Effective September 1, our parish will follow the new diocesan policy regarding the distribution of low-gluten hosts at Mass:

• Low-gluten hosts (not gluten-free) will now be supplied by the parish. Communicants may no longer bring their own.
• Those needing a low-gluten host should check in at the sacristy before Mass. The host will be placed in a pyx and brought to the altar for consecration.
• During Communion, the minister will hand the pyx to the communicant and say, “The Body of Christ.” The communicant will then open the pyx and receive the host.
• After Mass, the pyx must be returned to the sacristy for proper purification and storage.

If you or a family member regularly require a low-gluten host, please contact the parish office to arrange for ongoing accommodation in accord with diocesan norms.

These changes reflect new norms from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and are being adopted in all parishes to ensure reverence, consistency, and proper care.