; but the last phrase is always "Grant us peace." ]
Priest :  This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. All :  Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. [ The manner of receiving communion differs significantly between various countries, dioceses, and even individual parishes. In the United States, the people normally process to the front in lines, receive communion standing, and then return to their places in the congregation. In some cases, the ministers may go to other locations within the church to distribute communion, or may even approach individuals at their places (esp. the elderly or infirm). Communion is now usually offered "under both species", i.e., both the consecrated bread and the consecrated wine. It may be distributed by priests, deacons, or designated lay persons, called "Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist." Communicants are encouraged to receive the consecrated bread in their hands, but may also receive communion on the tongue. After returning to their places, the people are encouraged to remain standing until everyone has received communion, but in many parishes the people immediately sit down or kneel for silent prayer. ] Communion Minister :   The body of Christ.    Communicant :   Amen. Communion Minister :   The blood of Christ.   Communicant :   Amen.

Communion Song:

[ During the reception of Communion, an appropriate song is sung, or at least a short "Communion Antiphon" is recited. ]

[sit] Period of Silence   or   Song of Praise:

[ When the distribution of Communion is completed, there may be a period of silence for individual prayer, or a psalm or song of praise may be sung. The people either stand, sit, or kneel during this time, although the posture of the congregation should be unified. ]

[stand] Prayer after Communion:

Priest :  Let us pray. [ All pray in silence for a while, unless a period of silence has already been observed. Then the priest sings or says the Prayer after Communion, which is different for each Mass. At the end, the people proclaim their consent. ] All :  Amen.

[Announcements, etc.]:

[ If there are any announcements, acknowledgements, reflections, eulogies, or similar actions, these are best included here, after the Prayer after Communion and before the Concluding Rite. The people may remain standing, or may be invited to sit, depending on the length of the announcements or activity. ]

CONCLUDING RITE

[stand] Greeting:

Priest :  The Lord be with you. All :  And also with you.
Option A:  Simple Form Priest :  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All :  Amen. Option B: Solemn Blessing  Deacon or Priest :   Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing. [ One or more invocations may be spoken, and the people usually respond " Amen " to each one. The following conclusion is always used. ] Priest :  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All :  Amen. Option C:  Prayer over the People Deacon or Priest :   Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing. [ The priest may choose from several options, depending on the occasion or special need. The following conclusion is always used.] Priest :  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All :  Amen.
Deacon or Priest :   Go in the peace of Christ.     or   The Mass is ended, go in peace.    or   Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All :  Thanks be to God!

[Recessional and Closing Song]:

[ Although it is traditional in many countries and many parishes to sing a final song or to have some instrumental music played as the priest and ministers process out of the church, this is not prescribed in the Order of Mass. ]

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Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Preparation of the Gifts and the Altar, Part II

The Preparation of the Gifts and the Altar, Part II

the presentation of the gifts

This post continues the examination of the various ways in which the traditional practice of the Roman Rite informs the celebration of Mass according to the Novus Ordo . In the last entry, we saw how “traditional practices of the Roman Rite,” mentioned in no. 42 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), added context and informed some unanswered questions surrounding the preparation of the gifts and the altar.

If the faithful are to present the gifts of bread and wine (GIRM, 73, 140; Order for Mass , 22), the deacon, who has been at the altar preparing it and the gifts, may remain at the right side of the altar until such faithful are in place, or he may return to his seat by the priest to wait for them to be ready. When the faithful are ready to present the gifts of bread, wine, and even monetary contributions from the collection plates, the celebrant and the deacon, or even the deacon alone, joined by one or more servers “go to the appropriate place” designated to receive the gifts (GIRM, 73). That place may be at the entrance to the sanctuary, at the chair (as is often the case in the Mass celebrated by a bishop), or at the altar itself. A master of ceremonies or a server may accompany the faithful from their places and back, generally walking to their left.

The gifts are received individually by the celebrant and handed to the deacon who stands on the celebrant’s right. The deacon in turn may hand the gifts to waiting servers. The celebrant may acknowledge those who presented the gifts with a bow of the head. Those who presented gifts would bow to the celebrant before departing. When all the gifts have been presented, the celebrant should have nothing in his hands. If standing before the altar and facing the people, the celebrant turns to his right with hands joined and makes his way to the altar, bowing to the altar upon arriving there (See Peter Elliot, Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite , Ignatius Press, 102). All who assisted the celebrant likewise bow to the altar if they happen to pass in front of it.

At the altar, the deacon, who is standing to the celebrant’s right, places the paten with the host or hosts in the priest’s hands. The priest holds the paten in both hands over the corporal slightly elevated, and says the prayers. He then places the paten at the center of the front portion of the corporal (Elliott, Ceremonies , p. 102).

At the right side of the altar, the deacon begins to prepare the chalice. First, holding the chalice on the altar itself by its node in his left hand (and not away from the altar or above the altar), he holds the fingers of his right hand together and lowers the purificator resting on top of the chalice into the bottom of the cup and wipes the interior of the cup of the chalice. Then he drapes the purificator over the thumb of his left hand at the node of the chalice so that the folded purificator falls over his thumb. With his right hand, he takes the cruet of wine presented him by the server (who holds it in his right hand with the handle facing out) and pours a portion of the wine into the chalice. The deacon wipes the mouth of the cruet on the purificator and returns it to the server. In the meantime, the server has placed the cruet of water in his right hand from this left hand. The server receives the cruet of wine in his left hand and offers the cruet of water, with handle facing out, with his right hand. The deacon does not make the sign of the cross over the cruet of water (neither does the priest, if he prepares the chalice in the absence of a deacon). The deacon takes the cruet of water and adds a little water (a few drops) to the wine, wipes the mouth of the cruet on the purificator and returns the cruet to the server. The server bows to the deacon and returns to the credence table with the two cruets. At no point is either cruet placed on the altar. Each cruet is held either by the server or the deacon (or celebrant) at all times.

