Sarah Mitchell
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. The Eucharist, also called communion, is a small meal that is eaten together to symbolise unity and mutual dependence. It is believed that the bread and wine consecrated during the Eucharist become the literal body and blood of Christ. The bread used during the Eucharist is typically made of wheat, which contains gluten. The Pope has declared that a fully gluten-free communion wafer is not valid for the Eucharist, although low-gluten options are permitted. While there is no mention of dairy in the Eucharist, some Eastern Catholics avoid dairy products during certain fasting periods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is the Eucharist? | A small meal, also called communion, where the bread of life is eaten together. |
| What does it consist of? | Bread and wine, which are considered to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. |
| Is it dairy-free? | The Eucharist does not contain dairy, but it does contain wheat/gluten. Low-gluten options are available. |
| Who must observe the Eucharistic Fast? | Catholics of the Latin Church sui juris, which includes most Catholics. |
| What does the Eucharistic Fast entail? | Taking nothing but water or medicine one hour before receiving the Eucharist. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Eucharist is also called communion
- Catholics must observe the Eucharistic Fast
- The Pope has declared that a fully gluten-free communion wafer is not valid for the Eucharist
- The Catholic Church has dissuaded men with Celiac Disease from becoming priests
- The term Mass refers to the act by which the sacrament of the Eucharist comes into being
The Eucharist is also called communion
The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is a Christian rite considered a sacrament in most churches. Christians believe that the rite was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, the night before his crucifixion, when he gave his disciples bread and wine. The bread is considered the Body of Christ, and the wine, the Blood of Christ.
The Eucharist is also referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and the Breaking of Bread. The term Eucharist comes from the Koinē Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving". The Eucharist is a long rite in two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The former involves readings from the Bible and a sermon, and the latter includes the offering and consecration of the bread and wine, followed by their reception by the congregation in Holy Communion.
The term communion refers to the reception of the Eucharist by the person receiving it and the communion of the members of the Church. Communion is also used to refer to the unity and dependence of the body of Christ, symbolised by the sharing of food.
In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is a central aspect of faith, and remnants cannot be discarded. The Church teaches that receiving either the host or the chalice is the same as receiving both. However, the Church has stated that 100% wheat-free wafers are not valid for the Eucharist, and those with Celiac Disease have been dissuaded from becoming priests due to the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of a priest.
Eastern Christians observe fasting periods before Easter and the Nativity, during which meat, dairy, and eggs are avoided on certain days.
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Catholics must observe the Eucharistic Fast
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year. Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful. The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged to perform penance for their sins, and these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal.
> "One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion."
The discipline of fasting before communion has a long history, as Pope Pius XII states in his 1953 apostolic constitution, "Christus Dominus":
> "From the very earliest time, the custom was observed of administering the Eucharist to the faithful who were fasting. Toward the end of the fourth century, fasting was prescribed by many Councils for those who were going to celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice."
The next known ancient practice was to fast from midnight until Mass that day. In 1957, Pope Pius XII reduced this to fasting from solid food and alcohol for three hours before Communion, which allowed for the celebration of evening Masses. In 1964, Pope Paul VI further reduced the Eucharistic Fast to one hour.
Fasting in monastic practice is often more strict. During this period, many faithful keep a period of quiet reflection by, for example, abstaining from or limiting television and other entertainment, and by reading devotional literature. Fasting is relaxed for pregnant and nursing women, the ill, the elderly, and young children.
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The Pope has declared that a fully gluten-free communion wafer is not valid for the Eucharist
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. Fasting refers to the reduction of food intake, while abstinence refers to refraining from something good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. According to the Code of Canon Law, all Latin Church Catholics aged 14 and above are required to observe the laws of abstinence. Additionally, those below 60 years of age must also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
The Eucharist, also called Communion, is a small meal symbolizing unity and shared food. During the Eucharist, bread and wine are consumed, representing the body and blood of Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine are not merely symbolic but are the actual body and blood of Christ. This belief is based on the understanding that during the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the bread and wine as representations of his body and blood.
In July 2017, the Catholic Church, at the behest of Pope Francis, released a statement declaring that fully gluten-free communion wafers are not valid for the Eucharist. This decision was communicated through a letter to Catholic bishops worldwide, published by Vatican Radio. The letter emphasized that the bread and wafers used in the sacrament "must be unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of decomposition." It further clarified that "hosts that are completely gluten-free are invalid matter for the celebration of the Eucharist."
