Mission Statement:  To assist the Priest/Deacon in distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and provide the same opportunity for the sick and homebound of our parish family.  

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."       Matthew 18:20 

You see us every week at Mass, but did you realize that we take Communion to 60+ ill & elderly parishioners each Sunday?  We assist Father in this way, but more Eucharistic Ministers are needed to take care of these Catholics who wish to receive. 

We hear Father say, "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb."  What about our parishioners and loved ones, who are too ill or infirmed to be present at Mass?  Consider how Blessed we are to attend Mass, walk to the Altar and receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord.  How would you feel if you couldn't receive Christ in the Eucharist due to illness?  These homebound, ill and nursing home residents are the people whom we serve in this Ministry.   

The opportunity to be a Eucharistic Minister is a gift from the Church to us.  The joy and thankfulness on the faces of those we visit humbles me every time—it is a Blessing that I receive, by taking the Eucharist to the ill and homebound.  As a corporal work of mercy, we as Catholics visit the sick.  In doing so, we need to strive to be like a Monstrance, and allow the love of Christ to shine through us.  When a Eucharistic Minister takes communion to the ill, the radiance of Christ's love also reflects back on us.   

While it is always a blessing to serve at Mass and see the many different faces of our parishioners who receive and know that we are united in Christ--that is a truly amazing thing to witness--my joy in taking the Eucharist to the homebound and nursing homes is indescribable.  

Yes, some we visit are confused and may not know their family, but they know Christ in the Eucharist.  I have held the hand of an agitated woman, while praying the Our Father, and she quieted seeming to take solace from it.  Another time, a man who could barely move and appeared not to be lucid, opened his mouth to receive when “This is the Lamb of God” was said; he seemed not to know I was there, but he felt Christ's presence.  These are two examples of the wonderful people we are privileged to visit each week. 

Please prayerfully reflect on joining this Ministry and take this opportunity to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and serve those who have no recourse but to rely on others to bring the Body of Christ to them.  I promise you will receive much more than you give up in time.  Talk with Father Steve, our Deacons, and your friends who are Eucharistic Ministers or contact me Kathy Cameron, for more information. 

Thank you for your consideration, Kathy Cameron, telephone 254-778-5995 or 254-773-4541.

"May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance."  Jude 1:2

Guidelines from the Diocese of Austin
Qualifications for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:   

Those who assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and/or bring Holy Communion to the sick in hospitals, nursing homes or their own homes should meet the following qualifications for this ministry:

• be fully initiated and practicing members of the Catholic Church;
• attend Mass regularly;
• give positive witness to the Christian life;
• have knowledge of the Order of the Mass;
• show reverence for the sacredness of the Body and Blood of Christ by their manner of dress and decorum while assisting at liturgy;
• be fully aware of the manner of preparation, distribution and disposition of the Body and Blood of Christ;
• participate in a training program for communion ministers;
• be approved by the Diocese of Austin-online application/background check/EIM class;http://www.austindiocese.org/offices-ministries/offices/ethics-and-integrity-ministry-office
• be commissioned at a parish liturgy.  

Guidelines from St. Mary Catholic Church:

• Be a parish member, having received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation;
• Approval by Father Steve; 

• Complete the Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM) application and workshop;http://www.austindiocese.org/offices-ministries/offices/ethics-and-integrity-ministry-office
• Training to serve at Mass;
• Training for EM routes—you will be provided with a pyx and a Communion booklet;
• Commissioning by Father--Mass set by Father. 

St. Mary’s Eucharistic Ministers take Communion to two (2) home routes, Cornerstone Nursing Home, Western Hills Nursing Home, Sterling House Nursing Home, Texas State Veterans Home, Garden Estates Assisted Living Facility and Scott & White Hospital each Sunday.  Mass and route schedules are prepared every quarter.   
 

Those wanting to receive Holy Communion:

• ​For parish members unable to attend Mass and wishing to receive Communion, please call the church office at 254-773-4541 for placement on our list.  We will need your name, address and phone number.
• Parishioners at Scott & White Hospital:  S&W will compile a list of hospitalized Catholics—this list is done only by S&W.  Make sure you tell them at your admission that you are a Catholic.  You may always contact the hospital Chaplain by dialing “0” on a hospital phone and ask for their office if you have questions.