The Rev. Francisco Ojeda discussed “The Hidden Signs and Symbols of Mass” in the Aug. 2 weekly bulletin from the Basilica of St. Paul Catholic Church in Daytona Beach.

“Most times, we have a procession with the gift right after the collections,” Ojeda wrote. “It cannot be taken lightly those chosen from the community to bring the gift to the priest. Not only do they carry the bread and wine to be consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ, they also carry the spiritual sacrifice of the entire community. All the joys and sorrows of the week to be transformed into life for the journey.”

As the offering is underway, it is essential to pray quietly or sing, Ojeda said.

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"The priest will first take the bread and say these words either quietly or, if we are singing, or out loud, 'Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.'"

The response from the congregation if the liturgy is out loud is, "Blessed Be God Forever," Ojeda wrote. Then the priest washes his hands "in preparation for the encounter with God himself."

The washing of hands, Ojeda said, "is not an actual hand washing. It is just water poured on his hands. The meaning comes from the Old Testament as the priest, before entering the holy of holies, or the people, before approaching the meal, must have been ritually cleansed by the pouring of water."

As the priest washes his hands he says, "either quietly or audible," according to Ojeda, "'Wash me, 0 Lord, from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.'"

Before before entering into the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest invites the congregation to participate by saying. "Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, almighty Father."

And, Ojeda wrote, the congregation replies, "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."

Ojeda concluded by asking the congregation, "If you have a chance this week, pray with these words of Mass and let the Lord bring you closer to Him."