EMHC Training: Handling Low-Gluten Hosts Properly

If you’re an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), you may be asked to help serve parishioners who use low-gluten hosts. Understanding how to handle these hosts properly, and why it matters, will help you serve your fellow parishioners with care.

This guide covers what you need to know.

Why Low-Gluten Hosts Require Special Handling

People with celiac disease have an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Even tiny amounts can cause symptoms ranging from digestive distress to neurological issues, and over time, damage to the small intestine.

Low-gluten hosts contain wheat (necessary for validity), but have had most of the gluten removed. They’re safe for many celiacs, but only if they don’t get contaminated with gluten from regular hosts.

This is called “cross-contact,” and preventing it is the key responsibility when handling low-gluten hosts.

The Basics of Cross-Contact Prevention

Separate Storage

Low-gluten hosts should be stored in their own container, typically a small pyx, that never holds regular hosts. This pyx should be:

• Clearly labeled or identifiable
• Cleaned regularly
• Stored away from regular hosts

Clean Hands or Separate Handling

When distributing low-gluten hosts:

• Don’t touch regular hosts immediately before handling the low-gluten host
• If you’ve been distributing regular hosts, purify your fingers first (wipe with a purificator)
• Some parishes have a designated minister who only handles low-gluten hosts

Dedicated Communion Station (Optional)

Some parishes set up a separate station for parishioners with celiac disease. This isn’t required, but it can simplify logistics and reduce anxiety for the recipient.

At Mass: The Typical Process

Here’s how low-gluten host distribution typically works:

Before Mass

1. The parishioner brings their low-gluten host or the parish provides one
2. The host is placed in a dedicated pyx
3. The pyx is placed on the altar or credence table for consecration

During the Eucharistic Prayer

The low-gluten host is consecrated along with all other hosts, no separate prayers or actions needed.

At Communion

Several approaches work:

Option A: The Priest Distributes The person with celiac disease goes to the priest, who retrieves the low-gluten host from the dedicated pyx. The priest may purify his fingers before picking it up.

Option B: Designated EMHC One EMHC is assigned to distribute low-gluten hosts. They position themselves at a known location, and parishioners who need them know where to go.

Option C: Regular Line with Identification The parishioner approaches any minister and quietly identifies their need. The minister retrieves the host from the special pyx.

The right approach depends on your parish’s size, layout, and the number of parishioners who need accommodations.

What to Say (And Not Say)

Do Say:

• “The Body of Christ” (the standard words, no modification needed)
• Nothing additional is required

Don’t Say:

• “This is your special host”
• “Here’s the gluten-free one”
• Any comment that draws attention

The goal is to distribute Communion with the same reverence and normalcy as for everyone else. The person knows what they’re receiving.

Common Questions from EMHCs

”What if I accidentally touch a regular host first?”

If you’ve handled regular hosts and then need to distribute a low-gluten host, purify your fingers with a purificator first. A brief wipe removes most gluten particles.

”What if someone asks for a low-gluten host and we don’t have one for them?”

Direct them to the priest or to the minister handling the Precious Blood. Most celiacs have a backup plan, but it’s helpful to know where the chalice is being distributed.

”Can I ask if someone needs a low-gluten host?”

Generally, let them identify themselves. Some people prefer discretion. If you’re the designated minister for low-gluten hosts, parishioners who need them will typically come to you.

”What if the pyx is empty?”

This occasionally happens due to miscommunication. If someone needs a low-gluten host and none is available, apologetically direct them to the Precious Blood. After Mass, mention it to the sacristan so it doesn’t happen again.

”How sensitive are celiacs, really?”

Sensitivity varies widely. Some celiacs tolerate incidental cross-contact with no issues; others react to extremely small amounts. Treat every low-gluten host as if the recipient is highly sensitive, it’s the safest approach.

A Note on the Precious Blood

Many celiacs receive from the chalice rather than (or in addition to) receiving a host. When distributing the Precious Blood:

• Normal distribution procedures apply
• No special handling is needed for the chalice itself
• Some parishes designate a particular chalice for celiacs to minimize concerns about gluten particles from intinction (dipping hosts), but this is parish-dependent

If you’re distributing the Precious Blood and a parishioner asks if it’s “safe,” you can assure them that the Wine itself contains no gluten. Any trace amounts from prior communicants are negligible for most people.

Communicating with Your Parish Team

Good communication makes everything smoother:

With the Sacristan

• Know where the low-gluten pyx is stored
• Know the process for receiving low-gluten hosts from parishioners who bring their own
• Report any supply issues

With Other EMHCs

• Know who’s responsible for low-gluten distribution on any given day
• Have a backup plan if the designated minister is absent

With the Priest

• Clarify the preferred procedure
• Report any confusion or issues

The Spiritual Dimension

Serving as an EMHC is a privilege, you’re helping to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to your brothers and sisters. Parishioners with celiac disease are part of that community.

The extra attention required for low-gluten hosts isn’t a burden, it’s an act of care. You’re helping someone receive the Eucharist safely, sometimes after they’ve struggled to find a parish that could accommodate them.

Your attentiveness matters. Your discretion matters. Your reverence matters.

Thank you for serving.

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Quick Reference Card

Before Mass:

• Low-gluten hosts in dedicated pyx
• Pyx on altar for consecration

At Communion:

• Don’t touch regular hosts immediately before low-gluten
• Purify fingers if needed
• Say “The Body of Christ” (nothing special)

If Problems Arise:

• Direct to Precious Blood as backup
• Report to sacristan/priest after Mass