Leavers at Mass

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catechumen08

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Hi, when I went to Mass today, I observed that a few people left in the middle of the Mass. I don’t know if there was a valid reason behind it, though I didn’t see one. Anyhow, a couple of them came back after the collection.

Has anyone else observed this?
 
catechumen08 said:
Hi, when I went to Mass today, I observed that a few people left in the middle of the Mass. I don’t know if there was a valid reason behind it, though I didn’t see one. Anyhow, a couple of them came back after the collection.

Has anyone else observed this?
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Maybe they had to use the bathroom? They don’t want to go during the homily and they don’t want to go during the Eucharist, so maybe they duck in and out during collection.
 
catechumen08 said:
Hi, when I went to Mass today, I observed that a few people left in the middle of the Mass. I don’t know if there was a valid reason behind it, though I didn’t see one. Anyhow, a couple of them came back after the collection.

Has anyone else observed this?
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I have observed people leaving early, or after Communion. To me this is very disrespectful to God. One should stay for the whole service and leave only when Mass is finished.
 
You know, I’ve noticed that when I stop fussing about what others are doing during the Mass, I end up being able to actually concentrate on the Mass.

These people could be doctors who had to go outside to check a pager (and may have had to leave if there was an emergency situation), or women in early pregnancy struggling with morning sickness, or diabetics who took too much insulin and had to duck out to eat a snack, or someone like my father, who struggles with a severe anxiety disorder and cannot always make it through Mass without a panic attack. Or as an earlier poster suggested, someone who had to use the bathroom. You just don’t know, so wouldn’t it be charitable not to assume that they have bad motives and simply pray that they are okay?
 
catechumen08 said:
Hi, when I went to Mass today, I observed that a few people left in the middle of the Mass. I don’t know if there was a valid reason behind it, though I didn’t see one. Anyhow, a couple of them came back after the collection.

Has anyone else observed this?
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Hi catechumen08,

It is truly hard to tell why they do the way they do - Some have good reasons, some don’t.

I am glad you have asked your question. Only when you ask, you know a bit better. Don’t be discouraged to ask anything here. I am learning it myself.
 
SeekerJen said:
You know, I’ve noticed that when I stop fussing about what others are doing during the Mass, I end up being able to actually concentrate on the Mass.

These people could be doctors who had to go outside to check a pager (and may have had to leave if there was an emergency situation), or women in early pregnancy struggling with morning sickness, or diabetics who took too much insulin and had to duck out to eat a snack, or someone like my father, who struggles with a severe anxiety disorder and cannot always make it through Mass without a panic attack. Or as an earlier poster suggested, someone who had to use the bathroom. You just don’t know, so wouldn’t it be charitable not to assume that they have bad motives and simply pray that they are okay?
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👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
 
It may also be possible that they are helping out in some way that you might not have recognized. Such as leading the Children’s Liturgy of the Word or maybe organizing some social event or fundraising campaign which takes place after Mass and requires checking upon at that moment to see that everything is in order.
 
yes some people have jobs that require them to leave.

I have left Mass as recently as May of this year becuase of what was happening with the liturgy. (liturgical dance, nun homilisst etc.) I walked out and went to a parish in a nearby town for their mass which started an hour later than the specatcle that I walked out of.
 
catechumen08 said:
Hi, when I went to Mass today, I observed that a few people left in the middle of the Mass. I don’t know if there was a valid reason behind it, though I didn’t see one. Anyhow, a couple of them came back after the collection.

Has anyone else observed this?
Click to expand...
Maybe they didn’t want to give any donation–many people have stopped giving since the abuse scandal.

Lux
 
When my husband is on call, he often has to leave Mass to answer his pager. Unfortunately, he usually doesn’t get to come back to Mass.

(We drive two cars to church when he’s on call.)
 
SeekerJen said:
You know, I’ve noticed that when I stop fussing about what others are doing during the Mass, I end up being able to actually concentrate on the Mass.

These people could be doctors who had to go outside to check a pager (and may have had to leave if there was an emergency situation), or women in early pregnancy struggling with morning sickness, or diabetics who took too much insulin and had to duck out to eat a snack, or someone like my father, who struggles with a severe anxiety disorder and cannot always make it through Mass without a panic attack. Or as an earlier poster suggested, someone who had to use the bathroom. You just don’t know, so wouldn’t it be charitable not to assume that they have bad motives and simply pray that they are okay?
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Agree–especially the bolded part. Since we don’t know people’s reasons or motivations, it behooves us to always assume the best and pray for their best.
 
