Communion and Celiac Disease
Did you know that 1 in 100 people have Celiac disease? It is a serious, life-long, genetic, autoimmune disease. Even a minute amount of gluten can make a person with celiac disease extremely ill. Repeated exposure can have very serious consequences.
The Catholic Church and St. Charles parish are sensitive to the needs of those who have celiac disease. Last year our parish acquired a new chalice which is designated as the ‘Gluten Free Chalice.' It is set aside to be used only by those with celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance who can only receive the Precious Blood because they cannot consume a regular or even a low gluten host. The Gluten Free Chalice looks similar to the other chalices except it is slightly narrower.
If you or a member of your family suffers from celiac disease or have an intolerance to gluten and would like more information on using the Gluten Free Chalice or low gluten hosts, please contact Rose Thomas, the parish celiac contact, at 630-915-6601 or rctihm@yahoo.com.
