Definition of "offertory" []

• One of the principal parts of the Eucharistic liturgy at which bread and wine are offered to God by the celebrant. (noun)
• A musical setting for this part of the liturgy. (noun)
• A collection of offerings at a religious service. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The offertory is the part of the service when the offerings of the people are collected and brought to the altar."
• "This is called the offertory of the Mass, and takes place after the boy presents the wine and water."
• "He reminded the people gathered to say goodbye to Michael that the young man had been baptised in the same church, in October 1986, and one of the gifts brought to the altar at the offertory was a candle to symbolise the candle burning at the time of that baptism ceremony less than 22 and a half years ago."