[Desdemona]

We also did this thing with "passing a basket" for the collection instead of using the regular baskets with handles and afterwards, the collection monies were placed at the foot of the altar instead of being kept "somewhere" during the Mass as had always been done.

I've seen this done a lot, but I'm not wild about it. My parents' parish has always carried the money up with the gifts at offertory.

As for kneeling, I thought the bishops in the US have made it the norm. It is in my archdiocese and believe me, my bishop does things by the book. The 2000 Roman Missal replaces whatever postures became fashionable under Paul VI and as far as I know it says to kneel.

[american colleen]

I read the "GIRM" last night and found that the collection gifts are not to be placed anywhere near the altar where Mass is said. The "GIRM" didn't elaborate on why, but maybe they think the practice is tacky like we do!