Take Our Bread

"Take Our Bread" is a gentle, deeply moving Offertory hymn that perfectly captures the spirit of giving at the altar. As the congregation brings forward the gifts, the choir sings not just of the physical bread and wine, but of offering our very lives, hearts, and love to the Father. It is a familiar and comforting piece in many Catholic parishes, loved for its simple, earnest plea: "we are yours."

The verses draw us directly into the communal experience of the Mass. Singing "Yours as we stand at the table you set," the piece reminds the faithful of their shared identity as a people washed in Christ's blood and hungry for His spiritual food. It acknowledges our human poverty, singing "we are poor, but we've brought ourselves the best we could," and transforms it into a sincere offering.

For a choir, this song requires a tender, prayerful approach rather than overwhelming volume. The unison verses allow the text to shine clearly before opening up into the harmonised refrain, making it a wonderful choice for the preparation of the gifts when the church is focused on the altar.