PDA

View Full Version : The Catholic Celiac...


lmb3
10-17-2006, 03:42 PM
Well, I know this has been brought up in the past - Catholics and Celiacs and what to do about communion. I just have to share this story of mine. I just met with our priest this morning to discuss Michael's first communion (actually next year, but I like to be prepared!). Can you believe that he is actually willing to work with me?!?

I was a bit shocked at first. He suggested that we use the low gluten host from the benedictine sisters http://benedictinesisters.org/english/site.php?use=low_gluten for Michael's first communion and then use a separate chalice for him to receive wine from then on out.

At first I was shocked that he even knew about the low-gluten host. Once I got over that, then I was shocked that he offered a separate chalice to prevent cross-contamination. Where did this priest come from and where was he when I went through my first GF communion experience?

It is nice to see that the Celiac community is making some headway into the general population when it comes to gluten free education. It was truly a spiritual meeting with him to the point that afterwards, back in my car, I actually cried over the fact that he understood me and I didn't have to 'fight' to get what was truly needed. WOW - I am so not used to that! :D

Just for the record, he even offered to present the low-gluten host to my son and I every Sunday, but I declined and told him that the wine was sufficient.

I certainly hope that this story inspires people to not give up on educating the non-Celiac!

Take care everyone!

jcc
10-17-2006, 03:54 PM
Thanks for the uplifting story! That all sounds great, and how nice that Michael's First Communion will be one without any worries, and the focus where it should be :). You are smart to think ahead!

Cara

annelb
10-17-2006, 09:49 PM
How wonderful that your priest had knowledge about CD and gluten and was supportive. Thank you for sharing this positive story. At times it seems that many of our posts highlight the people who do not understand gluten and refuse to listen.

If we had the old smilies I am sure that I could find a "star" for your priest. I guess I will have to settle for :) :D :cool:

I am not catholic. At what age does a child have first communion? I was raised Episcopalian and I think I was about 11 or 12. Not sure.
Anne

aklap
10-17-2006, 10:59 PM
Lisa,

That is great to hear!! You are very lucky to have a priest that is understanding/on top of these things. Not every church [priest] is like that.