Glutened-at Church!

[Idahogirl]

Thought I would share my experience today. This is the first time our church has taken communion since I have gone gluten-free, and it totally escaped me that the bread was a cracker that had gluten in it. It wasn't until my husband said "you didn't eat the cracker, did you?" that I realized what I had done. It's too late now, but I did not even think about communion. I guess I will have to bring my own gluten-free cracker next time!

[pogirl1786]

Thought I would share my experience today.  This is the first time our church has taken communion since I have gone gluten-free, and it totally escaped me that the bread was a cracker that had gluten in it.  It wasn't until my husband said "you didn't eat the cracker, did you?" that I realized what I had done.  It's too late now, but I did not even think about communion.  I guess I will have to bring my own gluten-free cracker next time!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That happened to me after first going gluten-free. My church also dips the waffer in the juice, which means that a gluten-free waffer doesn't serve a ton of purpose if it's dipped into a bunch of bread crumbs. Hope you are feeling okay!

[SurreyGirl]

Hello everyone

I have been reading this board for a while and I think everyone here is absolutely awesome. I am still learning the gluten-free ropes and I would be grateful for some advice on this particular topic.

Here is the background: my son (age 13) has a prognosis of a severe ataxia and soft signs already (this was discovered after genetic testing for an unrelated condition, a result of impaired DNA repair: XP = xeroderma pigmentosum). As it happens, XP and some of the ataxias have the fault on the same chromosome (9). As soon as I found out about gluten/ataxia connection, we went on gluten-free diet and I was astounded to find that he has improved: the brain fog has gone, speech is clearer, balance better, tremors have subsided... for those in the know, we are going to see Dr M Hadjivassiliou in the near future... (I can't wait to see him - first time EVER when I will not have to educate a doctor about gluten!..).

Of course, there is no way we would now go back on gluten, so no point of biopsy. The blood test (after 2 weeks g/free) was inconclusive, but I can't play with my (only) child's life to satisfy paperwork. I have managed to educate our sympathetic pediatrician and I also hope that Dr H will provide some formal recommendation for maintaining gluten-free diet and/or possibly the gene marker test.

Anyway, since we started the diet (last September), we stopped taking the communion in church, because I just don't know how to go about it. Strangely, when we first implemented the diet, my son's FIRST question was - what about the holy bread in church? Well, I still don't know how to go about it. He is due to be confirmed in 2007 (preparations are starting this year) and I hope we can resolve it by then. For now, we must look like real sinners, being often the only ones left in the pews at the Holy Communion time...

Does anyone have any suggestions? Where/how do you get gluten-free wafer? What about handling it? I don't even think a priest will take it in that the wafer can contribute to brain damage.. I have read Dangerous Grains and as unreal as it sounds, I can see so many health issues in the blood family that I have no doubt whatsoever that gluten-free is the way to go, tests or no tests.

NB. I still haven't finished reading all the threads on this board, but haven't seen anything on this topic (yet), so any help will be much appreciated. We are in the UK.

[Guest durhamgrrl]

I don't know a ton about it, but I do know that at the Episcopal Church I sometimes attend, they have rice wafers, and so I took communion. I'm sure that your priest could find them if this church did. Good luck!

[Smunkeemom]

Thought I would share my experience today.  This is the first time our church has taken communion since I have gone gluten-free, and it totally escaped me that the bread was a cracker that had gluten in it.  It wasn't until my husband said "you didn't eat the cracker, did you?" that I realized what I had done.  It's too late now, but I did not even think about communion.  I guess I will have to bring my own gluten-free cracker next time!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My girls have gotten into the habit of checking out everything before they even think of touching it, but it has taken a long time to get so diligent, and it doesn't really protect them from my own brain fog, like the time I ordered Annika chocolate milk at a restraunt and didn't check it, she was 1/2 way through with it when I picked it up and read that it had malt in it. They don't trust me anymore they make me double read everything now (and that is a good thing)

you should tell your husband, thank you for lookng out for you, and to remind you next time, it takes a lot of practice to go from "eat what I want" to "eat what I can"

[Smunkeemom]

Hello everyone

I have been reading this board for a while and I think everyone here is absolutely awesome.  I am still learning the gluten-free ropes and I would be grateful for some advice on this particular topic.

