Low Gluten Communion Hosts?

[de caps]

I belong to a Catholic Church. I told a priest about my Celiac disease and wanted to know if he could offer me a gluten-free host. I was told that Protestant Churches wil give those with celiac disease a rice host.

My Church sent me a letter stating they can only offer me a low gluten communion host.

I guess they don't care if I or others with celiac disease get sick. I'm really upset.

They also suggested that I just take the wine. They don't seem to think that there are cc issues. When my children drink out of my glass after having gluten in their mouths I do get sick.

What should Catholic people with Celiac do?

Please let me know.

[CarlaB]

I sit in the front and just receive the cup. You can also talk to the priest about providing a chalice just for your use. I have my own chalice that's small (so it's different than the others) and at a Mass where they don't distibute the chalice, I ask the priest to consecrate some wine in mine for me.

Here's the official website for the American bishops and their statement regarding celiac disease. Open Original Shared Link

[de caps]

Thanks CarlaB for the link. I think I'll look into getting my own calice if my Church allows it. My oldest son is making his First Communion next month and I taught his class. I really want to participate in this special day.

Has anyone tried the low gluten host?

I don't think I want to take the chance and ruin my son's day.

Donna

[CarlaB]

Donna, if you were teaching the religious ed classes, then you know that you can receive under one species only and still be receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. Some parishes only distribute the host ... we've been to several that do this. You are just doing the opposite, only receiving the cup. I wouldn't bother with the low gluten hosts.

I'm sure the priest will be happy to accomodate you if you explain the situation to him, that you get sick off crumbs and receiving the cup after others do will make you ill.

I've heard of a priest who has the celiac come up to the altar with the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and receive with them.

Or, you can do the separate chalice thing.

Just don't go in making demands and being upset at the Church for not allowing wheat-free hosts! If you make him feel like you need his help, you will get farther. Men love to help.

[Lisa]

I belong to a Catholic Church. I told a priest about my Celiac disease and wanted to know if he could offer me a gluten-free host. I was told that Protestant Churches wil give those with celiac disease a rice host.

My Church sent me a letter stating they can only offer me a low gluten communion host.

I guess they don't care if I or others with celiac disease get sick. I'm really upset.

They also suggested that I just take the wine. They don't seem to think that there are cc issues. When my children drink out of my glass after having gluten in their mouths I do get sick.

What should Catholic people with Celiac do?

Please let me know.

Donna:

Receiving Communion has been a much discussed subject here. (and I might add, that it never ends well and gets into theology ). I am familar with the Catholic Church. The consensus is that some parishes are willing to substitute a low wheat host for a rice based host. Others are not.

A low gluten communion host, may as well be a full gluten host for celiacs. I understand you frustration. Passing the wine would certainly give you concerns for CC.

I would suggest that you bring a piece of gluten free bread with you, hold it when the Priest does the blessing and consume it quietly and privately. Or obstain from Communion all to gether. It may not be the Church's way of dealing with things such as these. But, this can be a private, quite way of communing with God.

Lisa

[de caps]

I am very aware that I can receive either the wine or the host. I just wanted to receive the host if it was safe. I really like your Chalice idea. I'm going to ask if this can be done for me when my son receives his first Communion.

I did mention to the priest about the cup and cc but he did not suggest the seperate chalice. I'll let him know that I will provide one of my own. I'm hoping he agrees.

Thanks again for all your help. I really appreciate it and I'm optimistic about receiving again.

[de caps]

Donna:

Receiving Communion has been a much discussed subject here. (and I might add, that it never ends well and gets into theology ). I am familar with the Catholic Church. The consensus is that some parishes are willing to substitute a low wheat host for a rice based host. Others are not.

A low gluten communion host, may as well be a full gluten host for celiacs. I understand you frustration. Passing the wine would certainly give you concerns for CC.

I would suggest that you bring a piece of gluten free bread with you, hold it when the Priest does the blessing and consume it quietly and privately. Or obstain from Communion all to gether. It may not be the Church's way of dealing with things such as these. But, this can be a private, quite way of communing with God.

Lisa

Thank you Lisa for your understanding in this matter. I just want to safely participate with my son and my class. I think I will pass on the low gluten hosts and go with the seperate chalice if I am permitted to do so. Thanks again.

Donna

[blueeyedmanda]

I go to mass and just pass on the Communion, they only give the bread in our church. I still do the whole mass and all but just do not participate in the that part. No one has ever questioned me ever as of why I do not go up with everyone.

