The sanctuary is defined by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal as "the location where the altar stands, where the word of God is proclaimed, and where the priest, deacon, and other ministers practice their ministries" (No. 295). It is important to note that the sanctuary is not a building but a place: a place where prayer is offered to God, alms given to the poor, the bread and wine transformed into the body and blood of Christ, and the absolution of sins granted to those who need it. It is also a place where the pope and bishops meet for liturgy and governance. In addition to the typical elements found at any church service, the Missal describes four other services held in the sanctuary: the reading of the Gospel on Holy Thursday, the blessing of palms on Palm Sunday, the offering of incense on the Day of Atonement, and the singing of Psalm 136 after the closing rites of Mass. Each of these services has specific requirements of time and place. For example, the reading of the Gospel on Holy Thursday must be before the start of Mass; the blessing of palms on Palm Sunday can only take place outside during the procession inside; and the offering of incense on the Day of Atonement must be made at sunset on the evening of September 23rd or 24th.