I didn't arrive at Mass until the consecration. Was I right not to receive Communion?
The short answer
You could have received. The Church does not require participation in the Mass in order to receive the Eucharist, so arriving late is no obstacle. The only exception is a second reception on the same day, which canon law allows only within a Mass you participate in.
Lateness is not a barrier
Participation in the Mass is not a condition for receiving the Eucharist. If you arrive late, it is perfectly fine to go to Communion.
The one exception
If you have already received the Eucharist earlier that day, canon law requires that you participate in the Mass at which you receive a second time.
Continue exploring
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