I do know there must be intent, but as I posted, I was just wondering if the gifts needed to be on the Altar? Anyway, maybe someone will answer. Hope you figure out what to do!
I would agree with what japhy said, although my meager opinion hardly adds any value to his. I seem to recall situations where large numbers of congregants are present, and containers of bread was stacked near the altar for consecration, since they wouldn’t all fit on the altar. There are presumably some limits to this - when the pope visited Yankee Stadium, for instance, preconsecrated hosts were placed about the stands for distribution after consecration. If there were no requirement for proximity, the celebrant (in this case the pope) could simply consecrate all hosts throughout the stadium.
I am neither of the two, but, here is my understanding. When I’ve seen a Papal Mass (as you probably have, as well), it is next to impossible to have a thousand ciborria up on the altar with the Holy Father. If you notice, especially when he is celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s, there will be priests surrounding the high altar (at the bottom) holding ciborria. Thus, even though the thousands of hosts are not on the altar, they are still consecrated because that is the intent of the Holy Father.
This is what I would do, and also a question I would ask.
It doesn’t sound like anything they do there is valid or licit! First of all, canon law is very clear that it is the priest who offers Mass and who says the words of Consecration over the bread and wine, not the congregation. And it sounds as if the congregation is in love with their own concept of “love for Christ” rather than what is expected by the Church. If you feel uncomfortable there, don’t go. It is not a church requirement to attend a Thanksgiving Mass. You should not be forced to attend. If they are as kind and full of faith as you say they are, they will understand.
Some of the best explanations/descriptions of the Mass I’ve read are from Thomas Howard. He has a short book called “If Your Mind Wanders at Mass.” He also has a longer book about various aspects of being Catholic that includes some great chapters on the Mass called “On Being Catholic.”
You might also want to check into getting a copy of Praying the Mass, written by our own forum member, japhy. It is a very good book. If you come across any of japhy’s posts, he has a banner linking you to a website where you can order the book. I have it and it is a great because not only does it explain the Mass, it also serves as a tutorial to prepare us for the new translations.