So why DO people leave Mass early?

[mommamaree]

Simple. Lack of Faith.

We are supposed to always charitably assume the best intentions of others.

 

[robwar]

Football! Really, though I don’t think that’s an excuse. It infuriates me that people have to rush to their cars and beat the traffic instead of maybe spending a bit of time talking with their friends.

If you have children in sports, there can be conflicts in the scheduling of games and Mass.
We have never missed Mass due to anything. It’s not about rushing home and watching football.

 

[robwar]

I cannot answer for others, but I have left Mass early sometimes. It usually has to do with restraining an unruly child just long enough to get through the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and then I slip out the door to remove the child to another place so she doesn’t get loud and disrupt the Mass. Sometimes, I am in and out through the Mass with said child. Othertimes, my husband and I are going to separate Masses, and in order for both of us arrive on time to our respective Masses, one of us must leave the Mass before final procession, especially if Father’s homily is a long one. It is a balancing act. We know it is a sin to leave early without serious reason, but sometimes we do have such reasons and must leave early.

Well, when they smell a messy diaper, I am sure they would be happy you left early to change it.

 

[robwar]

We are supposed to always charitably assume the best intentions of others.

agree

 

[mommamaree]

I don’t see how there can be a valid reason to leave early.

All God asks for is ONE HOUR on a Sunday.

One hour.

That last blessing at the end of mass, that could be the last blessing by God in your earthly life you will ever receive. Tomorrow or later that day is not guaranteed. If you have social duties to do, look for an appropriate mass time so your plans don’t interfere with going to Mass.

Imagine calvary, jesus being crucified, many watching…then people are like “ooop gotta____” and turn around and leave. Not a very nice thought. Unless it is a medical emergency I really see no point in leaving. I am guilty of doing this as well

Thankfully, it is not up to one person’s imagination to determine if there are legitimate reasons to leave Mass. The Church Herself has spoken to remove the obligation for certain caregivers (such as of young children, or the elderly or infirm) and for those that are ill, especially those ill with contagious illnesses.
A pregnant mother leaving to find a discreet location to handle her nausea. A parent leaving to change a diaper or feed a fussy infant. A parent removing an unruly toddler. A caregiver escorting out a special needs adult that could not handle remaining in Mass that day. I could go on and on. There are so many valid reasons for a person of good will to have to leave Mass, especially if they are responsible for the needs of other human beings.
On top of that, if we make a good faith effort to attend Mass and we are prevented from staying at Mass, we are not required to make another attempt to attend Mass that day.

 

[7armyrugrats]

It’s none of our business.

Exactly. None of our business.

Also, someone mentioned that God only asks one hour from us, but I have been to Masses that last well over one hour. If you have somewhere you need to be, you may need to leave early.

I have only left Mass early twice. Both times were due to medical emergencies. Neither time was it obvious to anyone else that we were miscarrying. It feels really bad that there are people who actually keep track of the comings and goings of others and speculate about the reasons behind them.

My husband cannot set his own work schedule. He can’t even call in because he is sick. He is Active Duty and has no control over his work schedule. There have been numerous times that he pulls a 24 hour shift on Sat, gets home at 10:00 on Sunday, makes it to Mass on time or a few minutes late, and leaves early so he can get some much needed rest. He still has to be at work by 5:00 Monday morning. Many nurses have similar schedules. And truck drivers. Now a days many people do. And most of us cannot afford to lose a job.

 

[pnewton]

It’s not judging, it’s admonishing and advice. Something we are supposed to do.

I would think that in this matter it would best to let the priest admonish. He is the only one in a position to see a pattern and deem something need be said. I guess we could speak to family or close friends if we see something that needs addressed and know enough to discern a serious issue.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I hate to spoil the fun, but really, this subject has been discussed so much, and we have had so many lectures about it, and nothing has or ever will change, so it is rather a waste of time complaining about something we can do absolutely nothing about. Complaining about anything is a waste of time usually anyway.

I no longer pay attention to these sorts of things. Even if they cause a little distraction, which is not usually the case, unless someone trips on the carpet and falls in their hurry to leave. Some things are not worth wondering about, and we really don’t know WHY most people leave, so the original question is not able to be answered anyway.

