Leaving Mass before the last song has finished?

[EasterJoy]

I have heard two “rules of thumb” when I was growing up:

1. Wait until after the priest passes your pew
2. Wait until after the second verse of teh song has finished

Seems about right to me! (The priests at our parish generally don’t reverence the altar and retire from the church until the first verse and chorus are done.)

 

[Anathama_Sit]

I understand when there’s an emergency and you have to leave after communion, but that’s a lot of emergencies every Sunday!!

I am in the mindset that when mass has finished and you are singing the last hymn, which honors our Lord, why would you not finish it? It’s basically a prayer in lyric form.

It’s very hard not to notice the whole church emptying and the fuss that goes along with it.

God gives us our life, I can give Him a full hour on Sunday without having to rush out to avoid congestion in the parking lot.I DO think it’s disgraceful.

Greetings FullofThought,

Then sit in the front and sing to your heart’s content and quit watching what your fellow neighbors are doing.

And nothing requires us to stay there for the compeltion of the recessional. The purpose the recessional serves is to the priest and those who assisted him can process out.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[Anathama_Sit]

And you have an authoritative source for this guidance, or is it merely a personal practice you’re advocating here? I must stress that what you’re saying is ONLY a personal devotion and is not binding on ANYONE.

Greetings Promethius,

Good for you.



God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[Anathama_Sit]

I* am going to say this… I am prepared for the negative comments that will follow*. BUT… this is OUR Christ. MY Christ. I expect ALL people to understand the awesomeness of what we are receiving at mass, and taking communion and leaving does not cut it! I don’t want people to receive MY Christ and leave, I find it extremely insulting. In fact upsetting.

Greetings FullOfThought,

I can understand your reasoning. But this is what the time after Communion is for. It’s actually upsetting and extremely insulting that you would be setting down these standards for all Catholics and not practicing charity by feeling resentment and getting upset to them.

Who are you to judge others? If you are trying to get in touch with Christ then focus on Him and NOT everyone else. I think you have here double standards.

And I do have to ask a question, how come he is YOUR Christ? Is he not everyone’s Christ?

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[Anathama_Sit]

But this thread is not about taking communion and then immediately leaving, a practice which I’m sure we all agree should be avoided except in cases of need.

This thread is about someone who is angry because people leave after mass has ended but before the choir has finished singing… something which is NOT defined as part of the mass at all. In fact, I wonder how this person would determine when it would be appropriate to leave mass if they were attending a low mass in which there IS NO EXIT HYMN.

In other words, staying after mass has ended to pray and/or reflect is a personal devotion which is not binding on anyone and nobody, and I mean nobody, has a right to DEMAND that others follow their personal devotions or judge others who do not.

When we start judging others by our personal standards rather than the universal standards of the Church, we can only serve as enemies of the body of Christ by seeking to fracture the body through our own internal desires.

Greetings Promethius,

I have not read any of the posts from the most recent to the furthrest one. I started back where I left off and then proceeded. It is comforting to find that there are several who feel the way you have posted. Thank you for sharing your views.

:clapping:

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

Greetings OP,

Oh if you look in the GIRM under the different parts of the Mass, you will not find the recessional listed.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit

 

[faithfully]

Wow.

How about when the choir finishes the song, those that hang out CLAP, as if they just attended a concert? And, oh, my fave… busting out into “happy Birthday” for one of the choir members. I LOVE to sing. But just WOW!

I’ll tell you what, I keep my kids, all wiggle wormed out an all in the pew until the priest leaves. But there is NO WAY, I’m going to make them sit and listen to music that sadly makes my ears hurt. My kids have some sensory issues that to the uneducated makes them just look like brats at Mass. Attending Mass is a HUGE struggle in my world. No where as simple as just going, sitting quietly, and looking down on others in judgement.

I have to agree. It may seem a nice thing to do. And if a person wants to hang out GREAT! But please, no need to get upset with people who do well enough to actually follow the rules. You truly have no idea what many have on their plate. And to assume that those of us who leave somehow cherish our Lord any less, because we don’t follow some individuals made up rule or personal devotion… THAT is insulting. I’d say upsetting, but in reality I just have no room for this type of criticism in my life.

 

[Arlene]

I seem to remember a thread a few months back where people were complaining that they needed to get out of the pew but were prevented by people insisting on staying until the end of the recessional hymn. The general consensus was that people who blocked the pew until the last note were rude and inconsiderate of the people in the inner seats, and why in the world do they need to stay till the end of the song anyway.

