---

     The priest leads the congregation in saying our "creed" or statement of our beliefs. This creed is common to many Christian denominations. Next the commentator leads the congregation in prayers for our many needs, collective and individual. While the choir sings a selection, the offerings of the congregation are collected and brought to the altar along with bread and wine to be used in the sacrifice of the mass. Here the priest prepares the gifts, which first came from God, to be offered back to God. Special wine, combined with a symbolic drop of water is poured into several cups as well as into the priest's chalice. Bread in the form of thin, unleavened wafers is in an offering bowl. The monetary gifts are also offered back to God in thanksgiving.