of courtesy, in the way in which it is given to the Priest to remind the people that the Sacrifice is not his alone, and to the people to remind the Priest that it is made at his hands. As Priest and people have already greeted one another with blessing several times, they are now joined in mutual appeal for reverence in their sacred tasks.

THE PRAYER OVER THE OBLATIONS

Returning to the middle of the altar, the Priest says a further prayer, asking God to receive the oblation of his Church in memory of the saving act of Our Lord in the offering of his life for man, in honor of our blessed Lady and the Saints, and for the benefit of the Church on earth. As the Church in heaven and on earth is bound together by the bond of charity, the Priest prays that the Saints who are honored on earth may themselves be aiding us by their prayers in heaven.

THE PREFACE

The section of the Eucharistic rite which enshrines the Consecration begins with the chant known as the Preface, since it introduces the consecratory prayer. After greeting the people, the Priest calls on them to lift up their hearts to God, a solemn invitation as he and they enter into the sacramental presence of Our Lord. The Priest adds "Let us give thanks unto our Lord God." We have to remember that the word "Eucharist" itself means "thanksgiving" and that the offering of the Holy Sacrifice is the supreme act of thanksgiving that we can perform.

After the response "It is meet and right so to do," the Priest continues, "It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks," re