So I guess some people will be unhappy no matter what you do.

 

[MartyrForJesus]

This is interesting. I have never experienced a choir piece in Church always a congregational hymn.

Even if it is an awful song, it’s still praising Our Lord.

Honestly, this whole thread has made me sad.

Yes, I know. A lot of people will probably persecute you for asking though. Same with inappropriate clothes at Mass, you get persecuted with the ‘Don’t Judge’ slogan by even starting the thread!

 

[MartyrForJesus]

I seem to remember a thread a few months back where people were complaining that they needed to get out of the pew but were prevented by people insisting on staying until the end of the recessional hymn. The general consensus was that people who blocked the pew until the last note were rude and inconsiderate of the people in the inner seats, and why in the world do they need to stay till the end of the song anyway.

So I guess some people will be unhappy no matter what you do.

 

[RedSoxWife]

Usually by the end of Mass (around 90 minutes for us most Sundays) things have deteriorated to such a point with my two daughters that I practically crawl out the door, right after the priest has walked by. Of course this has to do with standing for 90 minutes in the narthex with a 30 lb 1 year old in a moby wrap and a 40 lb three year old hanging off my other arm, which is a workout not for the faint of heart… but it does mean that I’m leaving as soon as the priest does at this point, while saying “take her, take her, take her” to my husband about DD2 (she screams if anyone other than me holds her during Mass… and I must be standing, rocking her… or she screams again…). I’d say a lot of people with young families probably have a reason to rush out. Someday, if I ever have a line of well behaved children accompanying me, I’d love for it to be different…

 

[lo_amo87]

Does no one have ANY respect for the choir up there singing their hearts out? And the fact that the songs are sung prayer?? I don’t think we should judge the people with small children, especially if we see that they have been spirited throughout the mass. But the people who are rushing out and for some reason can’t stand to wait 3 minutes for the song to end…I don’t understand it. And sorry, but I can’t help but notice because when people are shuffling out after the priest, it’s quite distracting. And it’s rude to me when I’m trying to finish the song and people and pushing past me to get out of the pew. If the mass was truly over, I would think the choir would stop singing by the time the priest leaves.
But it will never change, and people will always be rushing out to get to breakfast 3 minutes faster. I don’t have a right to judge, that is true, but I’m not going to stop singing my prayers so I can let someone out of a pew faster.

 

[faithfully]

Does no one have ANY respect for the choir up there singing their hearts out? And the fact that the songs are sung prayer?? I don’t think we should judge the people with small children, especially if we see that they have been spirited throughout the mass. But the people who are rushing out and for some reason can’t stand to wait 3 minutes for the song to end…I don’t understand it. And sorry, but I can’t help but notice because when people are shuffling out after the priest, it’s quite distracting. And it’s rude to me when I’m trying to finish the song and people and pushing past me to get out of the pew. If the mass was truly over, I would think the choir would stop singing by the time the priest leaves.
But it will never change, and people will always be rushing out to get to breakfast 3 minutes faster. I don’t have a right to judge, that is true, but I’m not going to stop singing my prayers so I can let someone out of a pew faster.

Bolding mine: The Mass IS truly over. As stated by your priest.

I really don’t think it’s appropriate to decide it’s ok for those who are obviously having issues in Mass, but not for people you’ve decided have nothing else pressing in their lives. many people get Mass in because it’s important, and for many it’s a push just to get there, and perhaps back to something else quite important to the reality of their life. You just don’t know.

Now if people are pushing and shoving that’s a little scary. Short of needing the restroom in an urgent fashion, I’d personally not push past a person still standing in song.

Now, I’m thinkin’ about the thread where someone was upset about the people who sit at the edge of the pew, and will not move over when people come late. Perhaps THEY have a need to leave on time, and don’t want to crawl over people.

I do not believe it is disrespectful to leave while the choir is singing. It’s appropriate to leave behind the priest. The choir is an accessory (for lack of a better word) to the Mass. They are NOT the reason anyone is there. I personally don’t think of the music as a prayer. Is there anything written that states it’s infact a prayer?

I also think it’s important to realize some choirs are just too modern for the taste of many, and their song choice RUINS the environment for many. A reason I personally go to the first Mass of the morning we can get to. The song choice is more “traditional” IMO. Where as, if you end up at the 5 pm mass, you’re end up staring is disbelief missing almost everything. But this Mass also caters to teens. Although the young lady that sings at that Mass has the Best voice of ALL singers I’ve seen at our church.

