Latecomers to Mass

[cainem]

i’m often late for mass by a couple of minutes, a combination of trying to get 3 young children ready, and trying to wake up after just getting 3 hours sleep the night before(i do several jobs plus my fulltime job to help out the finances), perhaps i’d better stay at home to avoid upsetting parish councils

(parish priest has already spoken to late parents to tell them not to worry as he is happy to see the next generation being brought up in the faith)

 

[E.E.N.S]

Let us not forget that it is at the beginning of Mass that we are forgiven of our venial sins, so if we are late, we just may risk missing that very important part of the Mass that prepares our soul to be clean for the reception of the Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Eucharist. (Perhaps if we are late to Mass it would be a good idea NOT to receive communion that day, “for he who eats the body and drinks the blood of the Lord without discerning the body, eats and drinks condemnation upon himself.”)

 

[SHEMP]

Families that come late should try to get up earlier. Those who sit in the aisle seat in an empy row should try to look for a row that has some people in it. Both can do better regardless of their poorly disciplined kids and their incontinent bladders.
Karl Keating:

There are many posts here, from people with young children, asking for more understanding of how difficult it is to get a large family out the door of the house on time.

It would be nice to see more understanding for people who arrive at church early precisely to nab the aisle seats. In not a few cases, they see it as a necessity.

It may be a matter of possible incontinence that could force them to make a dash for the restroom. It might be that they suffer from agoraphobia or another emotional malady. It might be that they have queasy stomachs and wonder whether they’ll even make it through Mass without wretching. It might be that because of a physical ailment they need the extra elbow or leg room that an end seat provides.

Yes, there are some selfish people who just as easily could slide to the middle of the pew, just as there are selfish people with kids who just as easily could have left home early enough to make it to Mass on time. But if most large-family latecomers have a legitimate excuse, perhaps most end-seat folks do too. It’s just that they might not advertise the fact.

 

[violetandgandal]

I am one of those aisle hoggers. At least as of about a year ago when I discovered the low gluten wafers. I will always step out of the aisle to let someone in so I can remain at the end of the pew. Father wants to give me communion before anyone else. If I’m on the end of the pew, I don’t have to disturb other people right before communion and they don’t have to climb over me on the way back.

Mary Fran

 

[mlchance]

Get a rubber stamp made that says in bold letters “Tardy for Mass.” Stamp latecomers on their foreheads with red ink.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[hilde_the_dog]

Folks

My wife and move to the center of the pew so nobody bothers us. As far as I can see the only people who SHOULD take the aisle seats are families with small children, old people, the infirmed and readers and EMHC. Move in then the late folks won’t bother you, problem solved and they won’t disturb your prayer. Back in the days when I was a calvinist my father got us to church 20 to 30 minutes early so we could get our pew and spot…what a **** I hate those days. (I still think he wanted to see who was in church or not as he had a mental check list) They still hold their spot by putting Bibles on it, man thats wierd if not wrong. Is it no wonder I love the Catholic chruch.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

hilde the dog:

As far as I can see the only people who SHOULD take the aisle seats are families with small children, old people, the infirmed and readers and EMHC.

I think the point is that we cannot judge whether or not someone is infirmed (physically or mentally) just by looking at them. Like someone has already said, let’s assume that the people sitting at the end of the pew as well as the latecomers have a darn good reason.

In other words, mind your own business. If we would just put into practice Christian charity, life would be a whole lot nicer.

Malia

 

[the_phoenix]

And I still say that being short and wanting to see the Eucharist at Consecration (which is definitely easier if you sit along the aisle) instead of seeing the backs of the parishioners ahead of you (which tends to happen if you move to the middle and tall people are in the pew directly in front of you) is a perfectly valid reason for sitting on the aisle. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m quite willing to stand up, politely let latecomers into the middle of the pew without their needing to walk over me, and then sit back down at the end when they are comfortably seated.

Again, Zacheus made the effort of climbing a tree to see Jesus. In my case, I make the effort of coming early and sitting on the end of the pew to see Jesus.