The deacon then takes the interior of the folded purificator and wraps it around the index finger of his right hand at its center, holding it there with the thumb of his right hand, and wipes the drops of wine or water from the interior of the cup of the chalice. He refolds the purificator and places it next to the corporal along its length. Taking the chalice in both hands, with the right hand at the node and the left hand at the base, the deacon hands it to the priest. The celebrant raises it slightly, with his right hand at the node and his left hand at its base, with the base of the chalice a hand’s breadth above the corporal. The celebrant says the prayer regarding the wine. He then places the chalice down on the corporal, at the center of the back portion of the corporal. The deacon covers it with the pall using his right hand, his left hand resting on his chest. Meanwhile the celebrant places his left hand on the base of the chalice to prevent any accident. His right hand rests on the altar outside the corporal. (See Elliott , Ceremonies ,103; A. Mutel and P. Freeman , Cérémonial de la Sainte Messe , Artège,112-114.)

If there is no deacon, the celebrant prepares the chalice in the same way, standing at the right hand side of the altar. Having completed the preparation of the chalice, he may place it closer to the corporal with his left hand. Holding the purificator with his joined hands, he returns to the center of the altar, puts the purificator down, the folded edge closest to him, with its length along the corporal. Then, still standing at the center, he reaches for the chalice at its node with his right hand, and holds it over the corporal with the left hand at its base as indicated above. (See Mutel and Freeman, Cérémonial , 115)

The celebrant steps back slightly and bows deeply with hands joined to say the prayer With humble spirit (Order for Mass, 26). Traditionally, the celebrant rests the index and third fingers of his joined hands on the edge of the altar, with the remaining fingers of his joined hands touching the edge of the altar (See Mutel and Freeman , Cérémonial, 114). Rising, he turns to his right and goes to the right side of the altar with hands joined. There a server holds a basin in his left and and cruet or pitcher in his right hand with which to wash the celebrant’s hands. A towel or finger towel is draped on the server’s left arm. The deacon may take the towel from the server, open it, and hold it in both hands at its two corners in order to present it to the priest. The priest may take it from him, wipe his hands and return it to the deacon, who then folds it and places it on the left arm of the server. The server bows to the celebrant and returns to the credence table. The deacon may now stand at the priest’s left in order to turn the pages of the missal, or he may remain at his right for the entire Eucharistic Prayer. In this case, a master of ceremonies or the priest himself will turn the pages of the missal.

The celebrant, with hands joined, turns to his left and returns to the center of the altar. There he extends and joins his hands as he says, Pray brethren (brothers and sisters), while looking at the people (If he is facing liturgical east, he turns on his right to say, Pray brethren . The deacon standing at his right does not turn around but remains facing the altar. After the people have answered, the priest turns again to his right, completing the circle to face the altar.) Unless the deacon or a master of ceremonies does so, the celebrant then turns the pages of the missal to the prayer over the gifts with his left hand, his right hand resting on the altar outside the corporal. He says the prayer of the gifts with hands outstretched. He joins his hands at the concluding formula, “through Christ our Lord.”

Then begins the Eucharistic Prayer, the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The next post will treat the various postures and gestures of the celebrant, as well as those of the various others ministers during this portion of Mass. In the fullest form of the celebration of the Eucharistic Prayer, a complex series of movements and gestures accompanies the words of this great prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

This is the tenth part of an ongoing series for   Adoremus  by Monsignor Caron on “Liturgical Traditions,” one that situates the Novus Ordo rites amidst the received liturgical observances, thereby helping us to understand today’s rites in their proper “hermeneutic of reform.” Read the previous parts of the “Liturgical Traditions” series by  clicking here .

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The (the Offertory). Then, sometimes in procession, the bread and wine are brought to the altar; they will be offered by the priest in the name of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice in which they will become his body and blood. It is the very action of Christ at the Last Supper - "taking the bread and a cup." "The Church alone offers this pure oblation to the Creator, when she offers what comes forth from his creation with thanksgiving." The presentation of the offerings at the altar takes up the gesture of Melchizedek and commits the Creator's gifts into the hands of Christ who, in his sacrifice, brings to perfection all human attempts to offer sacrifices.

the presentation of the gifts

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Preparation of the Gifts

the presentation of the gifts

A ZENIT DAILY DISPATCH

ROME, 24 AUG. 2004 (ZENIT)

Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University.

Q: For daily Mass my parish priest prepares the chalice before the celebration with the wine and water in the sacristy. So when it is time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist he just takes the chalice with wine and water and continues on with the prayers. Does the Church allow this? — D.O., Toronto. Is there any reason why the bread and wine are offered with separate prayers at the presentation of gifts at Mass? Is it acceptable for the priest to say one prayer over the bread and wine, combining the two prayers? — D.C., Carenage, Trinidad and Tobago

A: The practice described of preparing wine and water beforehand is not quite correct, although unfortunately not uncommon in some quarters.

There is no good reason to do so since the time "saved" is minimal. And, of course, saving time is not an overly important criterion in liturgy.

There are certainly times when rites must necessarily be abbreviated, but abbreviation does not imply hastiness.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), No. 73, permits the chalice to be prepared at the credence table rather than at the altar, but always during the preparation of the gifts.

It is usually preferable, however, to prepare the chalice at the altar so that the faithful may observe the meaningful rite of adding the water to the wine. An earlier column dealt with this rite.

It is possible to prepare additional chalices before large concelebrations. But the preparation of the principal chalice should still preferably be carried out at the altar by the deacon and offered by the main celebrant.

A priest may not take it upon himself to change the liturgical text by offering a single prayer over the gifts just as he may not change other liturgical texts.

