Talking to Your Priest: A Script That Works

The hardest part of getting celiac accommodations at your parish isn’t the theology or the logistics. It’s the conversation.

Walking up to your priest and explaining that you need special arrangements can feel awkward, vulnerable, even embarrassing. What if he doesn’t understand? What if he says no? What if you have to explain celiac disease from scratch?

Here’s the good news: most priests are not only willing to help, they’re experienced with this. Celiac disease affects roughly 1 in 100 people, which means every parish priest has almost certainly dealt with it before.

Here’s how to have the conversation.

Before You Talk to Father

Know What You’re Asking For

Before the conversation, decide what accommodation you need:

1. Low-gluten host: You’ll receive a specially made host with minimal gluten
2. Precious Blood only: You’ll receive Communion from the chalice
3. Both: You’ll receive a low-gluten host and/or from the chalice

If you’re not sure which option is best for you medically, talk to your doctor first. If you’re not sure which option your parish can accommodate, that’s exactly what this conversation is for.

Gather Basic Information

You don’t need to be an expert, but having a few facts ready helps:

• What celiac disease is (briefly)
• Why regular hosts are a problem
• What low-gluten hosts are and where they come from (if relevant)

Choose the Right Time

Don’t try to have this conversation in the sacristy five minutes before Mass or in the parking lot after. Ask for an appointment or catch Father at a time when he’s not rushed.

Good times:

• After Mass when things have settled down
• During office hours
• By appointment

The Conversation: A Script

Here’s a framework you can adapt to your style:

Opening (Keep it Simple)

“Father, I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, and I need to talk with you about receiving Communion.”

Or if you’ve had celiac for a while:

“Father, I have celiac disease, I can’t eat gluten, and I’d like to discuss my options for receiving Communion here at the parish.”

Explain Briefly (Don’t Over-Explain)

“Celiac disease means my body can’t process gluten, it’s in wheat, and regular Communion hosts make me sick. I’m hoping we can figure out an accommodation.”

You don’t need to describe your symptoms, your diagnosis story, or the science of autoimmune disease. Keep it brief unless Father asks questions.

State Your Preference

“I’ve researched the options, and I think [low-gluten hosts / receiving from the chalice only / both] would work best for me. Is that something we can arrange here?”

Offer to Help

“I’m happy to provide my own low-gluten hosts if that’s easier. I found a supplier that other parishes use.”

Ask About Logistics

“What’s the process? Should I arrive early? Who should I give the host to? Where do I go during Communion?”

What to Expect

Most Likely Response: Yes, Let’s Figure It Out

The vast majority of priests will immediately want to help. They may have a system already in place. They may need a few days to work out logistics. But the answer is almost always yes.

Possible Response: Questions About Validity

Some priests may ask questions about whether low-gluten hosts are truly valid. They are, this was clarified by the Vatican. If needed, you can reference:

• The 2003 letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
• The 2017 letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship

Rare Response: Hesitation or Resistance

Occasionally, a priest may be unfamiliar with the accommodations or uncertain about the process. If this happens:

• Ask if you can provide more information
• Offer to contact the diocesan liturgy office together
• Be patient, sometimes it just takes time to work out a new system

Very Rare: Refusal

If a priest refuses to accommodate celiac disease, you have options:

• Contact the diocesan liturgy office directly
• Speak with the pastoral associate or parish administrator
• Consider whether another nearby parish might be more accommodating

This is extremely rare. Don’t expect it, but know you have recourse if it happens.

Sample Scripts for Common Situations

If You Want to Bring Your Own Hosts

“I’d like to bring my own low-gluten hosts to Mass. They’re from the Benedictine Sisters, the same supplier many parishes use. Would it work if I gave one to the sacristan before Mass to put in a separate pyx?”

If You Only Want to Receive from the Chalice

“Given my sensitivity, I think the safest option for me is to receive from the chalice only. Is that possible here? Should I go to a particular minister, or will any of them work?”

If You Need Strict Cross-Contact Protocols

“I’m very sensitive to gluten, even trace amounts from cross-contact can make me sick. Would it be possible to have a dedicated pyx that doesn’t touch regular hosts? And could Father avoid handling regular hosts immediately before mine?”

If You’re at a New Parish

“I’m new to the parish, we just moved here. I have celiac disease and at my previous parish I received [low-gluten hosts / from the chalice]. Can we set up something similar here?”

After the Conversation

Follow Up

If Father said he’d look into something or get back to you, give him a reasonable timeframe, then follow up if you haven’t heard back.

Thank Him

A brief thank-you note or word of appreciation goes a long way. Priests deal with a lot of difficult conversations, it’s nice when someone thanks them for a helpful one.

Establish the Routine

Once you’ve figured out the logistics, establish a consistent routine. Arrive at the same time, go to the same spot, work with the same people. Consistency makes it easier for everyone.

Educate Gently If Needed

If sacristans, Eucharistic ministers, or others seem unclear on the protocol, gentle reminders help. Don’t assume malice, often it’s just unfamiliarity.

You Belong Here

It can feel like you’re asking for special treatment or being a burden. You’re not.

The Church has explicitly provided for celiac accommodations because you belong at the Eucharistic table. You have a right to receive Communion in a safe way.

Your priest wants to help you do that. Trust that the conversation will go better than you fear, and take the first step.