As you know, during the Christmas season we will have many visitors attending the various masses. Given the serious health risk for those suffering gluten intolerance, it is important that everyone be aware of the process used in this parish for people with that condition. If some-one you know is gluten-free, please assure them that they are welcome to receive by following this procedure.
On the table that holds the unconsecrated hosts and wine that will be used during the mass, there is a small white dish called a ramekin with hosts wrapped in clear cellophane. There is also a
medium size gold pyx and a small bowl
containing necklaces with wooden crosses. The person with gluten intolerance should remove a host from it’s wrapping and place it in the gold pyx, then take a necklace. This separation of hosts avoids cross contamination with those in the larger plate containing gluten. During the offertory, the gold pyx will be brought down to the priest along with the other unconsecrated hosts and wine. When the person goes up to communion within the normal Communion line they should be wearing the necklace and go to the priest (or Eucharistic Minister) who has the smaller gold pyx. (At Mary Queen of Peace, go to the Tabernacle side.) To avoid cross-contamination, the priest or Eucharistic Minister will change hands before offering “the Body of Christ” to the communicant. The necklace will alert the priest/minister that the gluten-free host will be offered. Return the necklace after mass.
It is also worth recalling that, through the
doctrine of concomitance, the Church teaches that under either species of bread or wine, the whole Christ is received (cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 282; Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1390). Thus, the faithful may be confident in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist they receive, even under only one or the other species. (USCCB)