Valley Catholics react to no wine at Mass

PHOENIX - Just days after Bishop Thomas Olmsted unveiled a plan to do away with the serving of Eucharistic wine during Communion, Valley Catholics expressed disappointment with his decision.

Catholics gathered for the first time Sunday since Olmsted made the announcement last week.

At St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix, the congregation celebrated Communion as they always have with both bread and wine which Catholics believe becomes the Body and Blood of Christ.

But that practice may soon come to an end.

"It's disappointing," said parishioner Megan Brownell. "As a parishioner here, partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ is the essence of communion."

As part of a new translation of the mass which goes into effect later this fall, Bishop Thomas Olmsted announced that churches in the diocese will offer only the Body of Christ and not the Blood.

"We're quite concerned about that," said parishioner Arthur Luera.

Because of that concern, the pastor at St. Mary's Basilica plans to petition Bishop Olmsted in the hopes he can use his own discretion on when to offer the Blood, a move parishioners applauded.

"I think it's great he stood up to the Bishop," said parishioner Rosie Lopez.

But other Catholics don't find the decision so alarming and say they'll adjust accordingly.

"We go by whatever they decide and will share in whatever is available to us," said parishioner Jose Vega.

The diocese will still allow Communion wine to be served but only during special celebrations such as Christmas and Easter.