The practice of a separate offering of the bread and wine is a long-standing liturgical tradition which is found in one form or another in all the ancient manuscripts of the Roman rite, even though this rite has undergone many changes over time.

Some other rites, such as the Armenian and the ancient Hispanic (or Mozarabic) of Spain, do have a single prayer over both gifts. But, unlike the Roman rite, some of these rites have minute and painstaking ceremonies for preparing the gifts just before Mass begins.

In both ancient documents and in recent commentaries the separate offering of the gifts seems to be taken for granted. There is little reflection as to possible theological or spiritual motivations for this practice.

GIRM 72 however seem to suggest that the reason for this rite is to somehow parallel the separate consecration of the two species and to reflect the gestures of Christ at the Last Supper:

"At the Last Supper Christ instituted the Paschal Sacrifice and banquet by which the Sacrifice of the Cross is continuously made present in the Church whenever the priest, representing Christ the Lord, carries out what the Lord himself did and handed over to his disciples to be done in his memory.

"For Christ took the bread and the chalice and gave thanks; he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take, eat, and drink: this is my Body; this is the cup of my Blood. Do this in memory of me.' Accordingly, the Church has arranged the entire celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in parts corresponding to precisely these words and actions of Christ:

"1. At the Preparation of the Gifts, the bread and the wine with water are brought to the altar, the same elements that Christ took into his hands."

From a historical perspective, the separate offerings in the Roman rite would appear to stem from the ancient practice of each member of the faithful, or at least those intending to receive Communion, approaching the sanctuary after the Liturgy of the Word to offer bread and sometimes wine from their homes for the sacrifice.

In most Eastern rites the people left their gifts before Mass in a place designated for this purpose.

The Roman custom led to the development of an elaborate procession of the gifts and to the celebrant and other ministers receiving the gifts separately before placing them on the altar. During this period, however, the gifts were merely received and there were as yet no elevations or offertory prayers.

Once the gifts were paced upon the altar, the celebrant said the prayer over the gifts and then commenced the canon.

As the number of those receiving Communion dropped after the 10th century, the procession gradually disappeared from the liturgy. It has been restored, albeit symbolically, in the present Roman rite.

At the same time, a series of offertory rites, prayers and priestly "apologias" (prayers in which the priest admits his indignity before the celebration of the mystery and still found in the present rite) were added to the rite between the 10th to 13th centuries.

From this time, the rites of preparing the paten and chalice were taken up by the priest and deacon. Always retained were the separate offerings of both species. ZE04082421

Follow-up: Preparation of the Gifts [from 09-07-2004]

In our Aug. 24 column we replied to a question concerning the preparation of the chalice before Mass and the use of a single prayer of oblation.

A Dominican priest from Charlottesville, Virginia, has kindly pointed out that the celebrant who used the single prayer may have been a member of the Order of Preachers.

He writes: "In the Dominican Rite Low Mass the chalice was prepared before Mass and the oblation was made with a single prayer and single raising in both the Solemn and Low Masses. At Solemn High Mass the chalice was prepared during the Gradual.

"Both of these practices were also found in the liturgical family embracing the local uses of northern France and the Sarum Rite in England, from which family the Dominican Rite evolved.

"It is not uncommon for some Dominicans to use the old single oblation and to prepare the chalice ahead. The motive is nostalgia, not haste."

The priest adds that, while he harbors much affection for the Dominican rite, he himself never follows this practice since it is contrary to the spirit and rubrics of the Roman rite.

I believe that his is a prudent decision when celebrating Mass for a congregation. Otherwise, the faithful may be confused by the difference in rites.

All this serves to show, however, that, even before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Latin Church was not an absolute liturgical monolith. It allowed for several particular rites, either those pertaining to venerable religious orders or to certain regions or dioceses such as Milan in Italy, Lyon in France, Braga in Portugal, and in Croatia where for centuries the Roman rite has been celebrated in Croatian. ZE04090722  

This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch © Innovative Media, Inc.

ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italy www.zenit.org

To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field

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The Mass Part 4: Presentation of the gifts

the presentation of the gifts

Before moving forward let’s review.

One week ago, we saw that the church considers the Liturgy of the Word power-packed. What the liturgy’s actions say, the word of God enacts, or as the “Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “The liturgical word and action are inseparable both insofar as they are signs and instruction and insofar as they accomplish what they signify.”

Two weeks ago, we observed how the entrance rites developed in the church’s history. At the time of St. Justin Martyr in A.D. 155, they were very rudimentary (see CCC, 1345), but other parts of Mass, including the procession of gifts, were already being done.

Three weeks ago, we examined some liturgical concepts that are helpful in understanding the Mass, especially how the liturgy makes use of signs and symbols to communicate God’s grace to us.

All three of these — symbols, gifts, and word plus action — are important for the part of the Mass we look at today: preparation of the gifts.

Sometimes this is also called this the “offertory,” but since the bread and wine will be supremely “offered” in the eucharistic prayer, we’ll use the term preferred by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

— Presentation of the gifts assumed great importance in the early church.

St. Cyprian, martyred in Africa in 258, chided those who came to Mass and received the Eucharist but made no offering of their own: “You are wealthy and rich, and do you think that you celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not at all considering the offering? Who comes to the Lord’s Supper without a sacrifice, and yet take part of the sacrifice which the poor man has offered? Consider in the Gospel the widow . . .”

St. Augustine was impressed by a fifth-century procession of gifts in Rome in which the faithful brought from their own homes things from their kitchen tables. (After handling all the gifts, no wonder the priest had to wash his hands!)

Augustine called this an “admirable exchange” — for their gifts God gave back Jesus. Our present prayer over the gifts from the sixth day in the octave of Christmas uses Augustine’s language: “Lord, receive our gifts in this wonderful exchange: from all you have given us we bring you these gifts, and in return, you give us yourself.”

