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Hi, Annabella —
The procedure for taking the gifts up to the altar to the priest will vary
from parish to parish.
In the Boston area, usually an usher will choose a family before Sunday
Mass starts and ask them to bring the gifts up to the altar and the priest,
at the appropriate time.
I highly recommend getting involved because it allows us to participate
more deeply in the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
When your family, (you
and your daughters) bring up the gifts, your family is representing the
people in the parish for that Mass and, to a fuller extent, the members
of the whole Church.
After you bring up the gifts to the priest, you should bow out of respect
for:
- the priest, who represents Jesus, Himself, at Mass and
- the altar on which the same events of Calvary will be made present again,
in a manner only faith can grasp . . .
. . . then pass him the unconsecrated unleavened bread and unconsecrated
grape wine.
You don't have to say anything to the priest but he will usually say some
kind words of appreciation for your participation, or should : )
Ideally, dress attire at Sunday Mass should be the best attire of the
week. Most of the time,
it's our only Holy Day of Obligation for
that week, where we give thanks back to the Lord and get fed for the coming
week with His Body and Blood to assist us in making good, holy choices
for that week.
There is no best place to sit or stand. If you know the priest will want
your assistance, sitting in a pew near the center aisle where the usher
can clearly see you is best.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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