[CarlaB]

Lisa, let's just hope that this time the thread stays on topic, which is NOT whether the Catholic teaching is right or wrong, rather how to receive communion within the Church norms!

Catholics may do as you say and stay in the pew and receive a spiritual communion. But our belief is that Christ is really present, not that it's only a symbol. For this reason, the bread has to be made of wheat as other matter cannot be consecrated, so taking the gluten-free bread does not give full communion in the Catholic Church.

It's a good idea for other denominations, however. For other denomination, I think it's a better idea than taking the chance that your gluten-free bread will get cc from the other bread on the altar.

I'm fortunate because I play flute at Mass. The choir knows I need to receive first, and the Eucharistic minister does not even drink out of the chalice before me. It just happens to be the normal way of distributing, so in my own parish I'm okay. I take my chalice with me when I travel. I bought a "real" one from a Catholic supply shop.

[2kids4me]

We have not had any problems at our Catholic church. Both our children are celiac and the priest was the first one to suggest a solution - he has secnd chalice on the altar and it is "prepared" during the preparation of the Body and Blood... Once water and wine have been put in the chalice, he covers it, so that when he is preparing the host and adding a bit to the other chalice, he never cc's the one for the children. They are served at the side of the altar by the priest, then the main chalice is used to serve the rest of the congregation.

Sandy

[larry mac]

Some real old school.

When I was growing up, only the priest drank from the chalice, no one else. Everone else got hosts only. Of course much of the mass was in Latin also. I would ride my bicycle to school early and help the priest say 6:30am mass for the nuns in the convent (I was an alter boy).

best regards, lm

[jayhawkmom]

The consensus is that some parishes are willing to substitute a low wheat host for a rice based host. Others are not.

I just had to make the correction, there are no Catholic churches that would allow a rice host. The only permissible substitution is the low-gluten host. For other denominations, as already mentioned, this is perfectly acceptable.

Receiving from the chalice alone is permitted. And, making sure you are one of, if not THE first to receive from it, is a good way to avoid any CC issues. I love Carla's idea of a separate chalice, especially for travel. =)

I also teach 2nd grade sacramental prep - and I have 2 classes until first communion. *AHHHH!*

[2kids4me]

Receiving from the chalice alone is permitted. And, making sure you are one of, if not THE first to receive from it, is a good way to avoid any CC issues.

Actually in the Catholic Mass, you would need a separate chalice with wine only, the main chalice has a piece of the host added - I didn't realize this until Kathryn kept getting sick after Mass (and only taking the wine) and then I paid more attention and - yup, a small piece is added as part of the Communion rite.

Whent the children were confirmed, the bishop made sure to prepare a second chalice and was well aware of celiac disease, had no problem making it safe for this sacrament.

Sandy

[CarlaB]

Actually in the Catholic Mass, you would need a separate chalice with wine only, the main chalice has a piece of the host added -

Ultimately, this is why I bought my own chalice. I do youth work and work directly with the priests. At some of the smaller Masses (in private homes or retreat centers) I needed to be able to provide a chalice. Most parishes would have a second chalice available to use, but I'm in too many situations where one is not available, and I cannot receive from the priest's chalice because of the host in it.

I only had a problem with this one time, at a shrine. It was actually quite funny to me. The lady who was to be the Eucharistic minister and the Mass coordinator told me they distributed the cup so I didn't need to provide my own. I kept telling her the piece of host in the cup was a problem, she kept insisting there was no host. She was an older woman, not that it mattered, but she was absolutely positive she was right and she didn't seem to understand me at all. When she mentioned they had TWO chalices, I sat in the very front and watched like a hawk to see which chalice went on which side so that I was sure to go to the right one. I guessed that the second chalice would be on the left, and it was.

LM, yeah, old school ... I've read about that ... actually, I'm old enough to remember, but I'm a convert, so wasn't a Catholic back then!!

Jayhawkmom, I wish you were right ... there is no Catholic Church that is SUPPOSED to offer a rice host, but sadly, some priests will do it, even though it makes the Mass illicit and that particular Communion invalid.

Another thing to watch for ... once we had a priest taking over for ours and the visiting priest put a piece of host in EVERY chalice. I didn't receive that day. It's something to watch for, and if your own priest does it, then you'd need to talk to him about providing a chalice for you. It's an unnecessary practice (too scrupulous in my opinion).

[jayhawkmom]

there is no Catholic Church that is SUPPOSED to offer a rice host, but sadly, some priests will do it, even though it makes the Mass illicit and that particular Communion invalid.

Then... what's the point??

I've never heard of a Priest who would allow that type of substitution. It seems one who does is totally missing the mark.

