Mass Exodus

[BLB_Oregon]

Ray Marshall:

We didn’t call them “homilies” back then either. They were “sermons!” Who made up the rule that you can’t use a simple word when a strange one will do fine? He’s the guy, I’m sure, who introduced Catholics to the “ambo.” :banghead: “Pulpit” was bad enough!

I was taught that only the priest gives a homily, and only on the readings for that Mass. (Obviously, there are exceptions.)

A sermon, on the other hand, is something anyone can dole out at any time on any topic–as some often do! If you grew up thinking of a sermon as a lecture from someone Better Than You, as I did, the word homily sounds much nicer.

 

[deogratias]

I was taught that only the priest gives a homily, and only on the readings for that Mass

This is not a sermon, but a Deacon can also give the homily

 

[moira]

Maybe the people who leave early don’t realize what the Mass really is. Or what they’re missing by leaving early. Maybe they just attend because of Sunday obligation. I know myself that in my younger years I had no idea of what it was really all about. Through much reading as an adult I have discovered the Mass all over again and look forward to it every week or more often when possible. Now I wish it could go on for longer than the usual hour. Nothing feels better to me than being at Mass. I relish it. I live for it. I love it!

 

[deogratias]

I cannot say I have never left Mass early and sometimes they were valid reasons. I think though there are those who habitually leave directly from the communion rail, we all see them.

I have left early a few times when there was a Mass that was so blatantly abusive and offensive that I could barely continue through communion and one I left when it was obvious that the consecration had not been done correctly and went to another Mass later elsewhere.

I have had to leave because of “bathroom” issues.

I once appeared to leave but only went to the vestibule because the person in the pew next to me had such offensive body odor my eyes were watering.

When the children were very young, I often left (to the vestibule) so they would not annoy others.

I have left after because of pain, extreme heat or extreme chills -

None of these were habitual and since I am 70 years old, I guess a few times leaving early is acceptable.

The point is that we can’t judge why someone is leaving early.

They may be in charge of the coffee and donuts after Mass that we all enjoy so much

 

[Teresa9]

I was always taught that you arrive in Church BEFORE the Priest is on the altar and you leave AFTER the Priest has left the altar, this is because he is the ‘other’ Christ, he becomes Christ’s hands and voice for you. It is irreverent to do otherwise unless there is a REAL and URGENT emergency. It is a sin to arrive late for Mass as far as in I know. God Bless you and love and peace to all xx