 

[SummerSmiles]

Wow.

How about when the choir finishes the song, those that hang out CLAP, as if they just attended a concert? And, oh, my fave… busting out into “happy Birthday” for one of the choir members. I LOVE to sing. But just WOW!

This is a pet peeve of mine–the clapping afterwards. And I do sing in my church choir. It’s nice to be recognized for our efforts, but we’re not putting on a concert up there. We’re doing a ministry. It’s not entirely appropriate to clap and cheer.

 

[lo_amo87]

Bolding mine: The Mass IS truly over. As stated by your priest.

I really don’t think it’s appropriate to decide it’s ok for those who are obviously having issues in Mass, but not for people you’ve decided have nothing else pressing in their lives. many people get Mass in because it’s important, and for many it’s a push just to get there, and perhaps back to something else quite important to the reality of their life. You just don’t know.

Now if people are pushing and shoving that’s a little scary. Short of needing the restroom in an urgent fashion, I’d personally not push past a person still standing in song.

Now, I’m thinkin’ about the thread where someone was upset about the people who sit at the edge of the pew, and will not move over when people come late. Perhaps THEY have a need to leave on time, and don’t want to crawl over people.

I do not believe it is disrespectful to leave while the choir is singing. It’s appropriate to leave behind the priest. The choir is an accessory (for lack of a better word) to the Mass. They are NOT the reason anyone is there. I personally don’t think of the music as a prayer. Is there anything written that states it’s infact a prayer?

I also think it’s important to realize some choirs are just too modern for the taste of many, and their song choice RUINS the environment for many. A reason I personally go to the first Mass of the morning we can get to. The song choice is more “traditional” IMO. Where as, if you end up at the 5 pm mass, you’re end up staring is disbelief missing almost everything. But this Mass also caters to teens. Although the young lady that sings at that Mass has the Best voice of ALL singers I’ve seen at our church.

Really? Three minutes out of respect for the choir and the people around you is too much? In Catholic school, we were always taught that the music is sung prayer and to not participate is rude.

I do understand there are many awful awful songs that church choirs sing. The music of the mass is a big part of the mass and has been for centuries. I don’t think “This Little Light of Mine” is sung prayer but certainly when the choir is singing latin in gregorian chant, there is a lot of due respect. I have a HUGE problem with the “music” modern Catholic churches allow in the mass, but then that’s why we changed churches to the cathedral downtown, which played traditional music, and further why we are now attending greek orthodox liturgy (although if anyone has attended a greek orthodox liturgy, you would know that parishoners have the WORST ettiquite I have ever seen in my life, coming and going whenever they like. Something that when my husband is finally ordained, will be a major change in our church).

 

[Corki]

Really? Three minutes out of respect for the choir and the people around you is too much? In Catholic school, we were always taught that the music is sung prayer and to not participate is rude.

Some music is prayer. For example when we sing the Gloria, that’s prayer. The recessional hymn is not prayer although it may be prayerful.

No one is saying that anyone should act disrespectful to the choir. But it isn’t disrespectful to leave when Mass is over as long as one doesn’t do so noisily.

 

[EasterJoy]

This is a pet peeve of mine–the clapping afterwards. And I do sing in my church choir. It’s nice to be recognized for our efforts, but we’re not putting on a concert up there. We’re doing a ministry. It’s not entirely appropriate to clap and cheer.

Applause in church makes me cringe. It is nice when the pastor thanks the choir for leading the singing during the announcements, and I don’t mind quite so much when there is some supporting applause for that, I guess. When the congregation claps for the choir after the recessional song finishes, though, I want to crawl under my pew on their behalf.

Applause for the choir seems to say, “Thanks. You did a nice job for us!” I want to say: “Cut it out…they weren’t singing to you! They were singing to God.” You don’t clap for someone when they pray well. Why would you clap when they put the prayers into song?

I do think it is rude to talk to other people as you leave church when the song is still being sung. People should make an effort to leave quietly, for the sake of the choir singing and then for the sake of those who are remaining behind in order to pray.

Having said that, the music is *recessional *music. I know organists and choirs that feel a need to keep the music going until clearing the church is largely accomplished. If everyone stayed, they’d be there indefinitely!

 

[styrgwillidar]

The music of the mass is a big part of the mass and has been for centuries.

No. The music is an ornamentation, an addition which has sprung up over the years. Yes, there is much tradition to it like vestments etc. Some people find it uplifting or that it adds to the experience for them.

