Eucharist

Wheat bread, grape wine, and the words of Consecration

The ritual, sacramental action of thanksgiving to God which constitutes the principal Christian liturgical celebration of and communion in the paschal mystery of Christ. The liturgical action called the Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is one of the seven sacraments of the Church; and one of Christian initiation. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life.

At St. Anthony Church, the Eucharist is the center of our Mass uniting us to Christ. It’s our desire that all Catholic’s of proper age, are able to receive Communion. Holy Communion may be received by “Catholics living in full ecclesial communion who are properly disposed, free from mortal sin, and have fasted for one hour from food and drink, except water, save for extraordinary situation”. 

 

Low Gluten Hosts at St. Anthony Church
 
St. Anthony Church has low gluten hosts available for people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances to receive Holy Communion. Those with Celiac are unable to digest gluten, the protein in wheat, barley, rye and oats. The gluten damages their intestinal lining. Left untreated, Celiac can lead to other autoimmune diseases as well as cancer and infertility. The only known cure at this time is to follow a Gluten-Free diet. Therefore, following a GF diet can cause a problem when it comes to receiving Holy Communion at Mass. According to Canon Law, host must contain wheat.

In 2005, The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri developed a Communion host that is made from gelatinized wheat starch and with less than 0.01% gluten in one host. These low-gluten hosts meet the requirements of Canon Law and are validly used at Mass. The low-gluten hosts at St. Anthony Church are made by the Benedictine Sisters.
 
If you have Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance and would like to receive Low Gluten Host at St Anthony Church, please contact the Parish Office at 203-758-4056 prior to attending Mass to discuss the procedure and arrangements.
 
320+ Communion Wafer Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock  | Communion bread, Communion drawing, Wafer processing machine