Bringing Up the Gifts

by Paul Turner

The procession should include just these primary symbols. Other elements, such as the water, bowl, towel, and chalice should be in place before Mass. The procession of the gifts is not a setting of the credence table. It begins the preparation of the offerings for Mass. 

Similarly, symbolic tokens that will be retrieved and put back into use after the liturgy should not be brought up in procession. Textbooks, sports paraphernalia, and hobbies, for example, might be arranged to catch the eye upon entering the church for a school Mass, but they are not the gifts of the Eucharist. 

Gifts are brought up in procession by “the faithful,” who hand them to the priest or deacon (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 73). After handing them over, some people make the sign of the cross, genuflect, bow, or do none of the above. The GIRM gives no instructions about what to do. The Ceremonial of Bishops says, “A deep bow is made to the altar by all who enter the sanctuary (chancel), leave it, or pass before the altar” (72). It would be most appropriate if those who bring up the gifts made a profound bow to the altar just before returning to their places. ML

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Copyright © 2004, Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.  For permission e-mail info@rpinet.com.
Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.