Liturgy

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LEAVING MASS EARLY

Many parishioners have commented on the number of people who leave weekend Masses early -often right after Communion- and ask what can be done about it.

Since the days when priests would stand in the back to bar the doors to early leavers is gone, the most we can do is appeal to those who don't have to leave early to remain until the Presider’s procession has left the altar area.

Everyone understands that there are situations which force people to leave before the end of Mass, -a job, an ill family member at home, or some other emergency.  What parishioners are concerned about, however, is the exodus to the parking lot during Communion. Eucharistic Ministers have complained that early leavers cross right between them and the communicants they are serving, sometimes putting them in danger of dropping the consecrated Bread and Wine.

Our priests and our parish respectfully request that unless you have a grave reason to leave early, you remain for the entire Mass. If you must leave, please be respectful of those distributing Communion.  

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