Info Celiac Parishioners

We have received the special hosts we will use for those with Celiac Disease.  Those diagnosed with Celiac Disease should see the Sacristan in the Sacristy upon  arrival at Mass.  It is imperative that you inform the Sacristan in the Sacristy before Mass that you want a wheat-free host. He will make sure that it is placed on the altar in a special pix, so that it is isolated from the rest of the wheat hosts. When it is time for the reception of the Eucharist, come to the priest in the center of the aisle, who will offer the Blessed Sacrament to you as usual.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Comments from the

Pastor’s Corner ~ 3/26/06

One last spiritual note concerns Holy Communion. It might seem absurd to the vast majority of us, but there are people who have an allergy to wheat, in fact for some it is more than an allergy, it is a matter of immunity. Such a condition is called Celiac Disease and it is nasty; I’m talking deadly nasty. What is surprising is how much of our foods are prepared and preserved with wheat-based substances, all of which can cause serious problems for the person dealing with Celiacs. Recently, it has come to my attention that three of our parishioners suffer from Celiacs, I suspect that there are more and would be very interested in hearing from all parishioner who suffer from this dangerous condition. It is unfortunate, but Church law prohibits the use of non-wheat hosts. In response to this dilemma, we have ordered and received hosts with an extreme minimum of wheat {.01%} for those who have Celiacs. These hosts were recommended to me by a parishioner who has Celiacs. I would ask anyone who is dealing with Celiacs to stop by the sacristy, exam and test one of these hosts, in order to see if your body can deal with this minimum of wheat glucose. I understand that each person’s intolerance of wheat varies in degrees from person to person. If it becomes obvious that even this tiny amount poses a danger to you, we will look for another alternative.

Once we have settled on the special hosts we will use, all that anyone who has Celiacs has to do is inform the Sacristan before Mass that you want a wheat-free host. He will make sure that it is placed on the altar in a pix, so that it is isolated from the rest of the wheat hosts. When it is time for the reception of the Eucharist, come to the priest in the center of the aisle, who will offer the Blessed Sacrament to you as usual. I have communicated this information to the priests, sacristans and Eucharistic Ministers. I ask your patience with any teething problems we may experience in making this a normal part of our Eucharistic celebrations. As a person who doesn’t suffer from any allergies and has never experienced their debilitating affects, I am grateful to those who drew my attention this issue.

Your Brother in Christ,

Father Walter J. Benn

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