Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) is the Diocese of Austin's program that promotes a safe environment for minors (those under 18 years of age), adults uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disabiity, and ethical behavior in all ministry.

EIM Transition to VIRTUS

The Office of EIM is excited to have transitioned to VIRTUS for its database and training programs.

How To Become Compliant With Diocesan Requirements/Diocese Information

On Jan. 1, 2002, the Austin Diocese instated new policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry for all those who work in the church, whether in paid or volunteer programs. Without exception, anyone - volunteers, paid staff or clergy -- who work with minors (those under the age of 18 yrs.) or vulnerable adults in a parish or diocesan setting are required to attend an EIM workshop every three years. After the initial workshop, all renewal workshops can be completed online. 

Information about registration and creating a new account for new volunteers, or for previous volunteers who need to transition to VIRTUS is available HERE.

Please contact your site administrators or the diocese with questions or concerns:

Margie-Revilla Beaty, [email protected]
Tina Vavra, [email protected]
Diocese of Austin, [email protected]

New Employees/Volunteers

New employees and volunteers are required to receive in-person training by completing an in-person workshop.

Returning Employees/Volunteers

The online renewal option for returning employees/volunteers can be found in your VIRTUS portal through the training modules option under the traning module: Protecting God's Children Re-Certification for Adults-5th Edition.

Workshop Notes

1. Plan to arrive promptly as late arrivals may not be permitted.
2. Children should not be brought to EIM workshops.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse and have concerns regarding your attendance at a workshop, contact Abby Turner at (512) 949-2447 to discuss an alternative workshop arrangement.

To be compliant, an individual must complete the registration process through VIRTUS Online, authorize the diocese to obtain an initial criminal background check and to rerun a criminal background check at least every three years or more often as needed, attend the in-person EIM Workshop no later than the 30th day after beginning service in ministry, and repeat attendance at least once every three years while serving. Each individual is required to adhere to the Diocese of Austin's Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry EIM Policy (EIM Policies - Diocese of Austin - Austin, Tx. (austindiocese.org)
and be classified in the diocesan EIM database as approved to engage in ministry.

Additionally, please refer to the EIM Policy for information on how to report abuse, information on care and support of those who have experienced abuse, and procedures for making a report of abuse in both English and Spanish. EIM Policy (EIM Policies - Diocese of Austin - Austin, Tx. (austindiocese.org)

EIM Workshops

Workshops are scheduled on a regular basis at various locations throughout the diocese. To attend an EIM workshop log in to your VIRTUS account for a schedule of workshops, or check with your parish for current workshop dates. There is no fee for the workshop, although advance registration is required.