The Theology of Receiving Under One Species

One of the most common anxieties celiacs face when adapting their Communion practice is this nagging feeling: Am I receiving less?

If you can only receive the Precious Blood because hosts aren’t safe, or if you receive a low-gluten host but skip the chalice, does that mean you’re only getting “half” of Christ?

No. Absolutely not. And understanding why can bring real peace to your Communion experience.

The Doctrine of Concomitance

The Church teaches a doctrine called “concomitance”, a technical term for a simple truth: the whole Christ is present in each species.

When you receive the consecrated bread, you receive Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. When you receive the consecrated wine, you receive Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

The species are different, but what they contain is identical: the complete and undivided Christ.

This isn’t a theological workaround invented for people with dietary restrictions. It’s the consistent teaching of the Church for centuries, rooted in the nature of the Resurrection.

Why Both Species Contain the Whole Christ

After the Resurrection, Christ’s Body can’t be divided. His Blood can’t be separated from His Body. Where one is, the other is necessarily present.

At the Last Supper, Jesus said “This is my Body” over the bread and “This is my Blood” over the wine, two distinct actions, two distinct species. But what He gives us is Himself, whole and entire.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563) defined this clearly:

“In each species and in each part of each species, after separation, Christ is present whole and entire.”

This means:

• A fragment of a host contains the whole Christ
• A drop of consecrated wine contains the whole Christ
• Receiving one species is as complete as receiving both

Historical Practice

For most of Church history, laypeople received under one species only. Communion under both kinds was the norm in the early Church, fell out of common practice during the medieval period, and was restored as an option after Vatican II.

During those centuries when laypeople received only the host, no one suggested they were receiving “less” of Christ. The theology was clear: one species is sufficient for full sacramental Communion.

Today, receiving under both kinds is encouraged because it more fully signifies the Eucharistic banquet, bread and wine together express the complete meal. But the grace received is identical whether you receive one species or both.

What Canon Law Says

Canon 925 of the Code of Canon Law states:

“Holy communion is to be given under the form of bread alone, or under both species… or even under the form of wine alone.”

Note that last phrase: “or even under the form of wine alone.” The Church explicitly provides for Communion under wine only, precisely the situation many celiacs find themselves in.

This isn’t a loophole or an exception. It’s built into the Church’s law because it’s built into the Church’s theology.

The 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum

The Vatican’s 2004 instruction on Eucharistic practice specifically addresses Communion for those who cannot receive gluten:

“The faithful who are not able to receive Communion under the species of bread, including under the form of a low-gluten host, may receive Communion under the species of wine alone.”

This isn’t reluctant permission, it’s pastoral guidance acknowledging that wine-only Communion is a valid and complete way to receive the Lord.

Practical Implications for Celiacs

Understanding this theology frees you from several anxieties:

You’re Not Missing Anything

Whether you receive a low-gluten host, the Precious Blood, or both, you receive the whole Christ. There’s no spiritual difference in what you receive, only in the external form.

You Don’t Need to Push Your Body

If your doctor advises against low-gluten hosts, or if you’ve had reactions, you don’t need to “risk it” to have a complete Communion experience. Wine alone is complete.

Both Options Are Equally Valid

Don’t feel like receiving wine only is a “second-class” option or a compromise. It’s a legitimate, theologically sound way to receive the Eucharist.

You Can Adapt to Circumstances

Traveling and can’t arrange for a low-gluten host? Receive from the chalice. Parish doesn’t offer the cup today? Your low-gluten host is sufficient. Either way, you receive Christ fully.

A Word About Spiritual Communion

Sometimes neither species is available or safe. Maybe you’re at a Mass where you can’t arrange accommodations. Maybe you’re too sick to receive.

Spiritual Communion, a sincere desire to receive Christ when physical reception isn’t possible, is also a legitimate practice recognized by the Church. Saints have made spiritual communions throughout history.

It’s not “as good” in the sense that sacramental Communion conveys grace in a unique way. But it’s not nothing, either. Your desire for Christ matters.

The Takeaway

The Eucharist isn’t diminished by being received under one species. You don’t get “less Jesus” because of your celiac disease.

The Church has always taught that each species contains the complete Christ. She has always permitted Communion under one species. The accommodations available to you, low-gluten hosts, wine only, or both, are all paths to the same destination: real, complete union with Christ in the Eucharist.

Receive in whatever way is safe and possible for you. And receive in peace.