Ethics and Integrity (EIM) in Ministry

The mission of the Diocese of Austin’s Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) program is to help protect people from abuse and unethical behavior through education, action, and reporting, and to listen to and learn from those who have experienced abuse in order to provide healing. EIM compliance is required for persons active in most ministries in the diocese. Looking for resources and information about safeguarding children and other vulnerable people? Do you want to volunteer and are new to the EIM process? Are you returning to ministry and already have an EIM account? Visit austindiocese.org/eim to learn more about EIM policies and procedures and how they help keep our parishes and schools safer for everyone. Contact your parish or school’s EIM site administrator, or [email protected], for additional assistance. Please note that when your compliance is 60 days away from its expiration, you will receive an email from [email protected] prompting you to login and complete the required action per the email. 

"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.

Report abuse of a minor, elderly adult, or an adult with a disability to local law enforcement or the Texas Abuse Hotline at www.txabusehotline.org or (800) 252-5400 and the diocese at www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse or (512) 949-2447.

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 by a person serving in ministry to the diocese at (512) 949-2447.