Only wheat will do, church insists - disease makes Communion a problem

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 9, 2001 by Patrick O'Neill

Macy said the important role of symbols in worship should not obscure the more important sacramental reality: "The Real Presence of the Lord is there for persons whether they receive Communion or not." Modeling the life of Christ and living a holy life are at the crux of the gospel, Macy said. "The most important thing is not the symbolic act but what the symbolic act stands for."

As for Twomey's proposal that Jennifer receive Communion from the cup alone, Huck and Macy both said the church had been remiss by failing to convey to Catholics that Communion in either species constitutes the complete body of Christ. The cup, Huck said, has been regarded by many as a "secondary symbol."

Servite Fr. John Huels, a professor of canon law at Ottawa's St. Paul University, proposed a third possibility. "If for some medical, psychological, or other reason a communicant declines to drink from the chalice, the diocesan bishop could grant a dispensation to allow the person to [dip] the edge of a rice wafer -- unconsecrated, of course -- in the precious blood," he told NCR. "The person would be receiving under one species, that of the wine, but would be receiving the whole Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity."

The Richardsons, however, said they are dissatisfied with a church that insists on rigid rules. "On many occasions we have heard your teachings to value diversity and differences," they wrote to Twomey. "However, after our conversation several days ago, we do not believe that our family's differences have been adequately met."

Diocese spokesman Walsh said he sees a silver lining in the midst of the controversy. "If any good comes out of this sad story it is that more people will become aware of celiac disease and be enlisted in the effort to find accommodations so that all are included and feel included."