A post about "hosts" and an issue that is arising more frequently at parishes across the country. There are ways around this, but anyone presenting hosts to be consecrated for wheat allergies ought to run the ingredients by their parish priest first.
Appalled
I'm confused by this "wheat allergies" issue. My understanding is that as a person in the pews, there is "no difference" between the two species (bread and wine)during Communion. I attend a parish where the EF of Mass is performed. There are a few Parishioners who have wheat allergies and after everyone has received Communion under the species of bread, they go up to the railing and recieve Communion under the species of wine. Is there any difference in receiving Communion between the two species?
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteThere certainly is not a difference (other than the differences in the matter - the sensory differences of smell, touch, etc.) The Church makes it perfectly acceptable to offer the Precious Blood to anyone who is unable to receive the host.
It is also important to realize that when receiving EITHER the host or the Precious Blood a person is receiving the "Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThere a few people with very serious wheat allergies who fear that any particles of the host that might land in the chalice could cause a reaction. Some parishes set aside a chalice for this purpose. Additionally, I have discovered that it can be difficult for people to face only receiving communion under one species. Perhaps we have over emphasized the value of receiving under both species?