The Recovering Choir Director

The Preparation of the Gifts and the Offertory chant that accompanies it are the subjects of GIRM Article 74. The most noteworthy change from the previous instruction is the translation of “cantus” to “chant” instead of “song”, which will hopefully cause people to think, “Does the music we sing qualify as chant?” instead of other less charitable thoughts about the GIRM.

74. The procession bringing the gifts is accompanied by the Offertory chant (cf. above, no. 37b), 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. above, no. 48). Singing may always accompany the rite at the offertory, even when there is no procession with the gifts.