Definition

1. Noun:
   • The part of a Christian, especially Anglican or Roman Catholic, communion service during which the bread and wine are offered to God: This is a specific ritual act within the Eucharist or Mass.
   • The offerings of a congregation at a religious service: This refers to the collection of money or gifts from the attendees, often occurring during the same part of the service.

Usage

The word "offertory" is used primarily in a Christian liturgical context. It can refer to both the ritual action and the physical gifts collected. It is a formal, specific term.

Examples

• Referring to the ritual:

  • The choir sang a hymn during the offertory.
  • The priest prepared the bread and wine for the offertory.

• Referring to the collection:

  • The ushers passed the plates for the offertory.
  • All money collected during the offertory goes to charity.

Advanced Usage

• "Offertory sentence": A sentence or short prayer said by the minister during the collection of offerings.

  • The rector recited the offertory sentence from the Book of Common Prayer.

• "Offertory anthem/music": A piece of music performed during the offertory part of the service.

  • The organist played a beautiful offertory anthem.

Variants and Related Words

• Offertorial (adj): Pertaining to the offertory. (Rare)
• Oblation: A more general term for an offering made to God or a deity.

Synonyms

• Collection: Specifically for the gathering of money/gifts.
• Offering: A more general term that can refer to the act, the gifts, or the money.
• Presentation of the gifts: A descriptive phrase for the ritual action.

Related Phrases

• To take up the offertory: To collect the monetary offerings from the congregation.
  • The deacons will take up the offertory now.

Notes on Meaning

The two primary meanings are closely linked within the context of a church service. The first meaning (the ritual) is the original and more strictly liturgical sense. The second meaning (the collection) derives from the practice of collecting alms during that part of the service.

Noun

1. the part of the Eucharist when bread and wine are offered to God
2. the offerings of the congregation at a religious service