Keep Communion safe

From Marj Dower • Sykesville, Maryland Jul 25, 2008 Wouldn't it be safer, easier and just as meaningful  for you to buy your own unconsecrated  wafers, mark them or nick them in a unique way and make them available to the parish priest to consecrate them along with the others? This is what I do.

The Rev. Terry L. Martin named Program Officer for Evangelism

From Fr. Tancredo R. Pastores, Jr. • Visalia, California, Jul 24, 2008 Is this a joke? How can Fr. Terry Martin, aka Father Jake, a self-acknowledged heretical snake oil peddler, be named Program Officer for Evangelism?

If you read what he used to write over at "Father Jake Stops the World" you will know that he is one of the most hateful and angry persons in the blogging world. He also allowed some the vilest comments on his blog that I have ever read anywhere.

MILWAUKEE: All Saints' Cathedral sells thousands of books to alleviate hunger

From Royce Darby • San Diego, California, Jul 24, 2008 For many years I was privileged to be a part of this great book sale working as one of the workers. It was the highlight of the summer every year. To all of my dear friends that are still there working hard I send my greetings and my love. I miss the good old days when we were together.  I am now (and for nine years) the music librarian at St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego.  I send greetings to all of you.  God bless all of us!

Keep Communion safe

From Curt Zimmerman • Kirkland, Washington, Jul 24, 2008 Here are a couple of things I've learned from experience in providing gluten-free bread at Communion... There are those who are so sensitive to gluten that the little bit that may be transferred by first handling regular bread and then gluten-free bread or wafers exacerbates their condition.

Here are our practices -- altar guild members, preparing for Eucharist, deal with gluten-free wafers first -- hands well washed -- before dealing with anything else.  The expected amount of gluten-free wafers are placed in a separate dish that is brought up from the credence at the offertory, and kept away from wheat bread.  When an individual is to be offered the gluten-free wafer, the person administering bread takes the container to the individual who removes the wafer.  With experience it becomes just part of usual practice and no problem.

Keep Communion safe

From Julie Erwin • Nashville, Tennessee, Jul 24, 2008 Thank you for your article. This is another example of how important it is when a person has a medical or physical need that it must be a part of our ministry to make available every accommodation that we can. This is simple enough to provide. If nothing else, could we obtain gluten free crackers from the health food store and make that available? It is sad that unless we have a particular condition, disability or illness, that we are unaware of the consequences and difficulties that may impede our full participation in the life of the church.

Communication is important to make these needs known so we can endeavor to address them. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and I will pass it on to our church.

Keep Communion safe

From Ellen Tillotson • Torrington, Connecticut, Jul 24, 2008 I was pleased to read Susan Delaney's article and astounded that, in this day, anyone should question making gluten-free wafers available every week for both parishioners and visitors.  We regularly consecrate several gluten-free wafers and keep them in a separate container with the rest of the reserved sacrament.  All it takes is a little awareness of the medical needs of these persons and the commitment to make sure everyone is welcome at the Lord's Table.

Keep Communion safe

From The Rev. Anjel Scarborough • Myersville, Maryland Jul 24, 2008 Thank you for raising awareness of celiac disease and the gluten-free options for Communion. It's also important to reiterate that receiving "in one kind" is sufficient too.  I have had communicants receive the wine only when gluten free options were not available.

Keep Communion safe

From Donald Lamb • Vancouver, BC, Canada, Jul 24, 2008 Providing wheat-free wafers is absolutely no problem. I cannot imagine a priest being concerned as to "how difficult" it is for her to provide and administer non-wheat wafers. Ours are consecrated in a pix on the paten along with the regular wafers. (Actually a member of our parish--who has celiac disease--bakes our rice wafers).

Keep Communion safe

From Jane Schmoetzer • Laurel, Montana Jul 23, 2008 Seabury-Western seminary has a tradition of using communion bread baked by students, and has developed a gluten-free recipe.  I would imagine they would be glad to share it if asked.

EUROPE: Catholic, Orthodox warn Church of England on women bishops decision

From Eddie Hall, Inman • South Carolina, Jul 23, 2008 I fully support the Anglican ordination of women as bishops. The Vatican, just like the Southern Baptist Convention, think they can declare what is best for all Christians.  I disagree.  The Holy Spirit is the One we need to listen to and not anyone else.

Keep Communion safe

From The Rev. Marcia A. Tremmel • Parrish, Florida, Jul 23, 2008 Thank you for helping to spread the word. My priest is absolutely wonderful about the whole thing - he offered GF wafers before I got there (described it as "a good pastoral thing to do). Unfortunately, not all manage it so well. At large gatherings (like clergy days, etc.) I usually just ask for a blessing rather than risk all the "not so fun" after effects that I can usually count on if I receive a wheat wafer. I hope your article educates more people. Thank you.

Bishop Gonzalez, formerly of Cuba, dies at 94

From The Rev. Oscar Gonzalez • Bayonne, New Jersey, Jul 22, 2008 Very appropriate comments on the life of my brother. Our family appreciates your good taste and prompt news.

NEW YORK: Bronx rally against gun violence draws hundreds

From Lourdes Acevedo • New York, New York, Jul 21, 2008 I feel that this organization is doing a very good job, and I feel that this is a major concern for everybody to help and get involved to make our street safe by getting the illegal guns out of the street. I myself try to join all the rallies and marches that the organization does.

MILWAUKEE: All Saints' Cathedral sells thousands of books to alleviate hunger

From Sister Mary Paula Bush, C.S.M. • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jul 19, 2008 Excellent article! May God abundantly bless the book sale and its working staff. Donors and recipients will be blessed also. You are an inspiration!

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