The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) No. 73 states that "It is praiseworthy for the bread and wine to be presented by the faithful." This means that having members of the worshiping assembly bring forward the gifts of bread and wine is encouraged, though not strictly required.

In line with this sacred practice, representatives from the assembly in many churches—usually a married couple, a family, or a group of individualsbring the bread and wine down the central aisle during the offertory and present them to the priest.

The priest then hands them to the deacon or altar servers, who carry them to the altar. Other offerings, such as money for the church and the needy, may also be brought forward but are placed in a designated area rather than on the altar, as they are not part of the Eucharistic species to be transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. After presenting the gifts, the laypeople bow to the priest and return to their seats via the side aisles.

This practice dates back to the first through fourth centuries, when the faithful literally brought bread and wine from their homes for the Eucharistic celebration. These gifts represented material support for the liturgies, charity for clergy and the poor, and the offerings of one's life and labor to God. As parishes became stable institutions during the Middle Ages, bread and wine were provided by the church rather than individuals. However, this rite was gradually abandoned and eventually ceased.

In the twentieth century, this practice was revived when the Second Vatican Council emphasized that the Mass should be an action of the whole church, not just the priest (refer to Sacrosanctum Concilium No. 26). Thus, the offertory procession was restored-not as a requirement but as a meaningful sign.

This gesture symbolizes the participation of the entire church in the Eucharistic sacrifice. It retains its symbolic importance from the Middle Ages, representing the offering of the faithful's lives, labor, suffering, and thanksgiving in union with the sacrifice of Christ.

Importantly, the presentation of the gifts is not merely about transporting objects; it is about making visible the church's collective offering to Christ while preserving the unique sacramental role of the ordained minister. When we present not only bread and wine but also our monetary gifts, prayers, and our whole selves, we underscore our commitment to active participation in Mass. Therefore, if you do not give your monetary offering online or in the collection plate, you may be distancing yourself from fully participating in the Mass, let alone missing out the blessings that come from such offerings. I kindly urge you to remember the importance of accompanying your prayers and supplications to God with a monetary offering, as this is a crucial aspect of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this practice was temporarily suspended in our parish for health reasons. Now that the threat of COVID has diminished, we have decided to reinstate it. If an usher approaches you and invites you to participate in this sacred rite, please willingly accept the request with the understanding that you represent the entire congregation in presenting the gifts to God.

In God's service and yours,

Fr. Thomas Kagumisa

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