Anyhow, in our church - we have, on a normal Sunday, 4 chalices. The host is added only to the main chalice held by the Priest. So, for me - it's a non-issue.

I have to add, yesterday I took my class to mass in preparation of their "big day." Father called us up to the altar for the consecration. It was amazing. I mean, I've seen this a million times, but to actually be standing AT the altar during the consecration was quite amazing. It really meant a lot to me and to the kids!

[de caps]

I also teach 2nd grade sacramental prep - and I have 2 classes until first communion. *AHHHH!*

I have three class left before their First Communion. We are all excited. I enjoyed this year so much that I'm going to do it again next year.

[jerseyangel]

Some real old school.

When I was growing up, only the priest drank from the chalice, no one else. Everone else got hosts only. Of course much of the mass was in Latin also. I would ride my bicycle to school early and help the priest say 6:30am mass for the nuns in the convent (I was an alter boy).

best regards, lm

Thanks for the smile, Larry Mac

I have very similar memories--of course I am female, so I could never have been an alter server back then!

I remember walking to church every day in Lent for the early Mass, walking back home for breakfast (we had the 3 hour fast back then ), and then going to school.

[jayhawkmom]

I have three class left before their First Communion. We are all excited. I enjoyed this year so much that I'm going to do it again next year.

How cool!! Let's keep each other, and our classes in thoughts and prayers! I assisted in the class last year, I could not "teach" because my son was in the class. But, I was asked to take over this year. I'm not certain yet whether or not I'll stay in 2nd or move up to third with the class I have now. I love those kids. =)

I've been teaching SOR for 5 years now - 3 different grades, and 2nd has been the most difficult (and the most rewarding!!), by far!!!

[blueeyedmanda]

I remember the teachers I had in my 1st-3rd grade classes and they were wonderful. They really made learning about the religion fun. We used to do a lot of fun things and we did volunteering which was very rewarding. I also was taught by this very nice nun, who has since passed, she was on the strict side but all the kids loved her and we learned a lot. She taught our communion class. She is greatly missed.

[de caps]

How cool!! Let's keep each other, and our classes in thoughts and prayers! I assisted in the class last year, I could not "teach" because my son was in the class. But, I was asked to take over this year. I'm not certain yet whether or not I'll stay in 2nd or move up to third with the class I have now. I love those kids. =)

I've been teaching SOR for 5 years now - 3 different grades, and 2nd has been the most difficult (and the most rewarding!!), by far!!!

You and your class will be in my and my classes thought s and prayers too. It is truly an honor to help prepare these children for their First Communion. I feel totally blessed.

[HawkFire]

I struggled with this issue for some years. I finally decided to leave the Catholic Church. Jesus is not determined by the amount of gluten in a thin, tasteless cracker. I was overwhelmed by the fear of leaving the Catholic Church... but I am so happy now. My youngest child will not be receiving First Communion this spring as a result. I view the "Traditions" of the Catholic Church with the same disdain Jesus viewed the traditions of the Jews.

I'm only stating this as an option that has worked for me and my family.

Best of luck to you with whatever you chose to do.

[CarlaB]

Let's please keep theology OUT of this discussion. The whole "traditions" argument is a mis-interpretation, and I can support this stand, but this is not the proper forum. This woman does not want to leave the Church.

[de caps]

Thank you CarlaB you are right. I do not have any intention of leaving the Catholic Church.

I just want to safely participate in receiving Communion especially on the day my son receives his first Communion. I am going to have my own chalice and receive in that form. I don't feel comfortable with the low gluten hosts. Thank you everyone for all your advice. It is much appreciated.

Donna

[de caps]

CarlaB

Where did you buy your chalice. I went to a Catholic supply store today.

All of there chalices were over $200 . Is that a good price?

Please let me know. Thank you.

[kristend]

I belong to a Catholic Church. I told a priest about my Celiac disease and wanted to know if he could offer me a gluten-free host. I was told that Protestant Churches wil give those with celiac disease a rice host.

My Church sent me a letter stating they can only offer me a low gluten communion host.

I guess they don't care if I or others with celiac disease get sick. I'm really upset.

They also suggested that I just take the wine. They don't seem to think that there are cc issues. When my children drink out of my glass after having gluten in their mouths I do get sick.

What should Catholic people with Celiac do?

Please let me know.

Hi..I belong to St. Agnes cathedral in Rockville Centre and they have gluten-free host (my mom asked). I haven't been to that church since being gluten-free, so I can't tell you for sure. Perhaps you can call...

Good Luck.