The mission of these volunteers is to help distribute the Holy Eucharist at all weekend Masses and also to bring the Holy Eucharist to shut-ins.

For more information, contact Larry Westermeyer at 314 275-8171 or incwordem@sbcglobal.net.

Incarnate Word Parish is blessed to have more than 200 committed parishioners involved as Eucharistic Ministers. During the six weekend Masses over 40 extraordinary ministers distribute the Holy Eucharist. As the coordinator for this ministry, I deeply appreciate the time and talent freely given by these dedicated individuals. I invite you to join us in this very rewarding ministry. For additional information, please see the Q&A below.

- Larry Westermeyer

Eucharistic Minister Questions & Answers

Q: What skills do I need to be a Eucharistic minister?

• You must have a desire to serve your fellow parishioners. You must be physically able to ascend the steps of the sanctuary, stand at the altar, and able to hold a ciborium or chalice while distributing the Eucharist.

Q: What are the age requirements?

• You must be at least 18 years old – or – a high school senior recommended by the pastor or the director of the youth ministry.

Q: How do I become a Eucharistic minister?

• Contact Larry Westermeyer at 314 275-8171 or send email to incwordem@sbcglobal.net. If you are interested in bringing the Eucharist to shut-ins, please contact Bob Stephens at 314 469-1257.

Q: Do I need any training?

• Yes. New Eucharistic ministers must attend a mandatory training session lasting approximately 90 minutes. During the first half of the session, we discuss the teachings of the church about the Eucharist, reverence for the Eucharist and answer any questions you may have. The second half consists of a tour of the sacristy, a review of the procedures and a question and answer session. You will be asked to complete a Mass Preference form.

Q: Do I need to attend this training if I am going to bring the Eucharist to shut-ins?

• Yes, all Eucharistic Ministers must attend training.

Q: When are training sessions held?

• Training sessions are held in the middle of February, May, August and November.

• Yes. If you generally attend one Mass, indicate that Mass only when you sign up. Conversely, you can choose multiple Masses if you would like some variety.

• You will be scheduled every two to four weeks, depending on the Mass(es) you select, the number of ministers required, the number of ministers available, and the scheduling options you choose.

Q: Can I serve more or less frequently?

• Yes. You can ask to be scheduled twice as often or every week if you wish. Alternatively, you can ask to be scheduled half as often.

Q: Can I serve with other family members as a Eucharistic minister?

• Yes. Just make your preferences known when completing the Mass Preference form. If you want to be scheduled so you never serve at the same time, e.g., for babysitting, this can also be accommodated.

Q: Can I change my Mass preference(s) and scheduling frequency?

• Yes. Changes will be effective with the next schedule. Please notify the coordinator at least two weeks before the end of the current schedule.

Q: What should I do if I know I'll be unavailable to serve a particular weekend?

• If you know your schedule far enough in advance, you can contact Larry Westermeyer before the schedule is produced and let him know the date(s) you will not be available.

Q: Can I be available as a substitute?

• Yes. Preferably you would choose to be scheduled on a regular basis. However, you can sign up as a substitute. Other Eucharistic ministers can then contact you if they need a replacement.

Q: How often are schedules distributed?

• Every three months, usually the last week of February, May, August and November.

Q: Are schedules available on the Web?

• Yes. The URL will be provided with your first schedule.

Q: How are Eucharistic ministers selected for Christmas and Holy Days?

• We call for volunteers.

Q: What should I do if I can't make a scheduled Mass?

• You are responsible for finding a substitute if you are unable to attend a scheduled Mass. Each schedule contains a list of all Eucharistic ministers with their telephone numbers.

Q: Do I need to sign up each year?

• Yes, you should sign up each year when the parish sends out the stewardship cards.