Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Faithful
Offertory
The priest offers bread and wine with traditional prayers.
What happens
The priest unveils the , offers the host on the (Suscipe sancte Pater), pours wine and a little water into the chalice (Deus qui humanae substantiae), offers the chalice (Offerimus tibi Domine), prays In spiritu humilitatis and Veni Sanctificator, incenses the gifts and altar at High Mass, washes his hands (Lavabo), and prays Suscipe sancta Trinitas.
Why it happens
Each offertory prayer is deeply sacrificial, offering the gifts in anticipation of their . The added drop of water signifies the union of the faithful with Christ; the washing of hands signifies the priest's interior purification before the sacred mysteries.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae, Offertorium
- RS VII