Low Gluten Hosts at St Anthony Church
St. Anthony Church has low gluten hosts available for people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances to receive Holy Communion. Those with Celiac are unable to digest gluten, the protein in wheat, barley, rye and oats. The gluten damages their intestinal lining. Left untreated, Celiac can lead to other autoimmune diseases as well as cancer and infertility. The only known cure at this time is to follow a Gluten Free diet. Therefore, following a GF diet can cause a problem when it comes to receiving Holy Communion at Mass. According to Canon Law, host must contain wheat.
In 2005, The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri developed a Communion host that is made from gelatinized wheat starch and
with less than 0.01% gluten in one host.These low gluten hosts meet the requirements of Canon Law and are validly used at Mass. The low gluten hosts at St Anthony Church are made by the Benedictine Sisters.
If you have Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance and would like to receive Low Gluten Host
, please contact the parish office (203-758- 4056) prior to discuss the procedure and arrangements.
