Preparation and Presentation of the Gifts
This is the point in the Mass where a break in liturgical action takes place.  The collection is taken up and the gifts are prepared and presented.
During this period of time, there should be music. Music can be instrumental, a vocal solo or a congregational hymn.  Instrumental solos are prohibited during Lent except on the 4 ^th Sunday of Lent, solemnities and feasts (GIRM 313).  When a hymn is sung, it is announced to the congregation.  The offertory music accompanies the liturgical action (GIRM 37b).  At the Cathedral the music extends beyond the gifts being placed on the altar and continues until the priest washes his hands.  The music should not dominate this action and should not be extended beyond this time.
Next comes the prayer over the gifts, the preface, the Sanctus, followed by the Eucharistic Prayer itself.  If the preface is sung, the people respond with a chant.  If the preface is recited, the people’s response is recited.  How beautiful this dialogue becomes when chanted!
On Sundays and during the weekday liturgies, the Sanctus is almost always sung.  The Sanctus may be recited if no cantor is present to lead the a capella singing at daily Mass.
 
 
Eucharistic Prayer
At the completion of the words of consecration, the priest either recites or chants the words, “The mystery of faith”.    There are three forms of the memorial acclamation.  At St. Mary’s, the season of the year often dictates the form to be used.    At the Sunday Masses, this is most always sung and for most weekdays, it is recited.  Special feasts and solemnities may include a sung acclamation.  The “Amen” is chanted if the doxology is chanted.  This glorious “Amen” is most effective when sung, following the chanted doxology.  This is the climax of the Mass as we acclaim, “WE BELIEVE”. 
 
Next week, we will be examining the Communion Rite.