While the Catholic Church upholds the requirement of wheat-based wafers, it does allow for the use of low-gluten wafers and bread. This accommodation is significant for individuals with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder where gluten can cause damage to the small intestine. The use of low-gluten hosts ensures that those with Celiac Disease can still partake in the Eucharist without risking their health.
The stance on gluten-free wafers highlights the Catholic Church's commitment to remaining faithful to Christ and maintaining unity within its global community. The Church's decision considers the need for consistency in practices across diverse regions, ensuring that the Eucharist is celebrated with bread and wine, as instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper.
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The Catholic Church has dissuaded men with Celiac Disease from becoming priests
The Catholic Church has indeed dissuaded men with Celiac Disease from becoming priests. This is due to the centrality of the celebration of the Eucharist in the life of a priest. A Vatican document signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger states:
> Given the centrality of the celebration of the Eucharist in the life of a priest, one must proceed with great caution before admitting to Holy Orders [priestly ordination] those candidates unable to ingest gluten or alcohol without serious harm.
This statement highlights the importance of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, in the Catholic faith. The Eucharist is viewed as the literal body and blood of Christ, and therefore, it must be consumed. As a result, those with Celiac Disease, an immune reaction to gluten, face a challenge when it comes to partaking in Communion. While some parishes offer low-gluten hosts, there is still a risk of adverse effects for those with Celiac Disease.
The Catholic Church's stance on this issue has sparked discussions and raised questions about inclusion and accommodation. Some individuals argue that a person's willingness to serve God and commit to a life of celibacy should be honored, regardless of their food intolerances. They question why someone would be dismissed from serving as a priest solely because of a food intolerance.
While the Church has not explicitly prohibited individuals with Celiac Disease from becoming priests, the Vatican document suggests that caution should be exercised during the ordination process. This has likely discouraged individuals with Celiac Disease from pursuing the priesthood, as they may feel unable to fully participate in the Eucharist.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church has acknowledged the need for accommodation. The Church's pastoral response emphasizes the importance of pastors accommodating and normalizing the experience of Communion for those with Celiac Disease. Additionally, the Church has approved the use of low-gluten hosts and mustum (a type of consecrated grape juice) for those with gluten and alcohol intolerances. However, the decision to consume low-gluten hosts remains a personal one for Catholics with Celiac Disease, as even trace amounts of gluten can cause adverse effects.
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The term Mass refers to the act by which the sacrament of the Eucharist comes into being
The Eucharist is a central aspect of the Catholic faith. It is believed that the bread and wine consecrated during the Catholic Eucharistic liturgy, generally known as the Mass, are the body and blood of Christ. The term Eucharist comes from the Greek word 'eucharistia', which means 'thanksgiving'. This refers to the accounts of the last supper in the Bible, where Jesus "gave thanks" as he took the bread and the wine.
The Eucharist is a formal sacrament, and the only food-based metaphor used by Jesus. During the Eucharist, the bread is broken down into simple sugars by the saliva in our mouths and passes into our stomachs and intestines, where they are digested. However, these bites of physical food are Jesus. The Eucharist is believed to be the "Real Presence" of Christ, where the whole Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine.
The Catholic Church teaches that the only minister of the Eucharist, someone who can consecrate the Eucharist, is a validly ordained priest (bishop or presbyter). The priest acts in the person of Christ, representing Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and also acts before God in the name of the Church. Several priests may concelebrate the same offering of the Eucharist.
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. For Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good, and not inherently sinful, such as meat. In addition to these fasts, Catholics must also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Catholic Eucharist is not dairy-free. It contains wheat and gluten, which are derived from milk. However, low-gluten options are available for those with Celiac Disease.
The Eucharist, also known as communion, is a Catholic sacrament. It involves consuming the body and blood of Christ, represented by bread and wine, respectively.
The Eucharist is important because it symbolizes unity and our dependence on one another. It is also a way for Catholics to feel closer to God and deepen their faith.
All Latin Church Catholics are required to observe the laws of abstinence from the age of 14. This involves taking nothing but water or medicine for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
