Asking to Receive After Mass

The Code of Canon Law states:

It is most strongly recommended that the faithful receive holy Communion in the course of a eucharistic celebration. If, however, for good reason they ask for it apart from the Mass, it is to be administered to them, observing the liturgical rites (can. 918).

What this indicates is that while it is not “disrespectful” to ask for Communion after a Mass has ended, those who do make such a request should be prepared to explain why they were not able to present themselves for Communion during the Mass that just ended. Generally speaking, reasons that indicate that missing Mass was not your fault (e.g., illness, disability, transportation breakdown) probably will be looked upon more favorably by a minister of Communion than reasons that are your fault (e.g., oversleeping, not paying attention to the time).