Ethics & Integrity In Ministry (EIM)

• Go to VIRTUS.org and click “first-time registrant”. 
• Complete the registration process (appx. 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.
• 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.

A local EIM Workshop will be held here on May 16, 2023. You must have an EIM account (completed and submitted the EIM Application at VIRTUS.org and pre-register to attend the workshop. Plan to arrive promptly, as late arrivals will not be permitted. Do not bring children to the workshop. Contact Liz Garcia or Tina Labossiere, St. Thomas Aquinas EIM Site Administrators for assistance, if needed

• 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 online refresher training through VIRTUS. 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.

It is our top priority to keep children safe from all harm while in our care. In Texas, each person is a mandated reporter of abuse or neglect, which means that if you (or our staff) suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you are required by law to report it. The Child Abuse Hotline number is 1-800-252-5400. In addition, if at any time you see something that appears suspicious, makes you uncomfortable, or violates policy, please bring it to the attention of the Faith Formation Office, the pastor, or directly to Bishop Vásquez's office at 512-949-2400. You may also download, complete, and submit a Confidential Note of Concern Form.

Our diocesan policies, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in his or her personal or spiritual life. We, the church, must attempt to do likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment, and abuse.

Anyone, volunteers, paid staff, religious or clergy, involved in a ministry with minors (those under the age of 18) or vulnerable adults (those who are uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disabilities) is required to:

1. Submit a Parish Volunteer Application to the Diocese of Austin at VIRTUS.org.
2. Agree to a criminal background check every three years
3. Attend an in-person workshop on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM), "Protecting God's Children," within 30 days of submitting their parish volunteer application.
4. All clergy, paid staff, and all volunteers working with youth and vulnerable adults, at any parish or diocesan location, are required to take the online refresher course every three years after their initial EIM workshop to maintain compliance.
5. Keep email address and contact information current in their VIRTUS EIM account.

Note: Materials used in the workshop include testimonies from victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse; if you have any concerns regarding your attendance at a workshop, please contact eim@austindiocese.org or (512) 949-2447 to arrange an alternative arrangement to receive your training. Such inquiries shall remain confidential.

For more information on the Diocesan Policies go to https://www.austindiocese.org/eim-policies

Persons who have experienced abuse (themselves or family) do not need to attend the workshop in order to complete their compliance requirement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse and have concerns regarding your attendance at a workshop, contact the EIM office at eim@austindiocese.org or (512) 949-2447 to discuss an alternative workshop arrangement.