-snip-

Anyway, since we started the diet (last September), we stopped taking the communion in church, because I just don't know how to go about it.  Strangely, when we first implemented the diet, my son's FIRST question was - what about the holy bread in church?  Well, I still don't know how to go about it.  He is due to be confirmed in 2007 (preparations are starting this year) and I hope we can resolve it by then.  For now, we must look like real sinners, being often the only ones left in the pews at the Holy Communion time...

Does anyone have any suggestions?  Where/how do you get gluten-free wafer?  What about handling it?  I don't even think a priest will take it in that the wafer can contribute to brain damage.. I have read Dangerous Grains and as unreal as it sounds, I can see so many health issues in the blood family that I have no doubt whatsoever that gluten-free is the way to go, tests or no tests.

NB. I still haven't finished reading all the threads on this board, but haven't seen anything on this topic (yet), so any help will be much appreciated.  We are in the UK.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Open Original Shared Link

My girls are still too young to do communion, but when we do I will provide my own wafers (link above) I have found that most people are willing to accomodate them in other areas, as long as they understand the risk of not doing so, and have info as to what they can do to help.

I would print out some info on your son's condition and take it to your minister, he should be willing to help your son out.

I hope everything goes well for you.

[jerseyangel]

Thanks for the link, Smunkeemom, I printed it and am going to send it to my mom.

[happygirl]

I use little round rice crackers, and if in a clutch.....tortilla chips. At my parents church in PA, my grandma's church in GA, and my church in VA, (all Lutheran) it has always been fine.

Also, for some denominations, including Lutheran, you only need one of the sacraments to receive Holy Communion. Luckily, when I don't bring my cracker, I can take the wine since it is served individually. If I am at home, they do the intinction (dipping bread into wine), then I only do my cracker.

And for some reason, if I don't have my cracker and I can't take the wine....I know I'll just get covered next time God has to understand, in my opinion!!!

[zetti1]

Thought I would share my experience today.  This is the first time our church has taken communion since I have gone gluten-free, and it totally escaped me that the bread was a cracker that had gluten in it.  It wasn't until my husband said "you didn't eat the cracker, did you?" that I realized what I had done.  It's too late now, but I did not even think about communion.  I guess I will have to bring my own gluten-free cracker next time!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi,

I am Catholic and have Celiac. My brother is a priest and has helped me through this issue. He told me that the consecrated wine is fine for Communion. I just step out of the host line and go straight to the other line. Would this help?

Cathy

[Jnkmnky]

Hello everyone

I have been reading this board for a while and I think everyone here is absolutely awesome.  I am still learning the gluten-free ropes and I would be grateful for some advice on this particular topic.

Here is the background: my son (age 13) has a prognosis of a severe ataxia and soft signs already (this was discovered after genetic testing for an unrelated condition, a result of impaired DNA repair: XP = xeroderma pigmentosum).  As it happens, XP and some of the ataxias have the fault on the same chromosome (9).  As soon as I found out about gluten/ataxia connection, we went on gluten-free diet and I was astounded to find that he has improved: the brain fog has gone, speech is clearer, balance better, tremors have subsided... for those in the know, we are going to see Dr M Hadjivassiliou in the near future... (I can't wait to see him - first time EVER when I will not have to educate a doctor about gluten!..).

Of course, there is no way we would now go back on gluten, so no point of biopsy.  The blood test (after 2 weeks g/free) was inconclusive, but I can't play with my (only) child's life to satisfy paperwork.  I have managed to educate our sympathetic pediatrician and I also hope that Dr H will provide some formal recommendation for maintaining gluten-free diet and/or possibly the gene marker test.

