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Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM)
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We Pledge to Protect the Vulnerable in Our Community
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What is EIM?
EIM is the Diocese of Austin's program forpromoting safe environments in all ministries
child & youth protection in all ministries
ethical behavior in all ministries
The 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People mandates that every diocese in the U.S. implements such a program.
Who must comply with EIM?
The EIM reqirement extends to:All clergy and employees in the Diocese of Austin
All volunteers who may come into contact with children and vulnerable adults, including but not limited to:
Catechists
Liturgical ministers
Parents of minors serving at Mass or attending our school
All other people who may be on church property outside of Mass
Why is EIM important?
At St. Austin, we don't view this requirement as a burden, but as a gift we give to one another in our parish and throughout the wider community. As Church and as world citizens, we have a responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
As members of a Paulist-led parish, we have a special devotion to the charism of reconciliation. With love, we acknowledge the pain and damage that has been caused by abuse of any kind. We reach out to victims with our pledge to work tirelessly to restore the bonds of trust and to foster healing and reconciliation.
What do I need to do?
We encourage every member of our parish to join us in taking this loving action to protect, to heal, to restore, and to serve our community through the EIM process:Submit an EIM Application for Ministry
The process includes submitting to a background check, repeated periodically and at least every 10 years
Attend an EIM Workshop every three years
Who should I talk to about questions?
If you have questions about your status or how to complete the EIM process, please contact one of our parish EIM Coordinator listed
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For Questions About EIMContact a Coordinator
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St. Austin Catholic Parish Sharon Lehtonen
[email protected] -
St. Austin Catholic School Taylor Garcia [email protected]
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EIM COMPLIANCE
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EIM Policies require 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.
New employees and new volunteers currently active in ministry must submit the EIM Application at (as a First Time Applicant) and attend an in-person EIM Workshop.
In-Person EIM Training - As of January 1, new applicants, and existing applicants who have never attended an EIM Workshop, must attend an in-person EIM Workshop to fulfill their initial EIM compliance requirement. EIM Workshop attendance is required within two (2) months of beginning service in ministry and must be updated at least once every three (3) years to maintain compliance.
Update/renewal should be done using the Online EIM Training.
Please Note: This training includes a frank discussion of sexual abuse; if you have experienced sexual abuse and have concerns about viewing this training, please contact EIM Director, Nwazi Nyirenda and EIM Coordinator Michele Loster at [email protected] with your full name, name of our parish and the city you reside in to discuss alternative training
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Check Your Status & Re-Certify Now!
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Contact your EIM Site Administrator with Questions
For more information, email your Site Administrator ~St. Austin Catholic Parish - Sharon Lehtonen at [email protected]
St. Austin Catholic School - Maria Bello at MBello@StAustinSchool.org
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What If I Only...?
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But BEFORE you can be the hands, feet, and eyes with which Christ blesses the world, EIM certification is task one.
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Two Clarifying Details
EIM Policy requires that all persons serving young people (minors), elderly adults, or adults with disabilities, including worship services or liturgies where these audiences may be present, submit an EIM Application for Ministry (one-time only) and attend an in-person EIM Workshop within 60 days, and update/renew compliance at least once every three years.
To help clarify those required to maintain EIM compliance, this list describes some who are exempt:
1. Parents who solely observe programs and activities in which their children are involved, and who do not volunteer or otherwise serve in ministry for their children’s programs and activities;
2. Employees and contractors of companies that provide intermittent, non-ministry services and who are supervised when on parish or school property and segregated from minors.
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How to Report an Incident of Concern
The Diocese of Austin is committed to preventing harm from happening to any of our children or vulnerable adults. To report an incident of concern, go here, or call the EIM Office at 512-949 -2447. Texas law says anyone who thinks a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Abuse hotline: 1-800-252-5400.
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.
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