Now if you open your eyes after your thanksgiving, look around, and see you and the priest are the only ones left, that might be a cause for concern, usually a sign the church has caught fire, and you were so deep in prayer you didn’t notice, and Father didn’t want leave without you.

 

[Maria1993]

Maria,
some people who work weekends may work some crazy 12 hours shifts. The Mass they attend may be the only one. it is none of anyone business why someone may have to leave early for Mass. Everything being perfect, people should stay for the entire Mass. But things aren’t and maybe having a more compassionate attitude to others in in store here.

I would know because I worked crazy shifts and on call,
Again, I said it was MY 2 cents.

 

[Maria1993]

Thankfully, it is not up to one person’s imagination to determine if there are legitimate reasons to leave Mass. The Church Herself has spoken to remove the obligation for certain caregivers (such as of young children, or the elderly or infirm) and for those that are ill, especially those ill with contagious illnesses.
A pregnant mother leaving to find a discreet location to handle her nausea. A parent leaving to change a diaper or feed a fussy infant. A parent removing an unruly toddler. A caregiver escorting out a special needs adult that could not handle remaining in Mass that day. I could go on and on. There are so many valid reasons for a person of good will to have to leave Mass, especially if they are responsible for the needs of other human beings.
On top of that, if we make a good faith effort to attend Mass and we are prevented from staying at Mass, we are not required to make another attempt to attend Mass that day.

Again, it was MY 2 cents.

And I did say for medical reasons. I myself have medical problems. I have had to work insane shifts and on call. I didn’t say because of what you stated, I have family with medical special needs, I had to take a crying toddler to mass walking while I was sick (not contagious) because I, a teenager, was the only practicing Catholic in the house. I don’t know whether people have a dispensation from their priest or not. I don’t know, again why I said it was my 2 cents.

Awesome, I am happy those people still try to make it to mass. But leaving to avoid traffic and for parties, I dont see how that is negotiable. I know because I have been through there. That last blessing could be the last one we could ever recieve.

 

[Maria1993]

I would think that in this matter it would best to let the priest admonish. He is the only one in a position to see a pattern and deem something need be said. I guess we could speak to family or close friends if we see something that needs addressed and know enough to discern a serious issue.

I agree.

I apologize if I sound “uncharitable” or not “compassionate” to any of yall.kind of hard to do so typing. I am after all giving my 2 cents as you all are on a discussion forum.

 

[mommamaree]

Again, it was MY 2 cents.

And I did say for medical reasons. I myself have medical problems. I have had to work insane shifts and on call. I didn’t say because of what you stated, I have family with medical special needs, I had to take a crying toddler to mass walking while I was sick (not contagious) because I, a teenager, was the only practicing Catholic in the house. I don’t know whether people have a dispensation from their priest or not. I don’t know, again why I said it was my 2 cents.

Awesome, I am happy those people still try to make it to mass. But leaving to avoid traffic and for parties, I dont see how that is negotiable. I know because I have been through there. That last blessing could be the last one we could ever recieve.

I am glad you clarified your position. It is much clearer now. Sometimes, it can be very hard to miss Mass or leave early so often, and I begin to feel like I might never be able to attend a full Mass and receive Holy Communion again, so the last thing people in my situation need to be worrying about is fellow laypeople judging them harshly or Father barking at them as they attempt to leave discreetly (it has happened to some people at other parishes, so I am very thankful our parish is large and our priests are gracious). I have been homebound for the last four Sundays in a row, battling with illnesses and adverse reactions to medications for my children. So maybe I was just a little oversensitive to your earlier post. Sorry!

 

[Peebo]

To some Catholicism is just a tradition they were bought up in…no real commitment…get in…get out…convince yourself you’re a faithful Catholic and forget about it till next week

 

[Maria1993]

I am glad you clarified your position. It is much clearer now. Sometimes, it can be very hard to miss Mass or leave early so often, and I begin to feel like I might never be able to attend a full Mass and receive Holy Communion again, so the last thing people in my situation need to be worrying about is fellow laypeople judging them harshly or Father barking at them as they attempt to leave discreetly (it has happened to some people at other parishes, so I am very thankful our parish is large and our priests are gracious). I have been homebound for the last four Sundays in a row, battling with illnesses and adverse reactions to medications for my children. So maybe I was just a little oversensitive to your earlier post. Sorry!