I personally go to the early mass with no music or song. I find music distracting from the experience- regardless of type or how well it’s sung or played. And I love music of all types Gregorian chant, modern rock, classical (not baroque), blues, country etc. Just not at mass. So, I avoid the whole issue you have.

 

[CountrySinger]

Really? Three minutes out of respect for the choir and the people around you is too much? In Catholic school, we were always taught that the music is sung prayer and to not participate is rude.

I do understand there are many awful awful songs that church choirs sing. The music of the mass is a big part of the mass and has been for centuries. I don’t think “This Little Light of Mine” is sung prayer but certainly when the choir is singing latin in gregorian chant, there is a lot of due respect. I have a HUGE problem with the “music” modern Catholic churches allow in the mass, but then that’s why we changed churches to the cathedral downtown, which played traditional music, and further why we are now attending greek orthodox liturgy (although if anyone has attended a greek orthodox liturgy, you would know that parishoners have the WORST ettiquite I have ever seen in my life, coming and going whenever they like. Something that when my husband is finally ordained, will be a major change in our church).

Those three minutes can mean the difference between someone getting to work on time by bus or being late because of missing the bus. I’ve had it happen to me before. Working in retail, you have to work weekends, and it is a huge effort just to get to Mass on Sundays.

If I don’t work Sunday morning, I stay the full time, but I can’t turn down a shift at work. I usually work Saturday nights as well. So Sunday mid-morning is the only time I can go due to bus schedules. Not all people who leave early are being disrespectful.

 

[EasterJoy]

No. The music is an ornamentation, an addition which has sprung up over the years. Yes, there is much tradition to it like vestments etc. Some people find it uplifting or that it adds to the experience for them.

I personally go to the early mass with no music or song. I find music distracting from the experience- regardless of type or how well it’s sung or played. And I love music of all types Gregorian chant, modern rock, classical (not baroque), blues, country etc. Just not at mass. So, I avoid the whole issue you have.

No, actually, music was an integral part of Jewish liturgical prayer in the synagogues of Jesus’ time–the Torah portions were sung, for instance, as were some responses from the assemby–and was part of the Mass from the very beginning. As Greek influences found their way into the Mass, Greek musical forms came with them. Even in ancient times–and probably back into pre-historic times!–sacred music and liturgical prayer have gone hand in hand. Whenever people have gathered to worship, people have sung.

And frankly, it is not about your experience. We sing at Mass as an offering to God, not to enhance our experience of the Mass. Your song during the Mass is an integral part of the gift of your assistance at Mass, especially Sunday Mass.

Those offering Sunday and Holy Day Masses are highly encouraged to have music when it is possible. This is what the General Instruction on the Roman Missal says about it:
(from Chapter II: The Structure of the Mass, Its Elements, and Its Parts, Part II. The Different Elements of the Mass)

The Importance of Singing

1. The Christian faithful who come together as one in expectation of the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together Psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus St. Augustine says rightly, “Singing is for one who loves,”[48] and there is also an ancient proverb: “Whoever sings well prays twice over.”
2. Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass, with due consideration for the culture of peoples and abilities of each liturgical assembly. Although it is not always necessary (e.g., in weekday Masses) to sing all the texts that are in principle meant to be sung, every care should be taken that singing by the ministers and the people not be absent in celebrations that occur on Sundays and on Holy days of Obligation.

However, in the choosing of the parts actually to be sung, preference is to be given to those that are of greater importance and especially to those which are to be sung by the Priest or the Deacon or a reader, with the people replying, or by the Priest and people together.[49]

1. The main place should be given, all things being equal, to Gregorian chant, as being proper to the Roman Liturgy. Other kinds of sacred music, in particular polyphony, are in no way excluded, provided that they correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and that they foster the participation of all the faithful.[50]

Since the faithful from different countries come together ever more frequently, it is desirable that they know how to sing together at least some parts of the Ordinary of the Mass in Latin, especially the Profession of Faith and the Lord’s Prayer, according to the simpler settings.[51]

 

[promethius]

Applause for the choir seems to say, “Thanks. You did a nice job for us!” I want to say: “Cut it out…they weren’t singing to you! They were singing to God.” You don’t clap for someone when they pray well. Why would you clap when they put the prayers into song?

Actually, interesting historical tidbit:

Applause used to be more than congratulations for a good performance… applause USED to be generally used to show concurance with an idea (sort of like saying “amen”). It was common in the Eastern Rites and allowable in the Latin Rite (particularly during the homily) in this manner until it was supressed in the 8th century.