~~ the phoenix

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

the phoenix:

And I still say that being short and wanting to see the Eucharist at Consecration is a perfectly valid reason for sitting on the aisle.
~~ the phoenix

I think that is a valid reason, but it doesn’t really matter.

Even if you were the most selfish cranky horrible person in the Church, what good would it do for me to get upset each and every time I see you “hog” the aisle seat?

We need to stop being so critical of eachother and pray more for eachother. We could all use it.

Malia

 

[silverwings_88]

Sometimes I’m late for Mass. It’s not because I am able to, but because it is morning, and I walk to Mass since no one attends with me. When you’re solo, you’re used to going to Mass alone, and with these small legs, I may get from 2 minutes late to 15 if I was desparately waking up late…

 

[prophetdaniel]

I will not even bother wasting energy educating people on why they should make a honest effort to be on time. It is a losing battle.

If I am mentoring a person for ministry, the person better be on time, including for Mass.

 

[Confiteor]

Feanaro's Wife:

I apologize, but I have not taken the time to read this entire thread. I just wanted to let you know what my parish has just started to do.

Our priest made an announcement a couple of weeks ago explaining the importance of the Liturgy of the Word.

He explained that, in order to show proper reverence, anyone arriving late would be asked to wait in the lobby area and the ushers would seat them at the soonest possible time that would not be distracting to the other people.

Malia

This seems like a pretty reasonable approach to me–it’s not sacrificing the solemnity and sacredness of the Mass for hospitality. The odd case of the RR worker notwithstanding. most chronic lateness is avoidable. Sure, having lots of kids and young babies makes this more challenging, but don’t they all have to get to work and school on time? If they felt it was important to be on time, they would be willing to get up a little earlier or change Mass times…

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

Confiteor:

This seems like a pretty reasonable approach to me–it’s not sacrificing the solemnity and sacredness of the Mass for hospitality. The odd case of the RR worker notwithstanding. most chronic lateness is avoidable. Sure, having lots of kids and young babies makes this more challenging, but don’t they all have to get to work and school on time? If they felt it was important to be on time, they would be willing to get up a little earlier or change Mass times…

There is actually a very nice sign in the lobby asking parishoners to wait…I can’t remember the exact wording, but it says something like “enjoy listening to the word of God while you wait.”

You know, to me it doesn’t matter *why *the person or family is late. If I was late, I would have no problem waiting until an appropriate time to go find a seat.

I would rather stand there and wait (while listening) than risk disturbing God’s Word… it’s not like I was being turned away from the church or asked to wait in my car or something!

Malia

Malia

 

[Ambuoroko]

Just thought I’d add a somewhat unusual point of view to things. Tonight I was going to the 9 pm mass at the chapel here on campus. I left with plenty of time to get there. In fact I was there almost a half hour early. But I couldn’t get myself to go inside. This will no doubt sound stupid to everyone here, but as someone converting from a very anti-Catholic background sometimes it’s still really difficult for me. By the time I realized how much I really did need to be there, the mass had already started. It was due to knowing the uncharitable feelings of other people (as I witnessed reading this thread) that I didn’t go. In my old church, with all of its faults, people would have been glad to see me come whenever I made it, even if it was during the closing hymn. Even if I showed up AFTER church, the people would have been happy just to see me.

When you’re instantly judging people, remember that they still think it’s important enough to show up at all. You have no idea what the circumstances are… maybe for you it’s important to make the sacrifice to get up early. Maybe someone else just can’t get up in the morning, maybe they have trouble estimating times or a million other “stupid” reasons. If they’re coming to mass, they’ve obviously chosen God over whatever else they could be doing. Maybe… just maybe, God is happier to see that family that always shows up 10 minutes late but tries SO hard to please Him than the self righteous people who turn up their noses to that family.