Anyway, since we started the diet (last September), we stopped taking the communion in church, because I just don't know how to go about it.  Strangely, when we first implemented the diet, my son's FIRST question was - what about the holy bread in church?  Well, I still don't know how to go about it.  He is due to be confirmed in 2007 (preparations are starting this year) and I hope we can resolve it by then.  For now, we must look like real sinners, being often the only ones left in the pews at the Holy Communion time...

Does anyone have any suggestions?  Where/how do you get gluten-free wafer?  What about handling it?  I don't even think a priest will take it in that the wafer can contribute to brain damage.. I have read Dangerous Grains and as unreal as it sounds, I can see so many health issues in the blood family that I have no doubt whatsoever that gluten-free is the way to go, tests or no tests.

NB. I still haven't finished reading all the threads on this board, but haven't seen anything on this topic (yet), so any help will be much appreciated.  We are in the UK.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He can have the wine ONLY. He can use his own cup...poured bfore Mass. That way no crumbs are in his wine. Our Catholic church is very cool with the needs of my son who is still a year away from first communion. Did you know that the Catholic church...in order to avoid scandal... does NOT allow Celiacs to be ordained priests?! I was shocked to read that. I mean, it's got to be something God takes issue with. I think Celiac disease is more of a moral challenge for the Catholic Church than a challenging disease for the person with celiac disease.

[jerseyangel]

Why would the Catholic Church fear a scandal if they ordained a Celiac? I'm a Catholic and have never heard that and I'm just interested.

[Jnkmnky]

Why would the Catholic Church fear a scandal if they ordained a Celiac?  I'm a Catholic and have never heard that and I'm just interested.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I DON'T KNOW!! I read it on some churchy thing my husband found. It was from Ratzinger or the cardinal from NY... I can't remember which one wrote it. But it specifically said that in order to aviod scandal, Celiacs and Alcoholics are NOT to be ordained priests! One for the lack of morals, the other ..... no reason was given, but I'm guessing it's to avoid questioning the "recipe" for the communion hosts. I guess that's the "scandal" being referred to. I decided right then not to bother with the issue anymore. Obviously, the guys running the Catholic Church fear -on some level- that God can be brought down by anyone questioning the *traditional recipe* used for the communion hosts. They have got to be kidding. If they didn't make it such a sticking point...as if God couldn't exist in a rice Craker, they wouldn't have to bar Celiacs. It's an example of men twisiting God's intent. It's sad really.

[jerseyangel]

"Men twisting God's intent"--I couldn't have said it better myself. I grew up in the Church and it is so hurtfull that this would be such an unbending issue with them. I followed the situation in the paper regarding a little girl from NJ (where I also live) who had her First Communion invalidated because a rice wafer was used. Her mom even spoke to their Bishop directly who refused to take the matter to the Pope.

[Jnkmnky]

Scroll down to red highlighted parts...

NORMS REGARDING LOW-GLUTEN ALTAR BREAD AND MUSTUM

(From the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 19, 1995)

I. Concerning permission to use low-gluten altar breads:

A. This may be granted by Ordinaries to priests and laypersons affected by celiac disease, after presentation of a

medical certificate.

B. Conditions for the validity of the matter:

1. Special hosts quibus glutinum ablatum est are invalid matter for the celebration of the Eucharist;

2. Low-gluten hosts are valid matter, provided that they contain the amount of gluten sufficient to obtain the confection of bread, that there is no addition of foreign materials, and that the procedure for making such hosts is not such as to alter the nature of the substance of the bread.

[For current information on low gluten hosts, go to Open Original Shared Link at the USCCB website]

II. Concerning permission to use mustum:

A. The preferred solution continues to be Communion per intinctionem, or in concelebration under the species of bread alone.

B. Nevertheless, the permission to use mustum can be granted by Ordinaries to priests affected by alcoholism or other conditions which prevent the ingestion of even the smallest quantity of alcohol, after presentation of a medical certificate.

C. By mustum it is understood fresh juice from grapes, or juice preserved by suspending its fermentation (by means of freezing or other methods which do not alter its nature).

