Spryte Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I am embarrassed about asking this, but this question is going to haunt me all weekend. If I ask my in-laws, they will probably not know the answer, but more than that, will probably feel that they are being questioned by the non-religious family anthropologist again, and I don't like making them feel that way. We are going to a Baptism on Sunday, and my son (7) has a lot of questions about it. I am doing my best to answer, but since I'm not Catholic, it's difficult. One of his questions is specific to his lifestyle. He has life-threatening allergies, and he is worried about other kids who might have allergies, who are old enough to take communion (and Catholic, obviously)... How do they know that the communion wafer is safe? I told him I would imagine that their mommies talk to the priest, and make sure. But, my goodness, I'd never thought about this. Was that the right answer? What about people with celiac disease? Is there a special ... something ... for them? See... I had good reason to be embarrassed about this one, didn't I? And I hope this isn't offensive in any way, to anyone. ...Kiddo has a lot more questions, too... I'm counting on the in-laws to be pleased to answer some of these in person. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simka2 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 In the EO we have many celiacs that take communion. I will be honest and say that at some point they probably had to take the plunge and see how their body reacted, while being completely prepared for a negative outcome. That of course is the practical non-theological answer. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 About this one, I would really have to ask a priest about it. I would tell Ds that their moms would talk with the priest about it. I do know that there is something special about Communion-- for example, I do know a person who is a recovered alcoholic and he can not drink a speck of wine, anytime, because it will start his downward spiral. Yet he can have communion (at our kind of church it is wine and bread mixed together) with no ill effects. HTH and don't be embarrassed, it's not a silly question. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 There are communion wafers available for Celiacs. It takes a little planning with the priest, but it can be arranged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I am embarrassed about asking this question, but this is going to haunt me all weekend. If I ask my in-laws, they will probably not know the answer, but more than that, will probably feel that they are being questioned by the non-religious family anthropologist again, and I don't like making them feel that way. I'm sure they would have known the answers to the questions below. It is pretty standard stuff. We are going to a Baptism on Sunday, and my son (7) has a lot of questions about it. I am doing my best to answer, but since I'm not Catholic, it's difficult. Understandable. One of his questions is specific to his lifestyle. He has life-threatening allergies, and he is worried about other kids who might have allergies, who are old enough to take communion (and Catholic, obviously)... How do they know that the communion wafer is safe? I told him I would imagine that their mommies talk to the priest, and make sure. This is probably how parents handle these types situations. Also one does not have receive Eucharist in both forms (bread and wine) to fully partake. Often people do not drink the wine. It could work the other way also - no bread but have the wine. But, my goodness, I'd never thought about this. Was that the right answer? What about people with celiac disease? Is there a special ... something ... for them? Some parishes are providing non-wheat bread. The small parish I attended a few years back has the people suffering from celiac disease to approach at the end so their bread was not confused with the wheat bread. See... I had good reason to be embarrassed about this one, didn't I? No, these are perfectly valid questions. And I hope this isn't offensive in any way, to anyone. ...Kiddo has a lot more questions, too... I'm counting on the in-laws to be pleased to answer some of these in person. :) Not offensive at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dani3boys Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 We have two people with celiac in our church, and we have special gluten free matza for them to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Well, they can take just the wine, rather than the bread and wine. Or people can take just the bread, and not the wine. Both have the full presence of Jesus. Also, many larger churches will have gluten free, hypoallergenic wafers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 In our church, those who have Celiacs have prearranged with the priest to receive Jesus right before the other people helping him distribute receive Jesus. They have separate gluten-free communion bread for these instances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Thank you. And a bigger thank you for alleviating both the embarrassment and the fear of offending! I will pass these answers along to DS, and I think it will help him to know it's not just an off-the-top-of-my-head answer. After I posted, I remembered that one of DH's distant cousins has celiac. If she is there, I will encourage DS to talk to her about this, too. Thanks again. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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