Take Our Bread / Lord Have Mercy

This sheet brings together two essential moments of the Mass in a straightforward solfa arrangement. The first piece, "Take Our Bread," is a beloved Offertory hymn that captures the heart of the Eucharistic offering. As the choir leads the congregation in singing "Take our lives, O Father, we are yours," the focus shifts from the physical gifts of bread and wine to the spiritual offering of the people themselves. It is a gentle, reflective song that reminds the faithful that, no matter how poor we feel, we bring our whole selves to the altar.

Below it is a simple, prayerful setting of the "Lord Have Mercy" for the Penitential Rite. Arranged with a call-and-response structure between female and male voices before the whole choir joins in, it creates a solemn atmosphere for the beginning of the liturgy. Having both pieces on one page gives a choir director a practical resource for preparing the Sunday Mass, moving seamlessly from the opening plea for mercy to the joyful presentation of the gifts.