About the Offretory

[smndtupidisaftr]

When the gifts are brought to the altar for consecration, should an altar server go out with the processional cross to walk with the offering, or is this not necessary? I’ve seen it both ways and I wondered if this is an official option, something required, or a part of the rubrics that is vague. Thanks!

 

[1ke]

From the GIRM:

1. At the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist the gifts which will become Christ’s Body and Blood are brought to the altar.

First of all, the altar or Lord’s table, which is the center of the whole Liturgy of the Eucharist,[69] is made ready when on it are placed the corporal, purificator, Missal, and chalice (unless this last is prepared at the credence table).

The offerings are then brought forward. It is a praiseworthy practice for the bread and wine to be presented by the faithful. They are then accepted at an appropriate place by the Priest or the Deacon to be carried to the altar. Even though the faithful no longer bring from their own possessions the bread and wine intended for the liturgy as was once the case, nevertheless the rite of carrying up the offerings still keeps its spiritual efficacy and significance.

Even money or other gifts for the poor or for the Church, brought by the faithful or collected in the church, are acceptable; given their purpose, they are to be put in a suitable place away from the Eucharistic table.

1. The procession bringing the gifts is accompanied by the Offertory Chant (cf. no. 37 b), which continues at least until the gifts have been placed on the altar. The norms on the manner of singing are the same as for the Entrance Chant (cf. no. 48). Singing may always accompany the rite at the Offertory, even when there is no procession with the gifts.

 

[johnmann]

No rule that I’m aware of. I personally prefer an offertory procession with candles only. Candles in procession always makes sense to me while the cross leaving the sanctuary during Mass does not.

 

[FAH]

The rubrics don’t seem to speculate, but to my knowledge a procession with acolytes and crucifer doesn’t happen at Papal Masses.