The Catholic Hymn Book... It has a section called "Offertory at Mass" containing eleven hymns
can give a nice meditative background music for the congregation while they receive.
am I correct in thinking the Magnificat would be appropriate,
The Magnificat in its myriad guises and inspired derivatives is the model of a quintessential communion hymn: proclaiming and praising the loving-kindness of God for the gift of receiving his self-gift, and remembering God's many mercies to his people. Many communion antiphons (in the Missal or in the Gradual) take up this register and ambit of theme, even without any express mention of Eucharistic species.
. In our church, the Offertory - a popular Kevin Mayhew hymn - is played by the organist and the Schola sings it in English in the hope that the congregation ultimately learns to join in. So all we have left to chant aside from the Kyriale is the Communion hymn. Or indeed just before or after Mass although there could be fewer people present at those points. Before Mass, our singing is often a warm-up and dress rehearsal for the Communion hymn.A Marian hymn works best here when it functions as thanksgiving or contemplation rather than as a “Communion song” competing for attention.
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.