In this week's copy of Our Sunday Visitor, I noticed a very good article by Msgr. Richard Antall, titled "A Mystery of Heavenly Union." This article speaks about how we can more closely unite ourselves with Christ this Lenten season through greater devotion to the Eucharist. After all, it is the year of the Eucharist, and what better time than Lent to come to a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?
"We need to savor the presence of Jesus within us. That is why a thanksgiving after Communion is so important, and ideally this should extend to after Mass.Some of our Communions are too much like a visit to a fast-food restaurant and ordering God 'to go.' The expericence merits more consideration and a certain etiquette. We are accustomed to flying out of church or to carry on conversations with others. Habit will make it easier to kneel down after Mass and to say 'thank you.' You will give good example."
At the seminary, most people remain in their places after Mass—singing every verse of the song until the cantor finishes (after the closing procession is finished, of course)—then kneel or sit and pray before our Lord post-communion prayers of thanksgiving or adoration, before quietly and reverently leaving the chapel and respecting others who wish to remain in silence.
As the author says, "you will give good example" when you remain with the Lord after Mass is over, and you will likely have a greater appreciation of the sacred event that has just happened. Jesus spent his whole life living for you—won't you spend a few more minutes with Him?
It is also important to remember that Jesus is still present in the tabernacle, and a chapel or church is not just a room for people to hold meetings. If you would like to speak about something, try to do it in the lobby or outside; and if you have to talk while in the church, make sure you speak quietly, so as not to disturb others.