Faith & Communion
Mustum and Communion when alcohol is a concern
What the Church means by mustum, who grants permission, and how to arrange its use through your parish.
For a Catholic whose health prevents the consumption of ordinary altar wine, the Church provides for the use of mustum. This can be particularly relevant when a person also cannot receive a low-gluten host.
Begin with your pastor and the clinician who understands the reason you must avoid alcohol. Mustum is a liturgical provision; it is not a guarantee that a particular product will meet every medical need.
What the Church means by mustum
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 2003 letter, section A.3 describes mustum as grape juice that is fresh or preserved in a way that suspends fermentation without changing its nature. Freezing is one example.
Mustum is not defined by a requirement that it reach a particular alcohol percentage. Nor does every commercial grape juice meet the requirements for Eucharistic matter. The parish should obtain a suitable product through a supplier familiar with Catholic liturgical use.
Mustum may contain alcohol. Check the specific product with your clinician, especially when even a small amount could affect treatment or recovery.
Permission and parish arrangements
The Ordinary is competent to permit the use of mustum. In the United States, the diocesan bishop may delegate permission for laypeople to pastors. Ask your pastor how the diocesan policy applies to you.
The USCCB’s guidance says medical certification is not required for this permission. You may choose to discuss relevant clinical advice, but there is no universal requirement to submit a doctor’s letter or complete a particular application. Once granted, permission continues while the condition that occasioned it persists.
Together, settle:
- Who will purchase the mustum and follow its storage instructions.
- Who will prepare it for the Mass you attend.
- Which chalice will be used and how it will be identified.
- How cross-contact with hosts will be avoided if you also have celiac disease.
- What happens when a visiting priest celebrates or you attend another Mass.
Arrange purchases through the parish. Bringing a bottle without advance discussion does not establish that it is suitable or that the celebrant is prepared to use it.
Receiving under one species
When mustum is validly consecrated, the whole Christ is present under the species of wine. You do not receive a lesser sacrament because this provision is necessary for your health.
If you can receive an appropriate host but cannot consume wine, receiving under the species of bread alone is already complete sacramental Communion. Discuss mustum when the ordinary available forms do not meet your needs.
A note for priests
The 2003 letter makes specific provisions for priests, including circumstances in which a concelebrant may receive under one species with the Ordinary’s permission. These provisions differ from those for a sole or principal celebrant. A priest who needs an accommodation should consult the diocesan authority about the circumstances in which he celebrates.
When neither species can be received
Speak with your pastor about continued pastoral care and spiritual Communion. The desire to receive Christ remains part of your prayer even when illness prevents sacramental reception. Keep the conversation open as your medical circumstances or available arrangements change.