Low-Gluten Hosts at St. Mark the Evangelist

In recent years, many have worked to foster an increasing awareness of the significant effects of Celiac Sprue disease on people’s lives. The digestive system of those with this condition is considerably compromised by the consumption of gluten, one of the major ingredients in wheat flour. It is estimated that as many as fifteen percent of all persons of northern European origin are affected by this disease to some degree. This is a particular challenge to Catholics, who believe that the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the reception of Holy Communion are the very source and summit of the Christian life. Priests should show great pastoral sensitivity and compassion to anyone afflicted with this disease, but especially to the parents of children with gluten intolerance at the time of their first Holy Communion.  The Secretariat for the Liturgy of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference has devoted considerable resources to this question for the last seven years. Within the past year, the Secretariat has successfully assisted the Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri in the production of a very low-gluten host which has been favorably reviewed by the publication Low-gluten Living as a “safe” alternative for those who have Celiac Sprue disease.  

Here at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Community, we have been in contact with parishioners who are affected by Celiac Sprue disease and thus, have requested the reception of a low-gluten host at worship in the parish. In order to better serve the needs of the faithful in participating in the reception of both sacred species of the Eucharist, St. Mark the Evangelist has outlined the following procedures for implementing the use of low-gluten hosts in our worship.
  Procedures for Obtaining Low-Gluten Hosts

St. Mark Catholic Church will be responsible for purchasing the low-gluten hosts from Michigan Church Supply and storing the low-gluten hosts in the Church Sacristy. The storage of these low-gluten hosts is particularly important to prevent spoilage and frequent contact with wheat-based elements.

Persons wishing to receive a low-gluten host are instructed to come to the Sacristy prior to the beginning of Liturgy and transferring a low-gluten host to a metal pyx, located in the drawer next to the refrigerator.  Then place the pyx on the communion tray, located on the table in the center of the Sacristy.  Parents are asked to assist their children while in the sacristy.  If the tray has been taken to the credence table please make sure the Mass Coordinator knows and they will make sure it is placed properly.  In order for distribution to the communicant to operate smoothly, the communicant is requested to receive Holy Communion from the priest’s communion line only. The person receiving the pyx with the low-gluten host will approach the priest and say “Low Gluten Please.” The priest will hand the pyx to the communicant and say “the Body of Christ”. The communicant will respond “Amen”; open the pyx in front of the priest and consume the low-gluten Body of Christ. The communicant may then proceed in line for the reception of the Blood of Christ and return to their pew in church.  If you have any concerns, please see one of the Mass Coordinators, Fr. Dave or Deacon Ron.