Are Catholics and non-catholics supposed to leave a Mass When the Music Stops?

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It depends. I believe (but can’t prove) that once Father is out the door, then leavers can leave if they want to. At our parish, the recessional hymn usually ends at the end of the second verse-chorus, so the Spousal Unit and I just wait until that’s over. However, there have been a couple times when the music director / cantor kept going . . . and going . . . and going. At those times, my take is, heck, it’s the recessional hymn – I’m going to recess.

D
 
Actually, I think one is free to leave after the celebrant dismisses the congregation. This happens before the recessional.
 
After Father says “this mass is ended, you may go in peace to love and serve the lord”, we are free to leave. Most people consider it rude to leave before the priest leaves the altar. I usually wait until Fr has passed my pew before I put on my coat, grab my purse and enter the aisle to genuflect.
 
DaveBj said:
I believe (but can’t prove) that once Father is out the door, then leavers can leave if they want to
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This makes it sound like we’re locked in. 😉

Seriously, though, I think it’s respectful to wait until the end of the recessional hymn. If you have to leave sooner, though, you can.
 
You should leave after the presider is out.
Whether or not you stay for the final note, is up to you. The Mass is over after the final blessing.
It’s considered rude and disrespectful to precede the presider out. (there’s a tongue twister for ya) You wouldn’t mow Christ over if He was walking out of the church.
 
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I was under the impression that it was suitable for non-Catholics to leave at the offertory, or maybe that’s just the way it used to be?

I don’t think Catholics should leave right as priest is no longer in sight. You’ve just received God into your body and soul. Give thanks to him for it. Is it really too much to ask?
 
semper_catholicus said:
I was under the impression that it was suitable for non-Catholics to leave at the offertory, or maybe that’s just the way it used to be?
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For catechumens, that is sometimes done. Non-Catholics don’t have any obligation to attend at all, though I would say out of courtesy anybody at Mass should intend on being present the whole time, unless formally dismissed.
 
I wait until the Cross passes in recession where I bow as it passes, then reach for my purse and gather the kids up to leave. I get humming/singing the hymn then afterwards, genuflect, and head to the back where Fr. is standing to shake hands and say goodbye. If you need personal time or attention you stand to side and he will talk to you after a few minutes. We are a very small, country, mission church. So very informal.
 
Guest1 said:
Instead of waiting until the Priest walks out the door?
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You’ll know when to leave. Different priests and churches have different protocols for the conclusion. Sometimes the priest goes outside, others just to the back. There are churches with side doors and well as doors in the back to leave.

Good rule of thumb is to leave when the others are leaving if you are in a new place and don’t run over other people ,or even worse the priest, on the way out. That’s definitely a faux pas.
 
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As has been stated, it is generally considered rude to leave before the priest does. In general you are free to leave then rather than wait until the music ends.

Of course, if you are in music ministry you are going to be expected to stay until the music ends. 😉
 
It also depends on whether or not it’s the Tridentine Mass, wherein “ite missa est” is followed by more…beautiful more! And in our one diocesan TLM parish (FSSP) the priest comes out and leads the prayers after Mass. No gossiping conversation…
 
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I am not a singer, so once the Priest is out of the church I usually make a bee-line for the exit.
Those who enjoy singing are free to stay until the start of the next Mass. Bless them.
 
As a non-Catholic, I usually try to excuse myself sometime prior to communion so I’m not in the way and don’t have to hear about it. If I can’t…then I can’t. If I’m able to, I’ll then usually catch up with my family in the gathering space after.

Now with my 18month, I’m usually excusing myself within the first 5 min because he can’t sit still 😀
 
DaveBj said:
r. However, there have been a couple times when the music director / cantor kept going . . . and going . . . and going. At those times, my take is, heck, it’s the recessional hymn – I’m going to recess.
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But, wait! I’ve got twelve verse left! Come baaaaaack! . . .

:roll_eyes:

hawk
 
Gorgias said:
On the other hand, if it’s the other way, it sounds like a game of 'pop goes the weasel"… 😮
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which is apparently actually about the tools on actually cobblers benches called monkey and weasel . . . which never get to leave 🙂

hawk
 
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