Why do some people leave Mass early?

Question: While on vacation, I attended Mass at a church where many people left right after communion. Why would they do this?

Answer: Canon Law says the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass on Sundays and other holy days. We are expected to attend the entire Mass.
A misunderstanding of this law may be trace to a pre-Vatican II teaching. Some theologians taught the Mass had three principle parts: offertory, consecration and communion. Some people reasoned that their obligation would be fulfilled by attending only those parts of the Mass. They felt justified in coming late and leaving early.

This changed with Vatican II. The Mass is divided into four sections (Introductory rites, Liturgy of the word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding rites), but none is more important than the other because Christ is present throughout the Mass. Attending Mass means we are there from the opening hymn through the recessional hymn.

Some people have valid reasons for leaving Mass early, such as feeling ill or taking a crying child from church. Perhaps they are travelling and need to get to the airport on time.

I, too wonder why churches have a great exodus before the Mass has ended. It is a practice which, in my opinion, should cease immediately.

Courtesy of Father Vic Karls, C.Ss.R