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The Holy Eucharist
Question from Joan Tufford on 6/16/2009:

Our Parish women bake bread, It is cut into little croutons and frozen. Then is used at Mass , instead of Hosts. Is this an approved practice??

Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL on 9/9/2009:

The Church has not legislated anything about this particular case. However, canon law requires that Latin Rite Masses use unleavenned hosts containing only wheat flower and water. The question would be, are these unleavenned breads, despite their thick shape, without any ingredient other than wheat and water? If they are they would be valid matter.

If they are leavenned, they are illicit in the Roman Rite, though the Mass and Communion would be valid. However, if they contain other ingredients, and enough other materials are added, they can also be invalid matter for the Eucharist. Since no one can tell when exactly that line to invalidity is crossed, the Church absolutely forbids the addition of any condiments or other materials. To do so risks many grave (mortally sinful) injustices: invalid Masses, invalid Communions, and material idolatry of bread as if it were Christ.

If invalid matter is being used, do not hestitate to contact your bishop.

COPYRIGHT 2009

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