— Valid matter. The church uses unleavened bread made only of pure wheat flour and water, and wine only from grapes. Why?

Because that’s what Jesus used. He told us to “do this” in his memory, and if “this” changes too much, we’re no longer following his command.

Even in places of the world where wheat or grapes are scarce, the church still insists that these foodstuffs be imported instead of substituted with local products such as corn flour or rice wine. For persons with celiac disease or alcohol intolerance, the church permits virtually gluten-free hosts and mustum, wine whose fermentation has been arrested.

— Collection of money. Yep, it’s in the Bible. “From the very beginning, Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need” (CCC, 1351). Tithing and almsgiving are acts of worship (2 Corinthians 9:10-15) and express not only our desire to help those in need but also our generosity to God.

A $20 bill and a $1 bill are next to each other in a man’s wallet. The $20 bill says, “Isn’t life great! I get to go to the best places: to movies and nice restaurants and the mall.” The $1 bill replies, “Well, I go to church.” (Right about now lots of people are upset with me, while pastors are secretly sighing, “Thank you Father Tom!”)

— Made by hand. The ordinary form of Mass uses adapted Jewish “berakah” (blessing) prayers whose words are packed with meaning, even if they’re done silently during the music.

Bread and wine symbolize a wonderful cooperation between God and humans. We lay upon the altar not only creation’s goods but ours, too. The gifts are not mere wheat and grapes, but “the work of human hands.”

Symbolically, that’s us on the altar, offering ourselves to God. In the eucharistic prayer, we will ask God to send the Spirit to change the gifts and change us as well — but, again, I’m getting ahead of myself.

The gift of ourselves is never easy, and the church, knowing that, treats our offerings with great care. The priest places them in a dignified place on the altar, incenses them reverently, and asks God to receive them to himself.

“Pray, sisters and brothers, that our sacrifice” — not only bread and wine, but what they symbolize: our work, struggles, joys, money, our very lives — “may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

In the next part of Mass, the great eucharistic prayer, it happens: the Holy Spirit comes down, and as the words of Christ are repeated over the bread and wine . . . Stay tuned!

Father Tom Margevicius is instructor of liturgical theology at St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in St. Paul.

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Proper Presentation and Delivery of Gifts: What to Do and What to Avoid When Offering a Corporate Gift

Are you ready to step up your gift-giving game in the corporate world? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the proper presentation and delivery of gifts, ensuring that you make a lasting impression. We'll show you what to do and what to avoid, giving you the confidence to navigate the world of corporate gifting with ease. So, grab a pen and get ready to learn the secrets of giving the perfect corporate gift and enjoy its benefits  and avoid the biggest gifting pitfalls ! It's time to unleash your inner gift-giving guru!

What is a Corporate Gift?

When it comes to corporate gifts, there are various types that you can consider. These gifts are typically given to clients, employees , or partners as a token of appreciation or to strengthen business relationships . Some common types of corporate gifts include personalized items, promotional products, and luxury goods.

Types of Corporate Gifts

If you're looking for corporate gifts , you can consider items like personalized pens or custom-made notebooks . These types of gifts are not only practical but also offer a personal touch. Another option you might want to consider is including a gift card or gift certificate, allowing the recipient the freedom to choose their own gift. To enhance the presentation of your corporate gift, you can opt for a gift box or gift wrapping. These add an extra layer of elegance and professionalism to your gift. Whether you're looking to express gratitude to a client or reward your employees , corporate gifts play a significant role. By selecting the right type of gift and paying attention to its presentation, you can create a positive and lasting impression.

Corporate Gifting

the presentation of the gifts

When it comes to corporate gifting , it is important to understand the policies not regarding such gifts. Knowing the appropriate use of corporate gifts and the limitations surrounding them is key to maintaining professionalism and compliance with laws and regulations. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure that your corporate gifting practices align with industry standards and legal requirements.

Policies Regarding Corporate Gifts

To ensure compliance with company policies, make sure you consult the guidelines regarding corporate gifts . Proper etiquette is crucial when it comes to the presentation of gifts in a corporate setting. It is important to be mindful of the recipient's preferences and any cultural considerations . When selecting a gift, opt for something practical and useful that aligns with the recipient's interests or needs. Avoid giving fragile items that may break during transport or require excessive care. Additionally, it is essential to adhere to any spending limits set by your company. Remember that corporate gifting is an opportunity to build and strengthen professional relationships, so take the time to consider the appropriateness and significance of the gift. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your corporate gifts are well-received and reflect positively on both you and your company.

Appropriate Use of Corporate Gifts

It's important to consider the appropriateness of the gift in a professional setting. When presenting a corporate gift, make sure it aligns with the recipient's values and preferences. A proper gift demonstrates thoughtfulness and respect. Before choosing a gift, consider the recipient's interests, hobbies, and professional background. This will help you select something meaningful and relevant. Additionally, presentation is key. Take the time to wrap the gift neatly and professionally, using high-quality materials. This shows that you value the recipient and the occasion . When delivering the gift, it's best to do it in person whenever possible. This allows for a personal touch and shows your dedication to the relationship. Remember, a well-chosen and well-presented corporate gift can strengthen professional connections and leave a lasting impression.

Limitations on Corporate Gifting

Make sure you understand the restrictions and guidelines surrounding corporate gifting to ensure you stay within the appropriate boundaries. When choosing a corporate gift , it's important to find the perfect gift that aligns with your recipient's interests and values. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options available to suit any price range. Consider exploring an online retailer that offers a variety of corporate gifts, allowing you to find something unique and thoughtful. One popular choice is a gift basket, which can be customized to include items that cater to the recipient's preferences. However, it's crucial to be mindful of any limitations on corporate gifting, such as maximum value limits or restrictions on certain industries. By staying within these guidelines, you can provide a meaningful gift while maintaining your professional integrity.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations Concerning Corporate Gifting

Complying with laws and regulations is essential when giving corporate gifts. It ensures that your gestures are well-received and avoid any legal complications. Understanding the rules surrounding corporate gifting is crucial for maintaining a positive and ethical business image.

