Pyx and cross contact
Cross-contact often happens unintentionally. Simple adjustments can ensure safe Communion for everyone.
Before Mass
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Go to the sacristy and hand your low-gluten host directly to the sacristan or priest. If your parish allows, place your host inside the pyx yourself to minimize handling.
Ask that the pyx be placed on the credence table separately from the main ciborium. This keeps it distinct and safe.
During Mass
Your host is consecrated along with the others. Because it is in a separate container, it remains safe from cross-contact during the Fraction Rite (when the priest breaks the large host).
During Communion
Approach the priest or designated minister at the agreed time—often at the beginning or end of the line. The goal is not special treatment, but safe treatment.
If the priest has handled regular hosts, he should rinse his fingers (ablution) before touching your pyx or host. Many find it easiest if the minister simply hands them the pyx so they can consume the host themselves without it being touched by anyone else.
After Mass
Retrieve your pyx from the sacristy. If the host was not consumed, it must be consumed or reserved in the tabernacle.
If the pyx is empty, it should be purified—rinsed with water which is then consumed or poured into the sacrarium—and wiped clean for next time.
Why this matters
Even trace amounts of gluten from cross contact may cause damage to some people with celiac. The handling matters as much as the host itself.