“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

― St. Teresa of Ávila

What better way to be the hands and feet of Jesus than to take the Eucharist out into the world? More Extraordinary Ministers are needed to help serve during mass and/or visit the homebound. Being an Extraordinary Minister does not obligate you to do both! Please prayerfully consider joining this important ministry – and please pray for those who are already serving. Call Nancy Glover if you would like to join our efforts – 254-223-0767.

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, in good standing with the Church;
• Approval by Father Kurtis; 

• 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.