When it comes to compliance, it's important to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding corporate gifting. Some countries have strict limits on the value of gifts that can be given or received, while others prohibit certain types of gifts altogether. By staying informed, you can avoid any potential legal issues and maintain a transparent and trustworthy relationship with your clients and partners.

Proper presentation and delivery of gifts also play a significant role in compliance. Be mindful of cultural norms and practices when presenting gifts, ensuring that they are appropriate and respectful. Additionally, always disclose any conflicts of interest or potential biases that may arise from giving or receiving gifts.

Gift Recipients and Delivery Methods

When choosing the right recipient for a gift, there are several considerations to keep in mind. You want to ensure that the gift is appropriate for the person's interests, preferences, and relationship to you. Additionally, it's important to think about the occasion and the message you want to convey through the gift. Once you have selected the perfect recipient, there are various ways to deliver the gift. You can choose to personally present it, have it delivered through a courier service, or send it electronically if it's a digital gift. The method of delivery should align with the recipient's preferences and the nature of the gift itself.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Recipient for a Gift

Choosing the right recipient for your corporate gift can greatly impact the effectiveness and success of your gesture. When considering who to give the gift to, think about the purpose of the gift and the message you want to convey. For example, if you are giving gifts for speakers at a conference, you may want to consider gifts that are practical and useful for their profession. Some guest speaker gift ideas could include personalized notebooks, high-quality pens, or even gift cards to bookstores. It's important to also think about the recipient's preferences and interests to ensure they will truly appreciate the gift. Lastly, don't forget to add a personal touch to the gift, whether it's a handwritten note or a customized message. Remember, the key is to choose a recipient who will truly value and appreciate your gesture.

Different Ways to Deliver a Gift to the Recipient

One option for delivering a gift to the recipient is by personally handing it to them. This method allows for direct interaction and a personal touch, making it ideal for special occasions or when you want to make a lasting impression. Another way to deliver a gift is by mail or courier service. This is a convenient option, especially for corporate gifts or when distance is a factor. Ensure that the gift is securely packaged to avoid any damage during transit. Additionally, you can consider using online gift delivery services. These platforms offer a wide range of thoughtful gifts for various occasions and provide a hassle-free experience. Whichever method you choose, remember to consider the recipient's preferences and the occasion to ensure the proper presentation and delivery of your gift.

Perfecting the Gift Presentation & Delivery Process

the presentation of the gifts

When it comes to gift-giving, adding a personal touch can make all the difference. Learn how to make your gift stand out from others by incorporating unique elements that resonate with the recipient. Whether you choose to take advantage of professional wrapping services or opt for DIY-wrapping ideas, the presentation can greatly enhance the overall gift-giving experience. Additionally, thinking ahead and preparing in advance for events, holidays, or special occasions can ensure that your gifts are timely and well-received.

Personal Touch: How to Make Your Gift Stand Out From Others

To make your gift stand out from others, it's important to add a personal touch that shows you care. When selecting a gift, consider the recipient's interests, hobbies, or preferences. For a personal gift, choose something meaningful or nostalgic that will evoke emotions and create a lasting memory. If you're aiming for a romantic gift, opt for something intimate and thoughtful, like a handwritten love letter or a surprise date night. Adding a personal touch could also involve presenting the gift in a custom gift box, tailored to the recipient's taste or style. Another nice surprise could be to include a handwritten note or a small, heartfelt message expressing your appreciation. Remember, it's not always about the most expensive item, but the thought and effort put into the gift that truly makes it special.

Taking Advantage of Wrapping Services or DIY-Wrapping Ideas

Now that you have learned how to make your gift stand out with a personal touch, let's explore another aspect of proper gift presentation: taking advantage of wrapping services or DIY-wrapping ideas. When it comes to gifts for a guest speaker or a guest of government, especially on formal occasions, the presentation is crucial. Wrapping services can offer a professional touch, ensuring that your gift looks elegant and polished. However, if you prefer a more personal approach, DIY-wrapping ideas can also be a great option. You can use eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper or fabric to create unique and environmentally-conscious wrapping. Whether you choose professional wrapping or DIY, remember that the way you present your gift reflects your thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

Thinking Ahead: Preparing in Advance for Events, Holidays, etc.

Planning in advance for events and holidays is a smart way to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, attending a holiday party, or looking for the perfect engagement gift, thinking ahead can save you time and hassle. By considering the upcoming gifting occasion, you can start brainstorming ideas, researching options, and even purchasing items ahead of time. For example, if you know you'll be attending a conference and want to give conference speaker gifts, you can plan in advance by researching the speakers and their interests. This way, you'll have a better understanding of what kind of gift would be meaningful to them. By preparing in advance, you'll avoid last-minute stress and have the freedom to choose the perfect gift for any occasion.

The 5 Best Leather Corporate Gifts To Buy

When it comes to selecting the best leather corporate gifts , you want to make sure you choose items that exude professionalism and style. Look no further than the Vernon Backpack, the Colden Duffle Bag, the Eira Duffle Bag, the Brandt Weekender, and the Langley Backpack. These top-quality leather accessories are not only functional and durable, but they also make a lasting impression on recipients, making them the perfect choice for any corporate gifting occasion.

The Vernon Backpack

the presentation of the gifts

The Vernon Backpack is a highly durable and water-resistant bag made from crazy horse leather. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, this backpack is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use while maintaining a timeless and stylish appearance. The crazy horse leather not only gives it a unique retro, vintage look, but also provides exceptional resistance to water and other liquids.

