When is one late for Mass?

There is a widespread pre-Vatican II misconception that has persisted. This is the notion that making it to the Offertory constitutes Mass attendance and fulfillment of the Sunday obligation. Actually, arriving late for the Liturgy of the Word is tantamount to missing Mass. Therefore, if it happens on a Sunday or day of Obligation, the latecomer must still go to mass. Strictly speaking, one is late after the priest has started the opening prayer.

What about leaving during the homily and returning after it is over?

This was common practice among men in pre-Vatican II days. God knows how many Masses had been missed because of this. At no point in the liturgy (then or now) could a person leave and still constitute full attendance.

How often can a person receive communion in one day?

Communion can be received twice in a day, but only if the second Mass is for a different intention. For example, the first could have been in an anticipated Sunday Mass, the second, a wedding, or at a wake (except if Sunday liturgy is used on both occasions. During weekdays, you can receive communion twice when different liturgies are used during Masses. For example, the liturgy of the day and a memorial to honor saint, or a  votive Mass, or for some other particular intention- funeral, anniversary, reconciliation, peace, etc. In whichever case, second communion is permissible only within a complete Mass.

Are chewing gum or melting candies allowable within the one-hour communion feast?

No. Chewing gum, chewy candies and other sweets contain sugar and flavoring and therefore cannot be taken within the hour without breaking the fast. Sugar is solid food. With chewing gum, one “might still” partake of communion only if the gum had been in the mouth for several hours, by which time, all sugar had already been consumed.

Notwithstanding, it is always best to diligently observe the fast. Water is the only substance that is allowable within the period.

Can any person chosen by the priest from the congregation assist in giving communion?

The priest may assign anyone to assist in giving communion, for instance, when there are a great number of communicants and no other priest, deacons or extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist are around. Whoever may be so chosen must observe cleansing of hands with water and the purificator at the credence table located by the side of the altar. Such situations are rare and cannot be abused by the priest.

Does leaving after communion also mean missing Mass?

Definitely! The liturgy is not over until the final blessing. Remember how Judas hurriedly left the Supper of our Lord after communion. What Jesus meant by, “What you have to do, do quickly”, was for Judas to turn away and repent for the deed he had planned (John 13:27-30)