On Jan. 1, 2002, the Catholic Diocese of Austin instated policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) for all employees and those volunteers who minister to youth or vulnerable adults in the diocese. Clergy, religious, paid staff and all volunteers working with minors and/or vulnerable adults at any parish, Catholic school, or diocesan location are required to complete an Application for Ministry/background check and attend an EIM workshop every three years. Ministry with minors and/or vulnerable adults pertains to any ministry, program, or organization that serves youth or vulnerable adults in any manner or which functions at a time and place where minors or vulnerable adults are typically present. A listing of such ministries/programs or organizations includes, but is not limited to:
*religious education, youth ministry, Catholic schools, homeschooling organizations that use church property or identify as a parish ministry, homebound/hospital ministry, parish nursery and mother’s day out/pre-school programs, liturgical ministries (i.e. hospitality/ushers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, choir/music ministry, etc), St Vincent de Paul Society conferences, parish/school-sponsored scout groups and other activities/programs for youth.
*EIM compliance is required for the leadership of parish and diocesan organizations that may serve youth even though their primary function is not necessarily to serve youth (i.e. ladies/men’s clubs, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver, Serra Club/vocations ministry, etc); for members of such organization, the EIM compliance requirement may be waived if participation is limited to times and places when minors are not present.
*Pastors and principals may determine that those in any parish/school leadership position (i.e. ministry and organization leaders and Pastoral, Finance and Stewardship Council members, school advisory board members) should be in compliance with these diocesan EIM policies as a symbol of leadership within the parish/school and support of the policies of the church.
*Pastors and principals may choose to include additional ministries/organizations to this listing at the local level. To learn more and to see the upcoming classes in our Diocese, please click on the link below: