Allergies and the Eucharist

Allergies and the Receipt of the Eucharist

Celiacs and others with varying degrees of gluten intolerance may be hesitant to receive the Eucharist. To overcome this hesitancy and to enable full participation in the Mass, the Catholic Church has two options for these individuals.

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It should be stressed that receipt of the Eucharist under either bread or wine provides the full body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. Accordingly, for those individuals that have a severe allergy to gluten, an approved option is to receive the Eucharist under the species of wine. If you are seriously allergic to gluten, please inform the Deacon or Priest before Mass about your allergy and that you would like to receive the Eucharist in wine. A small vessel of wine will be provided to you when you receive communion.

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Those individuals with a less serious gluten intolerance can receive a low-gluten host. Again, please let the Deacon or Priest know before Mass that you want to receive a low gluten host and one will be provided when you receive communion.