I apologize as well. I tend to be a bit rude
I guess I was over sensitive as well. I have asthma and I am hypersensitive. My sister is claustrophobic so yes it is hard. And like I said medical reasons make perfect sense. I’m soryy to not have clarified.

I’ll be praying for your condition

 

[Cat]

Thankfully, it is not up to one person’s imagination to determine if there are legitimate reasons to leave Mass. The Church Herself has spoken to remove the obligation for certain caregivers (such as of young children, or the elderly or infirm) and for those that are ill, especially those ill with contagious illnesses.
A pregnant mother leaving to find a discreet location to handle her nausea. A parent leaving to change a diaper or feed a fussy infant. A parent removing an unruly toddler. A caregiver escorting out a special needs adult that could not handle remaining in Mass that day. I could go on and on. There are so many valid reasons for a person of good will to have to leave Mass, especially if they are responsible for the needs of other human beings.
On top of that, if we make a good faith effort to attend Mass and we are prevented from staying at Mass, we are not required to make another attempt to attend Mass that day.

Amen!

I think a lot of the posters on this thread will remember their posts someday, and weep over their ignorance and insensitivity to others.

We all need to remember that there are many people who live lives that are totally different than ours.

One reason why some people might need to leave early is medical needs;e.g., incontinence is an embarrassing reality for many people, not just the elderly. And when I have an allergic reaction (swelling tongue and lips), it comes on without warning, and I have to move FAST to take the various anti-histamines so that I don’t end up in the ED having an emergency trach. My doctor still has not p(name removed by moderator)ointed the trigger for these reactions.

My older daughter gets dizzy and faint when she hasn’t eaten enough, and sometimes, this happens even if she thinks she DID eat enough.

C’mon everyone. Show some mercy. Someday you will need it yourself when you have to leave Mass early.

 

[Maria1993]

Amen!

I think a lot of the posters on this thread will remember their posts someday, and weep over their ignorance and insensitivity to others.

We all need to remember that there are many people who live lives that are totally different than ours.

One reason why some people might need to leave early is medical needs;e.g., incontinence is an embarrassing reality for many people, not just the elderly. And when I have an allergic reaction (swelling tongue and lips), it comes on without warning, and I have to move FAST to take the various anti-histamines so that I don’t end up in the ED having an emergency trach. My doctor still has not p(name removed by moderator)ointed the trigger for these reactions.

My older daughter gets dizzy and faint when she hasn’t eaten enough, and sometimes, this happens even if she thinks she DID eat enough.

C’mon everyone. Show some mercy. Someday you will need it yourself when you have to leave Mass early.

I agree because I have medical needs.
Please dont think I am some heartless ice box lol

I was referring to leaving for un important things, but then again I really have no say. This thread got me thinking so thank you for It, this is one thing I have to work on
I should just shut up lol

I apologize

 

[mommamaree]

I apologize as well. I tend to be a bit rude
I guess I was over sensitive as well. I have asthma and I am hypersensitive. My sister is claustrophobic so yes it is hard. And like I said medical reasons make perfect sense. I’m soryy to not have clarified.

I’ll be praying for your condition

Thank you, Maria. It has been a tough month. I miss Mass. Being able to be at Mass is a rare heavenly experience for me these days.

 

[Maria1993]

Thank you, Maria. It has been a tough month. I miss Mass. Being able to be at Mass is a rare heavenly experience for me these days.

Again I am terribly sorry if I caused you any pain

I hope I clarified well. God bless!!

 

[Burt_Macklin]

A lot of parishes that I have been to like to read you the entire bulletin at the end of mass before issuing the final blessing. It seems like a waste of everyone’s time.

I’ve always wondered, why bother reading everything that is already in the bulletin? If I wanted to know what was going on at the parish I could just pick up the bulletin. Why do I need someone to read it to me before I can get the final blessing?

 

[phil19034]

My sister’s parish in Albuquerque has this cross-stitched over the back doors of the church:

JUDAS WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO EVER LEAVE MASS BEFORE IT WAS OVER

I’m told that this has been very effective there.

Nice!