noun
offertory
AW-fer-tor-ee/ˈɔːfərtɔːri/
The part of a church service when gifts are presented.
During the offertory, worshippers pass a basket and place coins inside.
Etymology
The ancestor named a place where offerings were brought. In English, the word named a chant and then the offering portion of worship, before coming to mean the money collected there.
More examples
- The choir sings softly during the offertory.
- The offertory follows the sermon in our church.
- Today's offertory supports the local food pantry.
Forms
offertory · offertories
Similar words
- offering
- Often names the gifts rather than the service portion.
- collection
- Focuses on gathering donations, not the full offering rite.