D. In general, those who have received permission to use mustum are prohibited from presiding at concelebrated Masses. There may be some exceptions however: in the case of a Bishop or Superior General; or, with prior approval of the Ordinary, at the celebration of the anniversary of priestly ordination or other similar occasions. In these cases, the one who presides is to communicate under both the species of bread and that of mustum, while for the other concelebrants a chalice shall be provided in which normal wine is to be consecrated.

E. In the very rare instances of laypersons requesting this permission, recourse must be made to the Holy See.

III. Common Norms:

A. The Ordinary must ascertain that the matter used conforms to the above requirements.

B. Permissions are to be given only for as long as the situation continues which motivated the request.

C. Scandal is to be avoided.

D. Given the centrality of the celebration of the Eucharist in the life of the priest, candidates for the priesthood who are affected by celiac disease or suffer from alcoholism or similar conditions may not be admitted to Holy Orders.

E. Since the doctrinal questions in this area have now been decided, disciplinary competence is entrusted to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

F. Concerned Episcopal Conferences shall report to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments every two years regarding the application of these norms.

(Adopted by Congregation of Divine Worship, June 22, 1994 and communicated to the presidents of Episcopal Conferences.)

COMMENTARY (Unofficial)

1. Apparently these norms re-institute general permission for Bishops to allow for priests to use mustum. This faculty which had been entrusted to Episcopal Conferences was revoked in 1983.

2. Bishops do not enjoy the faculty to extend this permission to the laity but such permission may be sought from the Holy See.

3. The Norms require a medical opinion concerning the danger of ingesting even the smallest quantity of alcohol.

4. The Norms establish that mustum is valid matter for the Eucharist.

5. These Norms appear to establish alcoholism and celiac disease as impediments to ordination. The norms also imply that this restriction is doctrinal rather than disciplinary in nature.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Holy Days of Obligation • Diocesan Norms for Third Edition of the Roman Missal

I couldn't find the original thing I read, but here's another.

[Jnkmnky]

"Men twisting God's intent"--I couldn't have said it better myself.  I grew up in the Church and it is so hurtfull that this would be such an unbending issue with them.  I followed the situation in the paper regarding a little girl from NJ (where I also live) who had her First Communion invalidated because a rice wafer was used.  Her mom even spoke to their Bishop directly who refused to take the matter to the Pope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, I am sorry you're upset, but I think you should try to look at the situation as ... these guys and their stupid rules are not going to get in the way of my relationship with God. I'm upset too, by some of the "rules" these guys have come up with, but I don't let that change the fact that I believe in the Catholic Church as being established by God. No abuse by the leadership is stronger than my belief that this is the church established by God. God'll clean house soon enough!

[jerseyangel]

I agree 100%.

[happygirl]

Thanks for that info, Jnkmnky!! That is really interesting.....

[Idahogirl]

It's too bad that according to the Catholic church, your standing with God depends on whether you participate in certain ordinances. I don't want to get into a debate on religion, but there is something very wrong with that. Communion is a symbol of the sacrifice Christ made to set us free from man made regulations and laws. The Jews had a million rules to follow in order to be in good standing with God, but when Christ came, He fulfilled all of those laws, and it is only by His grace that we can be reconciled to Him. Not through baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, etc.

God loves celiacs just as much as those who can eat gluten. He made our bodies, and He certainly does not want us damaging them in the process of "honoring" Him. We try to put God in a box, but we forget that He is not bound by the laws of nature, and He is much bigger than any controversy over "Holy bread".

[nettiebeads]

It's too bad that according to the Catholic church, your standing with God depends on whether you participate in certain ordinances.  I don't want to get into a debate on religion, but there is something very wrong with that.  Communion is a symbol of the sacrifice Christ made to set us free from man made regulations and laws.  The Jews had a million rules to follow in order to be in good standing with God, but when Christ came, He fulfilled all of those laws, and it is only by His grace that we can be reconciled to Him.  Not through baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, etc.

