Ethics In Ministry
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Documents
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Contact Us
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Evelyn Amadorevelyn.amadorstcatherine-austin.orgAdministrative Assistant, Bereavement Support, EIM Administrator
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WHY EIM?
On Jan. 1, 2002, the Catholic Diocese of Austin instated policies on Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM), to promote the protection of minors, elderly adults, and adults with disabilities as well as ethical behavior in all ministry. The Diocese requires all clergy, religious, seminarians, employees and adult volunteers serving in a ministry requiring EIM compliance to submit an EIM Application for Ministry (one-time only) and attend an EIM Workshop at least once every three years.
EIM Sign-Up and Login InstructionsNew Employees and new volunteers must submit the EIM application at VIRTUS® Online (virtusonline.org) and attend an in-person 3 hours EIM Workshop.
- Click “first-time registrant”
- Go through the registration process (approximately 5 minutes) and sign up for a live training workshop. You will see a list of workshops once you register. You need to attend a workshop within 30 days of registration.
- The live training workshop is about 3-hours long and trains you to spot and report abuse as well as how to establish healthy boundaries.
If you had an existing EIM Account
- Login to VIRTUS.org as an existing user. If you need help, click “I need login help,” or contact the EIM Office (eim@austindiocese.org).
- Once you are logged in, look at My Info to verify that all profile information is up-to-date, and look at Training History for your most recent workshop/training date (must be within the last 3 years to maintain compliance).
- If you did not have an EIM workshop recorded in your account, your account was not converted, and you will start as a new user
- If you attended an EIM workshop more than 3 years ago it is expired, and you will be prompted to take the (approximately 70 minutes) Online Refresher Training through VIRTUS Online. You must complete training prior to serving in ministry.
- If your EIM training is current, you will not be prompted to do anything at this time but will receive reminder emails when you are due to update your training.
Guidance and Good Practice
- You will only do the 3-hour live training workshop one time. After that, you will take the online refresher every three years to maintain compliance. You will be prompted every 3 years via email to complete the refresher
- You will also be prompted to consent to a background recheck every 3 years.
- Always keep your email address and contact info current in your EIM account and check your email regularly to make sure you do not miss any prompts from VIRTUS.
- EIM stands for Ethics and Integrity in Ministry. We are the safe environment department for the diocese.
- If you ever have a question regarding EIM, please reach contact eim@austindiocese.org or call (512) 949-2447.
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If you have experienced sexual abuse and have concerns regarding attending the EIM Workshop, please contact Emily Hurlimann at (512) 949-2447 to discuss an alternative workshop arrangement.
REPORT ABUSE
Report abuse of a minor, elderly adult, or an adult with a disability to local law enforcement or to the Texas Abuse Hotline at www.txabusehotline.org or (800) 252-5400 and to the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse or (512) 949-2447.
HAVE YOU, OR HAS SOMEONE YOU KNOW, EXPERIENCED ABUSE?
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez and the Diocese of Austin are committed to providing compassionate care to persons who have experienced abuse, particularly if committed by clergy or a church representative. If you or someone you know have experienced such abuse, contact the diocesan Coordinator of Victim Assistance and Pastoral Support at (512) 949-2400.
REPORT UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Report unethical behavior by a person serving in ministry to the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/report-other-concerns or (512) 949-2447.