Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

To complete an online application and register please visit the Diocese of Austin website or click this link: EIM Application

Our next EIM classes:

•  (English)
•  (Spanish) 

If you are a new member or thinking about becoming a new member to a ministry here at St Albert the Great Catholic Church, please contact Frank Ledesma to register for the nest EIM class. 

"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."- Mk 10:14

To ensure that our volunteers are upholding the highest values of ethics and integrity in ministry, it is required that, prior to working with minors or vulnerable, they fulfill all EIM requirements. In order to fully protect God's Children in our parish, all volunteers are required to submit to a background check and complete a workshop. The workshop will give you the skills you need to be a fantastic volunteer for our church. A new volunteer must complete a workshop within 60 days of application.

Our diocesan policy, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM), is 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 spiritual life. We, the church, must attempt to do likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment, and abuse.

We are grateful for the many ways you live out your baptismal call by sharing your time and your many talents with our parish and the people of God.

Click here to learn how to become compliant 

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. This means that if you as a volunteer (or as staff) suspect a child is being abused or neglected, 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, Fr. Charlie, or directly to the office of the Bishop at 512-476-4888. You may also download, complete and submit a Confidential Note of Concern form.

• Click here for a review of Reporting Requirement Policies and Procedures
• Click here to print a copy of the EIM Notice of Concern
• Click here to make a report to the TX Dept. of Family and Protective Services
• Click here to contact the Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Care (Victim Assistance)

All staff and volunteers working with youth and vulnerable adults are required to complete a one-time Application for Ministry prior to beginning their work/service and attend an EIM workshop within 60 days of submitting the application. Please login to your EIM account to pre-register to attend an EIM workshop; if you have not completed the EIM application, visit the EIM page click link to go to www.austindiocese.org first.
 
Please do not bring children to an EIM workshop. 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 Emily Hurlimann at 512-949-2447 to make an alternative arrangement to receive your training. Such inquiries shall remain confidential.
 
If you are planning to volunteer for any of our ministries. Please read and make sure that you are EIM compliant before you start your ministry. Also, remember we must now renew our workshops every 3 years.

Our diocesan policy, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM), is 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:

Submit a Parish Volunteer Application to the Diocese of Austin 
Agree to a criminal background check (at end of application process)
Attend an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry workshop.
 
How to complete the "Ethics & Integrity" process

Complete an online application with the Diocese of Austin. Go to EApps, where the online application takes 30-60 minutes to complete. This must be completed before entering ministry.  Please Note: the Application for Ministry is submitted only one time. A background check is completed every 3 years from the date of your initial application submission; this is an automated process that does not require any additional action on your part. You may update your application as needed, but it cannot be re-submitted.
 
Attend an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry workshop. The workshop is 2 hours and are held throughout the diocese.  You must attend a workshop every 3 years. You can view a list of upcoming workshops at the Diocese of Austin - Office of Ethics and Integrity.  Due to the nature of the material presented NO children will be allowed in the workshop. This workshop must be completed within 60 days of ministry.
 
How to check your workshop date or make updates to your application:
 
To review your application and find out your latest workshop date, Click here go to the EApps Database.  If you do not remember your login, use the Alternate Login link.
 
Once logged in to your application, hover your mouse over "Workshop Dates" to see your most recent attendance date.
 
Click on the application sections listed to the right to update your personal information. Be sure to include any changes of address or parish affiliation, phone number, email address and employment.
 
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 or directly to the office of the Bishop at 512-476-4888. You may download, complete, and submit a Confidential Note of Concern Form.
 
For more information on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, click here to go to the Diocese of Austin web page.