Still - it's an observable fact - people do skip out before the final blessing for a host of
So when I saw the following article in The Michigan Catholic, the paper of the Archdiocese of Detroit, I smiled. Seems that at least one priest is trying to stem the premature exodus. And is succeeding.
A Church's Parting Shot
MOUNT CLEMENS – Some people still take off right after Communion at St. Peter Church, but not as many now that they have to walk under signs that read "Judas left early too." 
Fr. Cooney says putting the signs up at each of the three exits was "a bit of Irish diplomacy" aimed at addressing a long-standing source of frustration for many Catholic priests: people who leave Mass early, rather than staying for the dismissal.
Perhaps one of the reasons the signs had a positive effect is that he introduced them with humor, rather than scolding the congregation, he believes.
"Like all Catholic churches, immediately after Communion we experienced a great leaving, of people heading right out the door. So, about a year ago, I was preaching about what I called the phenomenon of Catholic CEOs – those who come to Mass at Christmas and Easter only, and that got people laughing," Fr. Cooney recalls.
"Then, I told them I also wanted to talk about another problem, and showed them one of the signs," he says.
While regular Mass-goers knew they weren't among the CEO Catholics, many no doubt realized the "Judas left early too" sign applied to them.
"It did have an effect. And I think seeing it makes people stop and think," Fr. Cooney says.
And here's the money quote from the article: "...it hasn't just been the banner that has reduced the problem ... but constant education from the pulpit – not just about not leaving early, but about respect for the Blessed Sacrament in general." (emphases mine)
I would have said "reverence" rather than "respect", but the point remains: we're in the presence of Jesus Christ. This isn't like heading out of a movie theatre during the final credits, or exiting a stadium during the fourth quarter and the game outcome resolved. The Mass is not entertainment (although there are many church-goers who treat it as such). Christ is not even reposed in the tabernacle yet, and people are heading out the door. As the above quote demonstrates, tte behavior shows more of a lack of proper catechesis than of a profound disrespect for Christ, imho. I applaud the efforts this priest and others are making to teach their congregations.
The article is significant for another reason - I doubt it would have been published prior to Archbishop Vigneron's appointment.
