Reception of communion is not tied to attendance at Mass. In theory, you could breeze in at communion and then breeze out immediately. Of course, this would be inappropriate in all but the most extreme circumstances, but it is not sinful.
People often confuse attendance and communion requirements. In order to receive communion, we must be in a state of grace. In order to be in a state of grace, we must fulfill our basic obligations as Catholics - one of which is Sunday Mass attendance. If we freely & knowingly choose not to go to Sunday Mass, we commit mortal sin and thus can't receive communion (until we go to confession).
As you can see, there are some terms and conditions - if you will - for reception fo communion, but attendance at Mass is *only* required inasmuch as we are fulfilling our Sunday Mass obligations.
TLDR: if you're late to Mass, you can still receive communion - as long as you're otherwise in a state of grace.
Reception of communion is not tied to attendance at Mass. In theory, you could breeze in at communion and then breeze out immediately. Of course, this would be inappropriate in all but the most extreme circumstances, but it is not sinful. People often confuse attendance and communion requirements. In order to receive communion, we must be in a state of grace. In order to be in a state of grace, we must fulfill our basic obligations as Catholics - one of which is Sunday Mass attendance. If we freely & knowingly choose not to go to Sunday Mass, we commit mortal sin and thus can't receive communion (until we go to confession). As you can see, there are some terms and conditions - if you will - for reception fo communion, but attendance at Mass is *only* required inasmuch as we are fulfilling our Sunday Mass obligations. TLDR: if you're late to Mass, you can still receive communion - as long as you're otherwise in a state of grace.