Late Mass arrival and receiving the Eucharist

[irish1]

One of our priests recently made an announcement at mass that if you arrive after the first reading, you may not receive the
Eucharist. Some people I spoke to thought that if you arrived before the gospel, you could receive, another thought it was ok to receive as long as you arrived before the consecration.

I know that one should always arrive early, but sometimes things happen. Is our priest correct? If not, what is the rule?

 

[Scott1]

I can’t say for sure… but I would say yes… the USCCB instruction of the GIRM states:
Thus, they (the People of God)are to shun any appearance of individualism or division, keeping before their eyes that they have only one Father in heaven and accordingly are all brothers and sisters to each other. #95

By showing up even a minute late (at least to me) shows a lack of respect for the Mass… of course they are always circumstances beyond the persons control (traffic, illness, etc) but I would refrain from taking communion so as not to cause scandal… to prevent the risk of my reception being misinterpreted by others who don’t know the reasons behind the tardiness to possibly think it was just a lack of respect.

Immaculata pray for us,
Scott

 

[MamaSusie]

He could have also been implying that they would run out. If 50 people show up later they may not have planned accordingly for that. Depends on your priest/church, I guess.

And yes, it is rude to be habitually late.

 

[Kielbasi]

irish1:

One of our priests recently made an announcement at mass that if you arrive after the first reading, you may not receive the
Eucharist. Some people I spoke to thought that if you arrived before the gospel, you could receive, another thought it was ok to receive as long as you arrived before the consecration.

I know that one should always arrive early, but sometimes things happen. Is our priest correct? If not, what is the rule?

There isn’t any such rule in the Catholic Church as a whole.

Theoretically, someone could arrive 30 seconds before communion and receive, provided they were properly disposed.

Now its a different question altogether as to what constitutes meeting one’s Sunday obligation.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

irish1:

One of our priests recently made an announcement at mass that if you arrive after the first reading, you may not receive the
Eucharist. Some people I spoke to thought that if you arrived before the gospel, you could receive, another thought it was ok to receive as long as you arrived before the consecration.

I know that one should always arrive early, but sometimes things happen. Is our priest correct? If not, what is the rule?

I would say he is trying to make a point about being late. However you can walk in the door while Holy communion is being distributed and get in line. You can receive Holy Communion once a day outside of Mass. Which is what you have done.

However you did not attend Mass or fulfill you Sunday Mass obligation. So you must attend another full Mass.