God loves celiacs just as much as those who can eat gluten.  He made our bodies, and He certainly does not want us damaging them in the process of "honoring" Him.  We try to put God in a box, but we forget that He is not bound by the laws of nature, and He is much bigger than any controversy over "Holy bread".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love your response. Jesus was very angry at the Pharisees who worshipped their rules instead of praising God for what he had done for them. Dogma, wonderful thing that it is. There's a joke (a sad commentary really) that goes something like this:

The devil was asked if he was ever scared or worried when revivals got going and lots of people began to come to the Lord. He said "Nah, I just have them organize into churches". Anyhow, my story (Lutheran) is that I didn't take communion for quite a few years because of the wafer (it tasted and felt like styrofoam. I mean, how much gluten could have been in that? Enough obviously) and the pastor became concerned. He said I could just get the wine. But then he went back into the Army as a chaplain (he had a great repore with younger people) and our current pastor said I had to take the host too. So now I give him a fragment of a rice cracker (can't get the whole thing down before the wine comes around - in individual communion cups) so it can get blessed.

[Rachel--24]

for those in the know, we are going to see Dr M Hadjivassiliou in the near future... (I can't wait to see him - first time EVER when I will not have to educate a doctor about gluten!..).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lucky you! Wish I could've had that opportunity. Good luck with your appointment and maybe you could post how it went and what he had to say?? I'm curious.

[SurreyGirl]

Dear EVERYONE

I am most grateful for ALL your replies.. I will print this thread and show it to our priest when I pluck up the courage.

SG

Lucky you! Wish I could've had that opportunity. Good luck with your appointment and maybe you could post how it went and what he had to say?? I'm curious. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Rachel

I am making a long list of questions before the appointment with Dr Hadjivassiliou. I have actually been in touch with him already and it all looks very interesting, exciting even. Now we are just waiting for the formal referral to come through.

But I wouldn't be nearly this far if it wasn't for all of you on this board. This is like a dream come through for me, making the connection with my son's condition and gluten with your help.

My greatest thanks to all of you again. I promise I will report back after our appointment, probably in the Doctors section though.

SG

[Jnkmnky]

It's too bad that according to the Catholic church, your standing with God depends on whether you participate in certain ordinances.  I don't want to get into a debate on religion, but there is something very wrong with that.  Communion is a symbol of the sacrifice Christ made to set us free from man made regulations and laws.  The Jews had a million rules to follow in order to be in good standing with God, but when Christ came, He fulfilled all of those laws, and it is only by His grace that we can be reconciled to Him.  Not through baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, etc.

God loves celiacs just as much as those who can eat gluten.  He made our bodies, and He certainly does not want us damaging them in the process of "honoring" Him.  We try to put God in a box, but we forget that He is not bound by the laws of nature, and He is much bigger than any controversy over "Holy bread".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I get a feeling that the leadership is more scared than anything else which is so unnecessary. I believe they've come to think of God as "fragile" and they're doing all they can to hold up the illusion that he's all powerful. In other words, God needs them to keep his weaknesses/mistakes a secret. When you stop to consider how many rogue men became saints... then realize the Catholic church bars alcoholics... It's kind of funny! I guess St. Augustine *wasn't he the bad-ass of his day?* would not have qualified as being a priest by today's standards.... and let's not forget Paul(Saul) *he was a murderer* Talk about a scandal!

I don't think God made a mistake with the comandment to "do this in memory of me". But the leadership in the Catholic church has taken it upon themselves to "rescue" the image of God by declaring anyone who is genetically not "invited" to "the supper"....not fit for the priesthood. Really, you've got to laugh.

[nettiebeads]

Open Original Shared Link

My girls are still too young to do communion, but when we do I will provide my own wafers (link above) I have found that most people are willing to accomodate them in other areas, as long as they understand the risk of not doing so, and have info as to what they can do to help.

I would print out some info on your son's condition and take it to your minister, he should be willing to help your son out.

I hope everything goes well for you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Go to www.conceptionabbey.org - the nuns make a wafer that is okay'ed by the Church and is considered gluten-free!. Hope that helps.