Featuring a roomy main compartment that can comfortably fit a 15' laptop, as well as an exterior pocket for quick and easy access to essentials, the Vernon Backpack offers both functionality and convenience. Additionally, it has a front magnetic locked pocket for smaller items, two side pockets for a water bottle or easy-access items, and an interior zippered pocket and two slip pockets for further organization.

Product Specs:

  • Material: Crazy horse leather
  • Dimensions: (L) 12.6" x (W) 5.5" x (H) 16.9"
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Capacity: 20.8 liters
  • Highly durable and water-resistant
  • Unique retro, vintage look
  • Ample storage space and organization options
  • Comfortable to wear with adjustable straps
  • Versatile for both work and casual use
  • May have a strong leather smell initially
  • Slightly heavier compared to other backpacks
  • Limited color options

The Colden Duffle Bag

the presentation of the gifts

If you're looking for a spacious and stylish travel bag , the Colden Duffle Bag is a great choice. This duffle bag features a central compartment of ample size, along with thoughtfully placed pockets for improved accessibility. The smooth zipper adds an elegant touch to the overall design. The exterior is made from durable crazy horse leather, known for its toughness and unique aged appearance. The soft cotton lining ensures that your belongings are protected while adding a touch of luxury. The bag is made of high-quality crazy horse leather, which is highly resistant to water and other liquids. With dimensions of 23.6 x 10 x 7 inches and a weight of 3.5 lbs, it offers a spacious interior without being too heavy to carry. The Colden Duffle Bag also offers multiple carrying options, with soft leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap.

  • Dimensions: 23.6 x 10 x 7 inches (60cm x 29cm x 25cm)
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
  • Exterior: Crazy horse leather
  • Lining: Soft cotton
  • Carrying options: Soft leather handles, adjustable shoulder strap
  • Spacious central compartment
  • Thoughtfully-placed pockets for improved accessibility
  • Smooth zipper for elegance
  • Durable crazy horse leather exterior
  • Soft cotton lining for added protection
  • Multiple carrying options for convenience
  • May be too large for some travelers
  • The weight of the bag may be heavy for some users
  • The crazy horse leather may require occasional maintenance and care to maintain its appearance.

The Eira Duffle Bag

the presentation of the gifts

Now that you've learned about the Colden Duffle Bag, let's move on to another exceptional option: the Eira Duffle Bag . This bag is perfect for those who value both style and functionality. Made of high-quality crazy horse leather, the Eira Duffle Bag offers a unique and vintage appearance that only gets better with time. Its dimensions of 19.7 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches provide ample space for all your travel essentials. Inside, you'll find a large main compartment with a laptop interlayer, zippered pocket, and multiple open pockets for easy organization. The crazy horse leather used in its construction makes it highly resistant to water and other liquids, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry during your travels.

  • Dimensions: 19.7 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches
  • Weight: 5.3 lbs
  • Interior: 1 large main compartment with 1 laptop interlayer, 1 zippered pocket, 3 open pockets
  • Interlayer fits devices up to 15 inches
  • Unique and vintage appearance
  • Durable and strong
  • Highly resistant to water and other liquids
  • Ample space for all your travel essentials
  • Provides excellent organization with multiple pockets
  • Slightly heavier compared to other duffle bags
  • Requires periodic maintenance to maintain its appearance
  • Initial stiffness may require some breaking in for optimal comfort.

The Brandt Weekender

the presentation of the gifts

When considering a new duffle bag, you'll love the vintage appeal and ample space of the Brandt Weekender . Made from Crazy Horse Leather, this bag not only looks stylish, but it is also highly resistant to water and other liquids, making it perfect for your adventurous spirit. The wax applied to the full grain cow leather gives it a unique retro, vintage look that only gets better with age. The Brandt Weekender is not just a bag, it's a statement piece that showcases your individuality and freedom.

  • Made from Crazy Horse Leather
  • Vintage retro look
  • Ample space for all your belongings
  • Unique and distinctive design
  • Highly resistant to water and moisture
  • Leather color changes with wear, may not appeal to everyone's taste
  • Scratches and marks may add to the vintage look, but some may prefer a pristine appearance
  • May be on the pricier side compared to other duffle bags.

The Langley Backpack

the presentation of the gifts

You'll appreciate the rustic deep chocolate brown color and the spacious interior of the Langley Backpack , making it the perfect choice for school, work, or outdoor trips. Crafted from high-quality crazy horse leather , this backpack exudes a sense of freedom and adventure. The wax applied to the full-grain leather surface not only gives it an aged look but also enhances its toughness and resistance to water and moisture-related damages. With a capacity of 20-35 liters, it offers ample space to carry your essentials. The exterior features a front zippered pocket, two side pockets, and a zippered back pocket, while the interior boasts a main compartment, an additional compartment, and a slip pocket for papers. The leather-lined grab handle and adjustable shoulder straps ensure comfort and back support during long journeys. The Langley Backpack is a durable and stylish companion that will develop a unique, vintage appearance over time.

  • Made from high-quality crazy horse leather
  • Dimensions: 13L x 16.5H x 5.9W / (33cm x 42cm x 15cm)
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
  • Capacity: 20-35 liters
  • Exterior: Front zippered pocket, 2 exterior side pockets, 1 zippered back pocket
  • Interior: 1 main compartment, 1 additional compartment, slip pocket for papers
  • Carrying options: Leather-lined grab handle, adjustable shoulder straps
  • Rustic deep chocolate brown color that develops with use
  • Resistant to water and moisture-related damages
  • Provides comfort and back support
  • Ample storage space
  • May be heavy for some individuals
  • Initial wax smell may take time to dissipate
  • Requires periodic waxing to maintain appearance and durability

Congratulations! You've made it to the end of this informative article on the proper presentation and delivery of corporate gifts . Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the treacherous waters of corporate gifting. Remember, it's not just about the gift itself, but also about the way it is presented and delivered. So, avoid those cringe-worthy mistakes and make a lasting impression with your impeccable gift-giving skills. And if all else fails, just remember, everyone loves a good leather gift!

