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elt1956
Guest
When and where did they change the Canon Law and why would it be changed? Why go at all if you can’t be there for the “heart” of the Mass, ie. the Consecration and Communion?
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bilop
Guest
I believe they ommitted the definition in the 1983 Code because they thought it was encouraging people to come late and leave early.
You alway had to be there for the Consecration and Communion. The issue was whether you could miss the Liturgy of the Word/Mass of the Cathecumens (Old Mass) and leave after Communion.
Under the 1917 Canon Law it was specifically stated that only the Liturgy of the Eucharist was required to fufil the obligation. We were taught as Children that you had to arrive before the Gospel and stay to Communion, otherwise you had to attend another Mass.
Currently, there is no such definiton of what constitutes attendance for the obligation.
God Bless
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elt1956
Guest
No wonder many come late and leave early.
Peace.
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Kathrin
Guest
About getting there late… just in the last few months I have heard two different things from two different priests. One said that the new law was that if miss ANY of the readings you haven’t fulfilled your obligation.
Some weeks/months later another priest at another church told me you only had to arrive before the consecration (I was in the confessional with him and the mass had already started so I asked him).
Kathrin
Some weeks/months later another priest at another church told me you only had to arrive before the consecration (I was in the confessional with him and the mass had already started so I asked him).
Kathrin
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MooCowSteph
Guest
Yep. Regardless of where we’re seated, we occasionally leaave when the priest says “Mass is ended” if our toddler has been particularly loud or nutty. Otherwise we wait until the music has ended. Even when Julie was really bad I don’t think we’ve ever left after communion. Maybe once when I was so frustrated I was crying.
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henrex
Guest
well as for me, no matter what the old or the new Canon Law states, dont you think it is still proper to wait untill the priest gives the blessing befor you leave the Mass? no matter where seat you are?
unless as I have said it is a matter of life and death.
Sancta Maria, Auxilium Cristianorum, ora pro nobis.
unless as I have said it is a matter of life and death.
Sancta Maria, Auxilium Cristianorum, ora pro nobis.
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Angel_Bradford
Guest
How about an option “It’s never okay to leave Holy Mass early”?
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Amolibri
Guest
Strange poll. It assumes that it IS ok, and just choose where is least noticed
I agree that “yes” or “no” are the choices. And no, not until the end of the recessional hymn.
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santodomingo
Guest
Yes, in my order, Lumen Dei, we are advised to remain in the church for around 15 minutes to give thanks for the Eucarist. I always try to do this, because it´s a special time of grace, but occasionally they close the church on me and I have to cut short my prayers in order not to get locked in!!As above, one should leave early only if one has a legitimate reason. Having said that, I’ve noticed something of a trend in these parts over the last few years for people not just to stay till the end but even get back in their seats or on their knees after the music has finished for a few minutes of quiet thanksgiving
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EasterJoy
Guest
I was taught that you might leave as soon as the celebrant(s) had left, but that you should get there at least a few minutes early, if at all possible. Also, when you leave…leave without making a lot of noise. Those who stay are staying to pray, and they appreciate it if the inevitable bustle dies away quickly.
As for leaving early, it has nothing to do with where you’re sitting, but with what is compelling you to leave, and whether or not it is truly so urgent as that. If you are in the habit of leaving early, you probably at least need to work on your planning skills.
Some people, though, can only get to that one Mass, and they have somewhere they have to be. I am thinking of a person who needs to be on time for their shift at the hospital or police station, though, not someone who doesn’t want to miss kick-off!
As for leaving early, it has nothing to do with where you’re sitting, but with what is compelling you to leave, and whether or not it is truly so urgent as that. If you are in the habit of leaving early, you probably at least need to work on your planning skills.
Some people, though, can only get to that one Mass, and they have somewhere they have to be. I am thinking of a person who needs to be on time for their shift at the hospital or police station, though, not someone who doesn’t want to miss kick-off!
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crenfro
Guest
Good point!
I posted this poll because I’ve noticed that the closer to the front I sit at Mass, the friendlier the people are, and the further back I get, the more people act as if I’m not even there… and the more I see leave early…and I was wondering if this was happening during other Masses…
Sorry my poll isn’t so well thought out…was the best I could do at the time.
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EasterJoy
Guest
If I knew I had a shift at the hospital that might require me to leave early, I’d sit toward the back, so as not to be so distracting when leaving. (That is an example. I do not personally work in a hospital.)
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LilyM
Guest
Yeah, some of the churches around here tend to do that sometimes too - unfortunately it’s sometimes a necessary safety precaution, they don’t want anyone hanging around who could be up to no good.Yes, in my order, Lumen Dei, we are advised to remain in the church for around 15 minutes to give thanks for the Eucarist. I always try to do this, because it´s a special time of grace, but occasionally they close the church on me and I have to cut short my prayers in order not to get locked in!!
