So does that mean that the Missal isn’t placed on the altar until after the offertory, in effect? I mean , it shouldn’t bethere from the beginning?
Correct, it should be near the priest’s chair before Mass begins. It is placed on the altar just before the offertory procession, after the Prayer of the Faithful.
From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from
romanrite.com/girm.html :
“118. The following are also to be prepared:
a. Next to the priest’s chair: the Missal and, as needed, a hymnal;”
“190. If no deacon is present, after the Prayer of the Faithful is concluded and while the priest remains at the chair, the acolyte places the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, the pall, and the Missal on the altar. Then, if necessary, the acolyte assists the priest in receiving the gifts of the people and, if appropriate, brings the bread and wine to the altar and hands them to the priest.”
“139. When the Prayer of the Faithful is completed, all sit, and the Offertory chant begins (cf. above, no. 74).
An acolyte or other lay minister arranges the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, the pall, and the Missal upon the altar.”