Handmade Leather Bags

The Dagny Weekender | Large Leather Duffle Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Dagny Weekender | Large Leather Duffle Bag

The Endre Weekender | Vintage Leather Duffle Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Endre Weekender | Vintage Leather Duffle Bag

The Asmund Backpack | Genuine Leather Rucksack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Asmund Backpack | Genuine Leather Rucksack

The Bjarke Weekender | Handcrafted Leather Duffle Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Bjarke Weekender | Handcrafted Leather Duffle Bag

Sachi Leather Backpack  | Small Women's Leather Backpack

Sachi Leather Backpack | Small Women's Leather Backpack

The Hagen Backpack | Vintage Leather Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Hagen Backpack | Vintage Leather Backpack

The Langley Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Langley Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Backpack

The Welch Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Welch Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag

The Brandt Weekender | Small Leather Duffle Bag

The Brandt Weekender | Small Leather Duffle Bag

The Eira Duffle Bag | Vintage Leather Weekender

The Eira Duffle Bag | Vintage Leather Weekender

The Colden Duffle Bag | Large Capacity Leather Weekender - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Colden Duffle Bag | Large Capacity Leather Weekender

The Bard Weekender | Handmade Leather Duffle Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Bard Weekender | Handmade Leather Duffle Bag

The Asta Weekender | Handcrafted Leather Duffle Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Asta Weekender | Handcrafted Leather Duffle Bag

The Helka Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Helka Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Backpack

The Shelby Backpack | Handmade Genuine Leather Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Shelby Backpack | Handmade Genuine Leather Backpack

The Vernon Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Minimalist Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Vernon Backpack | Genuine Vintage Leather Minimalist Backpack

The Gaetano | Large Leather Backpack Camera Bag with Tripod Holder

The Gaetano | Large Leather Backpack Camera Bag with Tripod Holder

The MANN Bag | Large Capacity Leather Camera Backpack

The MANN Bag | Large Capacity Leather Camera Backpack

The Freja Backpack | Handcrafted Leather Backpack - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Freja Backpack | Handcrafted Leather Backpack

The Viggo Briefcase | Genuine Leather Messenger Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Viggo Briefcase | Genuine Leather Messenger Bag

The Faust Leather Camera Bag | Crossbody Vintage Camera Messenger Bag

The Faust Leather Camera Bag | Crossbody Vintage Camera Messenger Bag

The Gustav Messenger Bag | Large Capacity Vintage Leather Messenger Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Gustav Messenger Bag | Large Capacity Vintage Leather Messenger Bag

The Dagmar Leather Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag

The Dagmar Leather Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag

The Hemming Leather Laptop Bag | Vintage Leather Briefcase

The Hemming Leather Laptop Bag | Vintage Leather Briefcase

The Walcott Leather Waist Bag | Black Leather Fanny Pack

The Walcott Leather Waist Bag | Black Leather Fanny Pack

The Bjorn Leather Laptop Bag | Vintage Leather Briefcase

The Bjorn Leather Laptop Bag | Vintage Leather Briefcase

The Pathfinder Bifold Wallet | Genuine Leather Pocket Book - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Pathfinder Bifold Wallet | Genuine Leather Pocket Book

The Walden | Handmade Leather Front Pocket Wallet with Money Clip

The Walden | Handmade Leather Front Pocket Wallet with Money Clip

The Nomad Toiletry Bag | Genuine Leather Travel Toiletry Bag

The Nomad Toiletry Bag | Genuine Leather Travel Toiletry Bag

Dado Leather Dopp Kit | Handmade Leather Toiletry Bag

Dado Leather Dopp Kit | Handmade Leather Toiletry Bag

The Cael | Handmade Leather Coin Purse with Zipper

The Cael | Handmade Leather Coin Purse with Zipper

The Wanderer Toiletry Bag | Genuine Leather Toiletry Bag - STEEL HORSE LEATHER, Handmade, Genuine Vintage Leather

The Wanderer Toiletry Bag | Genuine Leather Toiletry Bag

The Paavo Leather Pen Case | Leather Makeup Pouch

The Paavo Leather Pen Case | Leather Makeup Pouch

Priam Handmade Leather Passport Cover

Priam Handmade Leather Passport Cover

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IMAGES

  1. Presentation of the Gifts at Mass

    the presentation of the gifts

  2. Presentation of the gifts during the first mass of a newly ordained

    the presentation of the gifts

  3. Photos: St. Paul Catholics celebrate Holy Thursday

    the presentation of the gifts

  4. The Preparation of the Gifts and the Altar, Part II

    the presentation of the gifts

  5. Gift Bearers at Mass

    the presentation of the gifts

  6. PPT

    the presentation of the gifts

COMMENTS

  1. Explanation of the Mass

    The Eucharistic liturgy includes the preparation and offering of the gifts, the Eucharistic prayer and communion. This structure is based on Jesus Christ's actions in the Last Supper when He took the bread and wine, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples. During the presentation and offering of the gifts, we find the following ...

  2. Ask the Register: how do I bring up the gifts?

    The presentation of the gifts by the faithful is not an essential component of the Mass, but it's a beautiful, symbolic gesture. The practice goes back even to the early Church. In the 2nd Century, St. Justin Martyr wrote: "When our prayer is ended, bread and wine with water are brought forth, and the president offers prayers and ...

