Colm Fitzpatrick
Questions of Faith
If all the bread and wine in the world disappeared overnight – and could no longer be made, would we be able to celebrate the Eucharist? Assuming that the Church wouldn’t make a special case to change its rules on this matter given the bizarre circumstance, the answer is no.
It’s common for other Christian denominations to use different food types during this celebration, but for Catholics, the Church is very clear on what matter ought to be consumed to make this Sacrament valid.
In regards to the bread used, the Church teaches that the Eucharistic sacrifice must be unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so there’s no danger of decomposition. If the bread is made from another substance to such an extent that it would not commonly be considered wheat bread, then it is not considered valid for use in celebrating the Eucharist.
“It is a grave abuse to introduce other substances, such as fruit or sugar or honey, into the bread for confecting the Eucharist. Hosts should obviously be made by those who are not only distinguished by their integrity, but also skilled in making them and furnished with suitable tools.” (Redemptionis Sacramentum)
Incorrupt
Likewise, the wine that is used in Eucharistic celebration must be natural, made from grapes, pure and incorrupt and not mixed with other substances. It’s also vital that great care is taken so that the wine is well conserved and not soured.
“It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions necessary for the validity of the sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter.”
While these norms are binding and applicable in most circumstances, there are a few caveats for those people who for varying and grave reasons can’t consume bread made in the usual manner nor wine fermented in the normal manner.
Jesus is present in both species (the bread and the wine)”
While use of gluten-free bread is invalid, low-gluten hosts are permissible given they comport with certain criteria. An alternative for wine can also be consumed known as mustum – essentially grape juice, this is a form of wine in which the fermentation process is stopped just as alcohol begins to form.
Given these norms and the wiggle room around them, it seems that almost everyone can partake in the Eucharist. But what about people who cannot tolerate any gluten whatsoever? Luckily, because Jesus is present in both species (the bread and the wine), it’s perfectly fine for a person to receive Communion from the chalice alone. It is no way takes away from the Sacrament to only receive one kind.
While these norms may seem strict or pedantic, it’s important to remember that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Catholic faith – and as such should be treated with respect and reverence.
Let’s hope there isn’t a shortfall in bread or wine anytime soon!
