The mission of these volunteers is to provide security and companionship for children aged 1 year to pre-kindergarten 5 year olds during selected Masses each weekend.  Volunteers also lead children in a simple Bible lesson, which is provided each week.

For more information, contact Ann Book at 314-576-6814.

Adult leaders and youth helpers are needed. 

The Child Care Ministry is a group of individuals who desire to provide a safe, fun play and learning environment for young children while parents attend Mass.  We extend our most heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who donate their time, talents and love to our parish’s little ones.

Questions and Answers for Parents

Q: What Mass times is the nursery open?

Q: Where are the Nursery Bible School rooms?

• Both the Guardian Angel Room and the Multipurpose Room are located upstairs, above the church office. If you need directions, please ask any hospitality minister.

• No, your child in welcome in the nursery during any of the scheduled Masses each weekend.

• No.  Volunteers lead all classes.  The parish provides all supplies, including snacks and craft materials.

Q: Do I need to bring anything?

• For younger children, you may want to leave a diaper bag.  Please mark your child’s belongings to avoid mix-ups.

Q: What is nursery policy on sick children?

• Please avoid using the nursery, if your child has a green runny nose, excessive coughing or has had fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours.  Please help us protect the other children and their families. 

Q: How will my child spend the time in the nursery?

• For 1 – 2 year olds, the hour is spent mostly in free play, with time to color and listen to a Bible story if they are interested.  The time is more structured for older children, who open with free play time, followed by story time and a related craft.  The children’s story is related to the Liturgy of the Word whenever possible.  Snacks and water are provided for all children.

   

Questions & Answers for Volunteers

Q: How much time do I have to commit to?

• Volunteer scheduling is VERY flexible.  You choose how often you’d like to help, such as once a month, once every other month, or once each quarter.  When you volunteer, you’ll need to be in the nursery 15  minutes before Mass and about 10 minutes after to allow time for parents to drop off and pick up their children. 

Q: What should I do to become an adult leader or youth helper?

• Contact Ann Book at 314 576-6814.

Q: Do I need any training?

• Incarnate Word Parish requires that all volunteers working with children must complete the Safe Environment Program. This program includes a training session called Protecting God's Children, submitting information for a background check, and signing an ethics pledge to be kept on file in the parish office.
  
  The first few times you work in the Nursery Bible School, you will be paired with an experienced volunteer.

Q: How will I know what to do?

• Lesson plans are provided each week.  In addition, instructions for the Multipurpose Room and Guardian Angel Room have been compiled to help you.