God Bless,
John

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

Ambuoroko:

Just thought I’d add a somewhat unusual point of view to things. Tonight I was going to the 9 pm mass at the chapel here on campus. I left with plenty of time to get there. In fact I was there almost a half hour early. But I couldn’t get myself to go inside. This will no doubt sound stupid to everyone here, but as someone converting from a very anti-Catholic background sometimes it’s still really difficult for me. By the time I realized how much I really did need to be there, the mass had already started. It was due to knowing the uncharitable feelings of other people (as I witnessed reading this thread) that I didn’t go. In my old church, with all of its faults, people would have been glad to see me come whenever I made it, even if it was during the closing hymn. Even if I showed up AFTER church, the people would have been happy just to see me.

When you’re instantly judging people, remember that they still think it’s important enough to show up at all. You have no idea what the circumstances are… maybe for you it’s important to make the sacrifice to get up early. Maybe someone else just can’t get up in the morning, maybe they have trouble estimating times or a million other “stupid” reasons. If they’re coming to mass, they’ve obviously chosen God over whatever else they could be doing. Maybe… just maybe, God is happier to see that family that always shows up 10 minutes late but tries SO hard to please Him than the self righteous people who turn up their noses to that family.

God Bless,
John

Thank you so much for your perspective. I am sorry you felt uncomfortable and missed Mass. Please know that for every person who expresses a negative opinion there are far more who have a positive one.

I hope next time (if you are late for whatever reason) you just walk right in and know that you are pleasing God… it doesn’t matter so much what the people in the pews think of you when you take this approach.

Now, if you walk in late, start talking loudly to “friends”, answer your cell phone, and wash your hands in the holy water font we will have to have a talk

malia

 

[thistle]

I know being late for Mass through no fault of your own is not sin, but nevertheless I have the following questions:
Even though being late is not your fault is it still okay to receive Communion when you arrive late, and would it make any difference if it was a Sunday or a weekday Mass? If it is still okay to receive Communion what if you arrived so late that you get there just in time to receive Communion. Is it okay to recive Communion in these circumsatnces?

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

thistle:

I know being late for Mass through no fault of your own is not sin, but nevertheless I have the following questions:
Even though being late is not your fault is it still okay to receive Communion when you arrive late, and would it make any difference if it was a Sunday or a weekday Mass? If it is still okay to receive Communion what if you arrived so late that you get there just in time to receive Communion. Is it okay to recive Communion in these circumsatnces?

Here is what I found by doing a search in the AAA forum. It seems that there is no official “cut-off” to late arrivals receiving Communion. The reasons are between you and God. He knows your heart.

Malia

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=13409&highlight=late+mass+communion

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=13499&highlight=late+mass+communion

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=23470&highlight=late+mass+communion

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=62494&highlight=late+mass+communion

 

[THutch04]

thistle:

I know being late for Mass through no fault of your own is not sin, but nevertheless I have the following questions:
Even though being late is not your fault is it still okay to receive Communion when you arrive late, and would it make any difference if it was a Sunday or a weekday Mass? If it is still okay to receive Communion what if you arrived so late that you get there just in time to receive Communion. Is it okay to recive Communion in these circumsatnces?

I’m actually quite interested in people’s responses to this question too. I had always understood that if one should come in after the Liturgy of the Word, then one should refrain from receiving Communion. However, I went to a daily Mass over the summer, and I noticed a person come in literally during the Lord’s Prayer, receive Communion, and then leave right after. I just found that a little unusual, as I had never seen anyone come in that late before. So I’m curious too as to whether or not you’re actually supposed to receive.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

THutch04:

I’m actually quite interested in people’s responses to this question too. I had always understood that if one should come in after the Liturgy of the Word, then one should refrain from receiving Communion. However, I went to a daily Mass over the summer, and I noticed a person come in literally during the Lord’s Prayer, receive Communion, and then leave right after. I just found that a little unusual, as I had never seen anyone come in that late before. So I’m curious too as to whether or not you’re actually supposed to receive.

Read the above links I provided and you will know the Church’s position on this matter.

Malia