CLYDE, MISSOURI -The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Mo., have developed a Communion host that is extremely low in gluten – allowing Catholics who can’t tolerate gluten an alternative to taking only the cup during communion.
Many people are gluten intolerant suffer from celiac disease, or celiac sprue, an inherited autoimmune disease that affects over 3 million people in the United States, or one in every 133 people. This is a genetic disease and often several members of the same family will have it. It is caused by an immune system malfunction that causes the body to attack the lining of the small intestine, when certain proteins commonly found in the cereal grains wheat, rye and barley are ingested. There is no cure; the only treatment is a completely gluten free diet. This means removing all food which contains gluten from the diet, including the wheat hosts typically used for Holy Communion.
Canon law and tradition require that the host have a percentage of wheat for a valid celebration of Eucharist, said Timothy Johnston, Director of Liturgy of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
However, the host made by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration contains gelatinized wheat starch. The sisters report the hosts test to a level of 0.01 percent gluten. The Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that these hosts meet the requirements of the Code of Canon Law (924 §2) and may be used at the celebration of the Eucharist with permission of the person’s pastor.
“They are the only group of sisters (or Catholic group at that) that make valid low-gluten hosts. Any other company or group is not approved for use during the liturgy,” Johnston said.
A discussion between the pastor and individuals with celiac disease will help each understand the church doctrine and teaching regarding low-gluten hosts, as well as the practical steps necessary for Holy Communion. Before Mass begins, particular arrangements for receiving Holy Communion should be discussed with the celebrant and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion so that all parties are comfortable with the procedure.
“There are several parishes that use low-gluten hosts,” Johnston said, including St. Andrew, the Cathedral of the Madeleine and Saint Thomas More.
“We are inspired by the deep desire of those suffering from gluten intolerance to receive Holy Communion. We are humbled by the many letters, emails, and phone calls we have received thanking us for our efforts to produce low gluten altar bread,” said a letter of the Sisters in response to the acceptance and gratefulness of the people with celtic disease. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to allow God to work through our hands. We are honored and privileged to provide for you and your parish the bread that becomes the Body of Christ.”
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