  3. Presentation of the gifts, preparation of the altar

    The presentation of the gifts marks the beginning of the second major part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This preparation also has been traditionally called the offertory, since the priest prepares the gifts to be offered. Despite the change in name, the essential idea and theology has remained unchanged.

  4. The Mass Series

    Presentation of the gifts assumed great importance in the early church. St. Cyprian, martyred in Africa in 258, chided those who came to Mass and received the Eucharist but made no offering of their own: "You are wealthy and rich, and do you think that you celebrate the Lord's Supper, not at all considering the offering? ...

  5. The Liturgy of the Eucharist: The Preparation of the Gifts

    The Presentation of the Gifts In many celebrations of the Eucharist the faithful bring up the bread and wine to be used in Mass along with other gifts to serve the needs of the Church and of the poor. This hearkens back to when the faithful actually brought their own bread and wine for use in the Mass and brought it to the altar.

  6. A Significant Moment in Our Prayer: The Presentation of the Gifts

    And for those sitting in the pews, tempted to "check out" for a few minutes, seeing the gifts being brought forward should serve as a powerful reminder to offer our lives back to God, through serving and honoring Him. For more information on Gift Families, please contact Sarah McKinzie, 812-219-2903, [email protected].

  7. Why do we present gifts during Mass?

    The prayer over the gifts from the sixth day in the octave of Christmas uses Augustine's language: "Lord, receive our gifts in this wonderful exchange: from all you have given us we bring you these gifts, and in return, you give us yourself.". Valid matter. For Mass, the Church uses unleavened bread made only of pure wheat flour and water ...

  8. Pope Francis' Catechesis on The Holy Mass. the Preparation of The Gifts

    The preparation of the gifts corresponds, then, to Jesus' first gesture: "He took the bread and the chalice of wine. It's the first part of the Eucharistic Liturgy. It's good that it's the faithful that present the bread and wine to the priest, because they signify the spiritual offering of the Church, gathered there for the Eucharist.

  9. Preparation of Gifts (Commentary)

    The presentation of the gifts of bread and wine mirrors Christ's action of taking bread and wine. Eucharist is not one moment. It is a four-part action, and every part is essential. Any one part loses its meaning and purpose when isolated from the other parts. There can only be a communion procession because there has first been a procession ...

  10. The Preparation of the Gifts and the Altar, Part I

    Only after all the vessels are placed on the altar, a server brings the missal from the celebrant's chair to the altar. Or, he may have brought it to the credence table first in order to place it on its stand or pillow and then proceed to take both to the altar once the preparation of the altar and the gifts is completed.

  11. Liturgy Matters

    At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts. The congregation is seated. The hospitality ministers take up the collection. Members of the assembly prepare to bring the bread and wine to the altar along with gifts for the poor.

  12. Wonders of the Mass (Episode 27): The Presentation of the Gifts

    Did you know that as part of the presentation of the gifts, we are all invited to give an offering of ourselves in that moment? It's not only the bread and w...

  13. Mass

    The celebrant prepares the alter and the gifts for the presentation to God. - if there is no music the celebrant may say the following prayer allowed -. 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.

  14. Experiencing the Mass: Presentation of the Gifts (Part 1)

    The Presentation of Gifts can be a lost moment in the Mass. If the gifts are not brought up in a solemn procession, passing through the whole assembly, to be placed in the hands of the presider, the putting of the chalice, bread and wine on the altar can be just a "housekeeping" moment—like changing the props between scenes during a play.

  15. PDF The Mass Part 4: Presentation of the gifts

    In the eucharistic prayer, we will ask God to send the Spirit to change the gifts and change us as well — but, again, I'm getting ahead of myself. The gift of ourselves is never easy, and the church, knowing that, treats our offerings with great care. The priest places them in a dignified place on the altar, incenses them reverently, and ...

  16. The Preparation of the Gifts

    In the fourth part of this series, we begin a new part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with the preparation of the gifts.#UnderstandingTheMass #Ca...

  17. Order of Mass: Basic Texts for the Roman Catholic Eucharist

    Presentation of the Gifts / Preparation of the Altar: Priest: 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. All: Blessed be God for ever. Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your ...

  18. Living the Mass: The Presentation of the Gifts

    In the Presentation of the Gifts, we begin the work of sharing our time, talent, and treasure. How do we continue this work during the other six days of the ...

  19. The Preparation of the Gifts and the Altar, Part II

    The celebrant may acknowledge those who presented the gifts with a bow of the head. Those who presented gifts would bow to the celebrant before departing. When all the gifts have been presented, the celebrant should have nothing in his hands. If standing before the altar and facing the people, the celebrant turns to his right with hands joined ...

  20. Catechism of the Catholic Church

    1350 The presentation of the offerings (the Offertory). Then, sometimes in procession, the bread and wine are brought to the altar; they will be offered by the priest in the name of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice in which they will become his body and blood. It is the very action of Christ at the Last Supper - "taking the bread and a cup."

  21. Preparation of the Gifts

    The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), No. 73, permits the chalice to be prepared at the credence table rather than at the altar, but always during the preparation of the gifts. It is usually preferable, however, to prepare the chalice at the altar so that the faithful may observe the meaningful rite of adding the water to the wine.

  22. The Mass Part 4: Presentation of the gifts

    Before moving forward let's review. One week ago, we saw that the church considers the Liturgy of the Word power-packed. What the liturgy's actions say, the word of God enacts, or as the "Catechism of the Catholic Church says: "The liturgical word and action are inseparable both insofar as they are signs and instruction and insofar as they accomplish what they signify."

  23. Proper Presentation and Delivery of Gifts: What to Do and What to Avoi

    This will help you select something meaningful and relevant. Additionally, presentation is key. Take the time to wrap the gift neatly and professionally, using high-quality materials. This shows that you value the recipient and the occasion. When delivering the gift, it's best to do it in person whenever possible.