Course there’s nothing preventing you from giving thanks after the Eucharist even when you can’t stay in church to do so - just pray as you go! I love walking along home after Mass giving thanks with joyful heart
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Pax_Vobiscum_57
Guest
Yep. The priest should be the last one to enter the church and the first one to exit after Mass.
However, I can think of one time I got ill and had to leave before the offertory. I usually sit near the front, so I felt kind of exposed, but better that than hurl on the person in front of me.
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ac_claire
Guest
Just last night, I took my dad to mass with me and we had to leave after communion because we had a a pre-arranged ride from STS (Special Transit Services- for the elderly and disabled). The mass ran just a few minutes past the pick-up time I had given the driver. If we’d missed him we’d have been penalized by STS and not have had a ride home.Yep. The priest should be the last one to enter the church and the first one to exit after Mass.
However, I can think of one time I got ill and had to leave before the offertory. I usually sit near the front, so I felt kind of exposed, but better that than hurl on the person in front of me.
I was still embarassed to be leaving early, though.
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merlon2004
Guest
Wasn’t Judas the first person to leave Mass early? I wouldn’t want to follow his example!
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BonnieBj
Guest
If I have to leave Mass early I would do so as unobtrusively as possible. A couple of Sundays ago there were 2 extra collections with speakers after communion/post-communion prayer time. I am a diabetic; I felt my blood sugar dropping (it’s called hypoglycemic awareness) and I needed to get to my car to eat.
Before you self-righteous folks out there call leaving Mass early a sin, make sure you know the circumstances. Perhaps this is why the Lord told us “Judge not lest ye be judged.” Which scenario would be better: a respectful & reverent leave-taking out a nearby side exit (we sit there for just such emergencies) or staying and letting my blood sugar fall so that I go into a coma and 911 has to be called and what’s left of the Mass is totally disrupted and upset?
I do my best with my meds and dietary measures to prepare for Mass so that I won’t have problems, but 2 extra collections with long-winded speakers was not something I could have foreseen.
Before you self-righteous folks out there call leaving Mass early a sin, make sure you know the circumstances. Perhaps this is why the Lord told us “Judge not lest ye be judged.” Which scenario would be better: a respectful & reverent leave-taking out a nearby side exit (we sit there for just such emergencies) or staying and letting my blood sugar fall so that I go into a coma and 911 has to be called and what’s left of the Mass is totally disrupted and upset?
I do my best with my meds and dietary measures to prepare for Mass so that I won’t have problems, but 2 extra collections with long-winded speakers was not something I could have foreseen.
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spellinggirl
Guest
I don’t think it’s ever okay to leave Mass early. When I altar serve, I see a lot of people leave Mass early, as I have to stand by a door near the end of Mass that many people use as an escape… Incidentally, the door was originally intended only as an emergency exit, but some people have different ideas. 
Lots leave right after communion, before Fr. has given the final blessing. To me, that blessing is a crucial part of Mass. Also, they don’t stay for the announcements, which, although they may be slightly less important for those who are not actively involved in the parish, is annoying. I especially notice this when they get up right in the middle of our long pews and have to squeeze past about 10 people! It’s not only rude, but it’s distracting to those who are praying (or trying to) after communion.
When it’s medical reasons, like diabetes, it’s fine. I’m sure that the priest would rather you not die in church…
Me, I stay the entire time, always! (Except for a humiliating time when I got sick during Mass, but I really try not to think about that…)
Lots leave right after communion, before Fr. has given the final blessing. To me, that blessing is a crucial part of Mass. Also, they don’t stay for the announcements, which, although they may be slightly less important for those who are not actively involved in the parish, is annoying. I especially notice this when they get up right in the middle of our long pews and have to squeeze past about 10 people! It’s not only rude, but it’s distracting to those who are praying (or trying to) after communion.
When it’s medical reasons, like diabetes, it’s fine. I’m sure that the priest would rather you not die in church…
Me, I stay the entire time, always! (Except for a humiliating time when I got sick during Mass, but I really try not to think about that…)
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Sllick
Guest
Was it ok for Jesus to get off the cross early?
He sacrificed for you. You can give an hour of your time for him.
Ask not what Jesus can do for you, but what you can do for Jesus.
He sacrificed for you. You can give an hour of your time for him.
Ask not what Jesus can do for you, but what you can do for Jesus.
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BarbaraTherese
Guest
I am not too sure what any current ruling may be, but certainly prior to V2 one had not properly attended at Mass unless one arrived before The Gospel. Of course, if one has good reason, this would have been another matter - it used to be anyway that one should arrive at very least in time for the Gospel and not leave until after the final blessing…without good reason. Be interesting to know what exactly is any current ruling actually may be…
…Blessings - Barb
A great rule of thumb I think although it is good to wait until after the final hymn and leave with the whole community! Also, if one arrives during the Readings, I think it a good idea to remain in the rear of The Church until immediately after the Readings so as not to be a distraction to others.
…Blessings - Barb
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