When does one kneel during offertory?

Answer 1

To show our total resignation to God's will, and our love toward him. we are not worthy to simply approach God.

This depends on which denomination is being referred to.

In the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, the congregation usually stands for the entire service, and does not kneel.

In the West, in the Tridentine Mass or extraordinary form of the Roman Rite Mass, Catholics sit during the offertory, although they generally kneel from the Sanctus.

It is similar in the ordinary form. The GIRM states:

"They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily and while the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory is taking place; and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed.

In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer ..."

The norm is to stand when the priest says: "Pray, my brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father." Standing usually continues until the Sanctus.

This is the Sanctus prayer:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

After this is the normal time to kneel.

Technically it is not the end of the Sanctus but the moment of Epiclesis (cusomarily marked by the ringing of a bell) and marking the point at which the Holy Spirit decends on the bread and wine this is accompanied by the priest extending his hands in the form of a dove over the sacrifice and the words "send thy Holy Spirit".