The Offertory (Form II)

The Priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both hands, saying in a low voice:

Blessed art thou, O Lord, God of all creation, for of thy bounty have we received this bread which we offer unto thee, fruit of the earth and the work of human hands: whence it shall become for us the bread of life.

Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud; at the end, the People may acclaim:

Blessed be God for ever.

The Deacon, or the Priest, pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly:

By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

The Priest then takes the chalice and holds it slightly raised above the altar with both hands, saying in a low voice:

Blessed art thou, O Lord, God of all creation, for of thy bounty have we received this wine which we offer onto thee, fruit of the vine and the work of human hands: whence it shall become for us our spiritual drink.

The he places the chalice on the corporal.

If, however, the Offertory Chant is not sung, the Priest may speak these words aloud; at the end, the People may acclaim:

Blessed be God for ever.

After this, the Priest, bowing profoundly, says quietly:

In a humble spirit and with a contrite heart, may we be accepted of thee, O Lord, and so let our sacrifice be offered in thy sight this day that it may be pleasing unto thee, O Lord, God.

If incense is used, he blesses it and censes the offerings, the cross, and the altar in the customary manner. A Deacon or other Minister then censes teh Priest, the Minister, and the People.

Then the Priest, standing at the side of the altar, washes his hands saying quietly:

Wash me thoroughly, O Lord, from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2)