The Sanctus Bells

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Sanctus is a Latin word for "Holy."  At the end of  the Preface of the Mass, the words "Holy, Holy, Holy" are spoken or sung as an introduction to the Eucharistic prayer. During the Sanctus the hand held bells were rung during the Sanctus, but today they are usually rung at the elevation of the host and the elevation of the chalice. The bells are normally rung three times on each occasion to symbolize the Holy Trinity. In some locations the bells are rung when the priest, just prior to the consecration, places his hands over the gifts [the epiclesis] and invokes the Holy Spirit to the change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.  

In Rome, the tower bells of St. Peter's Basilica are rung at the Consecration and the Elevation of the Eucharist. The Council of Trent mandated the ringing of the Sanctus bells, but in 1969 the ringing was made optional.