Multiple Food Allergies and Receiving the Host

[Windmill]

I have a question to my fellow CAF members who have food allergies (peanut, milk, eggs, etc…). This would also apply to parents of children who have food allergies.

1. How do you receive the Host? In the Hand or on the Tongue? If on the Tongue, have you ever had a reaction from residue on the priest’s hands from a communicant before yourself?
2. Do you receive from the Chalice?

The reason I ask is, my 8 year-old son is receiving his first Holy Communion this weekend, and we are wondering what concerns we should have about this. Maybe it is being overly-concerned, so I wanted to see if those of you who are in the same boat have found it to be a non-issue.

He is not allergic to wheat, nor does he have Celiac’s disease. We are not concerned about the Host itself. We are simply concerned about someone receiving before him who has recently eaten peanuts, milk, or eggs, and then he has a reaction based on residue (yes, his allergies are that sensitive).

Thanks, from a concerned parent.

 

[puzzleannie]

I would speak to the director who is preparing the children so she can make sure he is the first to receive
I hope parents would bring these things to our attention much earlier than just before first communion to give is time to prepare, that is why we ask about allergies and special needs on the registration form and interview

I doubt the manner of receiving will matter from his POV. If he is first in line he also will be the first to drink from the chalice if he chooses to but it is not mandatory if you feel it is risky.

you might want to get together with her and the pastor to brainstorm about when and how he should receive on an ordinary Sunday.

We have one child with celiac, who is now getting older, and they make arrangements with the coordinator of their regular Mass.

 

[Windmill]

We are having the rehearsal tomorrow, and I was going to bring it up to the Pastor. Arrangements are not a big deal. I was just wondering what others have done.

 

[Sandalwood]

our Catholic school has a child similar to yours. He goes up first and receives from the chalice (he has wheat and peanut allergies).

I have wheat allergies and receive my low gluten host in the regular procession but the Priest keeps mine separate and I take it in my hand.

Just speak with your Priest and he will make arrangements for you.

 

[Windmill]

The pastor was very understanding and said that my DS could receive the Host only. He will be near the front of the line, so I feel fine with that.

Thanks to all.

I am still curious, for those who have food allergies, how they prefer to receive. In the hand or on the tongue.

 

[Sandalwood]

The pastor was very understanding and said that my DS could receive the Host only. He will be near the front of the line, so I feel fine with that.

Thanks to all.

I am still curious, for those who have food allergies, how they prefer to receive. In the hand or on the tongue.

I prefer in the hand. I only do on the tongue when the host is dipped into the wine/blood which is very rarely in our church.

I’m glad you got it worked out!!

 

[puzzleannie]

Th

I am still curious, for those who have food allergies, how they prefer to receive. In the hand or on the tongue.

I don’t think it would matter either way as long as the communicant’s hands are clean, it is the possibility of some residue on the hands of the minister that would be a concern, and that would not be affected either way. Our ministers are required to use hand sanitizer before administering and have been since the last bad flu epidemic.

 

[Windmill]

Hand sanitizers will kill bacteria and viruses, but they do not remove allergen protiens (or anything else, for that matter). So, I think you’re right, it’s an issue either way.

I think, if we ever found it to really be a problem, we could simply ask the pastor to switch hands when my son receives. IOW, distribute with his right hand while holding the ciboria with his left hand, and then switching when my son receives.

I am probably being overly concerned, so hopefully it will never have to be addressed.