My pastor wanted to lock the doors of the Church for a while.

People come late and leave early.
 
Unitas said:
My pastor wanted to lock the doors of the Church for a while.

People come late and leave early.
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It is good to remember that, while not best practice, there is a long tradition of this in the Church.

Under the old Canon Law, you needed only be present from the Gospel through Communion to meet your obligation.

Old habits die hard 😉

God Bless
 
I agree that praying for them is probably the best and most charitable thing we can do.
 
SeekerJen said:
You know, I’ve noticed that when I stop fussing about what others are doing during the Mass, I end up being able to actually concentrate on the Mass.

These people could be doctors who had to go outside to check a pager (and may have had to leave if there was an emergency situation), or women in early pregnancy struggling with morning sickness, or diabetics who took too much insulin and had to duck out to eat a snack, or someone like my father, who struggles with a severe anxiety disorder and cannot always make it through Mass without a panic attack. Or as an earlier poster suggested, someone who had to use the bathroom. You just don’t know, so wouldn’t it be charitable not to assume that they have bad motives and simply pray that they are okay?
Click to expand...
Totally agree on this!!! 👍 We don’t know what is going on in their lives, so why should we be judging them. I always think, one day I may have to leave early for whatever reason - emergency, sick, etc. - I wonder how many people will be judging me. Although, I really don’t give a hoot what other people think. If they believe something bad of me, it’s their own problem. I know what’s in my heart. 🙂
 
As an RCIA coordinator for my parish, I stress the need for all of our catchumens and candidates focus on the Mass for their own benefit. We also stress the need to be there for the entire mass, and not to leave after communion unless it is for a matter of importance. With that said, I must tell you of one time I was assisting another parish with their RCIA program. All of us were sitting in the front few pews of the church, oblivious to what was occuring behind us. After communion, while the vessels were being purified and removed from the altar by the Deacon, the presiding priest lept up from his chair to give the final blessing. To all of our suprise, he blessed those individuals leaving Mass, the parking lot, and the breakfast specials at a nationally known resturant. Here is a perfect reason to sit in front!!😃
 
Unitas said:
My pastor wanted to lock the doors of the Church for a while.

People come late and leave early.
Click to expand...
At our parish, once Mass starts the inner doors are closed (not locked, of course). There is a sign on them instructing people not to enter until after the 2nd reading, so as not to disturb others.

I’ve had to leave momentarily to take care of a toddler’s needs. My wife had to leave once because she was sick to her stomach. Those in the pew in front of us would have been unhappy if she stayed. 🙂

As others said, it is best to pray for them, no matter what their reason!
 
Sarabande said:
Totally agree on this!!! 👍 We don’t know what is going on in their lives, so why should we be judging them. I always think, one day I may have to leave early for whatever reason - emergency, sick, etc. - I wonder how many people will be judging me. Although, I really don’t give a hoot what other people think. If they believe something bad of me, it’s their own problem. I know what’s in my heart. 🙂
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Yes, we don’t know what is going on in their lives and I am sure there are valid reasons why people leave early. I don’t believe I am judging them by stating my opinion on the issue in responding to this particular thread. I do however see the same folks time and time again doing this and I DO FEEL that not staying for the entire Mass is disrespectful. As in all things in this life we will as individuals will have to account for all our actions in the hereafter.
 
Adonia – I wasn’t responding to you at all. Actually, I hadn’t even read your post until you responded to mine. I apologize if you felt that way. I was just agreeing with SeekerJen in her beliefs of not making a judgment on people if we see them leave mass early. Like you, I was just expressing my opinion and didn’t have the intention to be demeaning anyone else’s. 🙂 You have a valid concern if you see the same people leave mass early each week. I would be concerned too if, for some reason, I did notice that. Perhaps you could say something to your pastor? I know in the past, we’ve had pastors who would once in a while mention during the homily or in the bulletin how leaving early is disrespectful if there is no real emergency. Or you could just say a prayer for them, that if they are leaving early for no reason they can see and understand how it is disrespectful to God or that if there truly is something going on in their lives to make them leave early, that they find a solution soon.
 
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