Emergency during Mass

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littletommy

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Well, actually, not an emergency. Let me explain…

During mass, I, toward the end of mass, always leave right after I partake of the blessed sacrement. I was wondering if this was a mortal sin as I have to go to the restroom pretty badly when the end of the mass is coming. And I was wondering what the proper attire was for mass. I try to wear nice, semi casual clothing myself, but what would you say? And how can I be able to stop this need to use the restroom right before it is the appropriate time to leave mass? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated…

Tommy
 
Walking back in would always be an option. 👍

As a some-time organist, there is nothing ruder than walking out during the last hymn. It’s rather infuriating, actually - especially because I’m good. 😉

I’ve seen people called out by the priest from the altar for leaving before the mass is over. I’m not sure that is the most pastoral response, but the mass ain’t over until it is over. People who leave (for an illegitimate reason) seem to be present in the first place out of obligation, fear, or superstition rather than reverence, love and praise.

As far as clothing, Jesus and I couldn’t possibly care any less what you are wearing, but appropriate casual dress would be nice. 😃
 
Tommy, as an older lady I know what it’s like to have to use the bathroom during Mass. It’s not a mortal sin, but it’s best if we can minimize the distraction to others, and better yet if we can do things like not drinking so much fluid beforehand, so we won’t have to get up and go in the middle of Mass. If I can’t “hold it” until Mass is over, I try to go some time when there aren’t prayers going on – during the homily, or during the offertory hymn, or sometimes I’ll make a detour on my way back to the pew after I receive Communion. But I always come back until Mass is over, I don’t just hit the bathroom and then leave the church. We are supposed to stay until after the priest has left, but a lot of people just leave after Communion anyway. 😦

As far as what to wear, a lot of people around here wear jeans, sweats, and shorts, but many of us don’t think that’s right. We are in church to be in the Lord’s presence, so why not dress for such an occasion? Khakis and a button-down shirt would be good for a guy if you don’t want to go as far as wearing a jacket and tie. Ladies should at least wear nice slacks, and better yet, a dress or skirt and blouse. Both sexes should dress modestly, so as to avoid exposing too much skin or causing a distraction, especially now that warmer weather is on the way.

God bless you for trying to do the right thing! 👍
 
Well,

I wont let my dog drink water before I put him in the kennel at night.

And WHEN I WAS A CHILD My mother would always say “KIDS ITS TIME TO GO POTTY BEFORE WE GO ON OUR TRIP”

I am not sure of your situation. But…Right after the prayers of the faithful there is a time for the collection followed by the presentation of the gifts…This would be an excellent time to slip out for a potty break…you could easily make it back in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
 
Theolog said:
As far as clothing, Jesus and I couldn’t possibly care any less what you are wearing, but appropriate casual dress would be nice. 😃
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Our Lord would most certainly prefer us not to sin, and immodest dress is sinful.

However, you’re going to find a lot of forum members who are extremely defensive about their choice of clothing at Mass. I suppose that can’t be helped. But our Catechism clearly calls for modesty and reverence in our outward appearance at Mass.

Regarding having to leave to go to the restroom, I cannot see how this could be considered sinful. It would be best to avoid fluids for an appropriate length of time before Mass, and also to use the restroom prior to the start of Mass, in order to avoid this problem, but if it cannot be avoided, don’t worry. Perhaps you can go right after Communion and return in time for the closing prayer?
 
**
During mass, I, toward the end of mass, always leave right after I partake of the blessed sacrement.**

**Once i saw a large sign on the back doors of the church, “Judas left before mass was over, too.”

I have kidney trouble, so I can understand having to run to the restroom at odd times. Once at an ordination, i had to leave before the dismissal because I’m dependent on public transportation.

But just leaving because you want to beat the rush shows a selfish attitude.**
 
Theolog said:
Christ couldn’t care less about how we dress when that dress is appropriate, as I said. So, if we’re choosing between a polo shirt and a tie…no one cares, including God.
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The bible (1 Timothy 2:9-10) Seems to indicate that God wants us at leasat to dress modestly. SO I guess Christ does care how we dress in terms of modesty
 
bpbasilphx said:
**Once i saw a large sign on the back doors of the church, “Judas left before mass was over, too.”

**
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I hope that sign is long gone and pastors have stopped using it.

It is inaccurate and inappropriate.
 
THurifer2 said:
The bible (1 Timothy 2:9-10) Seems to indicate that God wants us at leasat to dress modestly. SO I guess Christ does care how we dress in terms of modesty
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Are you agreeing with me, or arguing against me for a point I didn’t make? 🤷
 
Theolog said:
Christ couldn’t care less about how we dress when that dress is appropriate, as I said. So, if we’re choosing between a polo shirt and a tie…no one cares, including God.
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Really? Would you go to an executive job interview wearing a polo shirt? Or a wedding? Or a funeral? A fancy restaurant, even? What if the priest decided to wear a football jersey instead of his vestments?

How is it that anyone can understand the reasons for dressing in a respectful manner for other occasions, but not when we’re dressing for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

This is not to say that a polo shirt is disrespectful. Many of them look quite decent at Mass (worn with pants, not shorts and flip-flops). The problem is that it just deteriorates from there. T-shirts, jerseys, I’ve even seen tank tops. :eek: The Old Testament outlined a specific dress code for worship. The Vatican still keeps one. This is a very ancient tradition, but for a very long time, it wasn’t an issue. Only in this modern age has it become about what “I” want, with very little regard for what God wants or what the Church requires.

Today’s reading says it nicely. In the words of Jesus, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” If the Church teaches us to dress 1) modestly, and 2) decently, then only a spirit of rebellion would speak otherwise.
 
Theolog said:
Nevermind.
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Actually I don’t think you can speak for God. My personal belief is that God appreciates the effort and that putting on our Sunday best has a positive impact on ourselves and those around us…
 
Spiller said:
Actually I don’t think you can speak for God.
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Fascinating…I can’t, but others who agree with you can?

This argument over clothing is utterly asinine, especially since what I specified repeatedly was APPROPRIATE clothing.
 
Theolog said:
Fascinating…I can’t, but others who agree with you can?

This argument over clothing is utterly asinine, especially since what I specified repeatedly was APPROPRIATE clothing.
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Abandon all hope on this one - once one has been designated as wrong there is no coming back!

:nope: :whistle: :coffeeread: :ehh: :yawn: :ouch:
 
Let’s not make this another thread about clothing at Mass. Let’s concentrate on the OP’s main question–his/her “emergency” during Mass. Thank you all.
 
littletommy said:
And how can I be able to stop this need to use the restroom right before it is the appropriate time to leave mass? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated…

Tommy
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Start with keeping a diary of what you ingest (eat/drink) starting the night before - you may find a clue there.

Be sure to void whatever can be voided prior to leaving for Mass.

Consider sitting closer to the location of the bathroom to give you less concern about being disruptive.

Consider getting to mass a little earlier to try to ‘go’ one more time before Mass starts.
 
As a some-time organist, there is nothing ruder than walking out during the last hymn. It’s rather infuriating, actually - especially because I’m good. 😉
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I was taught that the proper time to leave was after the last blessing and during the recessional hymm which we continue singing as we leave. 🙂 The greeting of friends and neighbours then takes place outside of the church sanctuary which remains peaceful for others who want to remain to pray for a while. 🙂

There are many legitimate reasons for both arriving late and leaving early, we all just have to do our best to be as considerate as possible about it.
 
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