offertorium

Offertorium, from the Latin offertorium and related to offering, refers to the part of the Christian liturgy, especially the Mass, during which the gifts of bread and wine are presented to the altar and prepared for the Eucharistic prayer. The term also denotes the chant or musical piece traditionally sung during this act, known in English as the offertory.

In the Roman Rite, the offertory occurs in the Liturgy of the Eucharist after the introductory rites and before the Eucharistic prayer. It typically includes the procession of the gifts, the presentation of bread and wine by worshippers or ministers, a collection in many communities, and prayers over the offerings by the presiding priest. The offertory chant or antiphon accompanies the presentation, acting as a musical signal of the preparing of the gifts.

Historically, the offertory developed as a distinct element of the liturgy alongside the provision of material offerings and the increasingly elaborate musical settings. From medieval chant to Renaissance polyphony, composers created numerous settings for the offertory texts, and the practice spread to various Western Christian rites. The musical offertory has served both as a liturgical function and as a means of congregational participation and reflection.

In contemporary use, the term covers both the liturgical act and the associated music, with variations across Latin, Anglican, and other liturgical traditions. While the specifics of prayers and chants vary by rite, the offertory remains a standard moment in the Mass and related services, marking the preparation of the gifts for the Eucharistic celebration.