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An Important Message from the Pastor for all those in Parish Ministry
September 2010
September 2010
A primary challenge of our growing parish is to assure that we create here a safe environment for everyone. The diocesan policy on service in parish ministry states that anyone who is involved in ministry with children, youth or vulnerable adults must do the following without delay: 1) complete a "Diocese of Austin Application for Volunteers" online on the diocesan website (paper applications are also available as a download or at the parish office)--this application will set in motion a criminal background check, and 2) take a three-hour Ethics and Integrity in Ministry workshop. Every three years, those who previously completed certification requirements must take a 1½ hour refresher course (applications do not need to be repeated).
In the past, we have had difficulty in getting everyone to comply with these requirements. And I admit that I have allowed things to slide a bit. However, I can no longer, in good conscience as your pastor, allow anyone to be in ministry here who has not fulfilled these requirements. Effective immediately, I am instituting a no tolerance policy. That means that all in ministry at Emmaus must begin to move now toward fulfillment of EIM requirements. If you have trouble accessing the online questionnaire, please contact the parish office. We will help you. Also, there are both three-hour and refresher workshops scheduled throughout the diocese, some at our neighboring parishes, in both English and in Spanish (see the current schedule of classes).
In the past, we have had difficulty in getting everyone to comply with these requirements. And I admit that I have allowed things to slide a bit. However, I can no longer, in good conscience as your pastor, allow anyone to be in ministry here who has not fulfilled these requirements. Effective immediately, I am instituting a no tolerance policy. That means that all in ministry at Emmaus must begin to move now toward fulfillment of EIM requirements. If you have trouble accessing the online questionnaire, please contact the parish office. We will help you. Also, there are both three-hour and refresher workshops scheduled throughout the diocese, some at our neighboring parishes, in both English and in Spanish (see the current schedule of classes).
I hope that all of you will take this very seriously. If you have questions on why this must be, please watch for a letter that will be released to the parish later in September. I appreciate your patience and cooperation, and I ask that you keep in mind that there is no responsibility here more important than assuring the safety of our children and youth. And keep in mind as well, that thinking that things do not happen in this community is a serious and dangerous error.
- Fr. Samuel Hose, Pastor
- Fr. Samuel Hose, Pastor
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. These policies were revised in August 2008. All clergy and paid staff, and all volunteers working with youth and vulnerable adults, at any parish or diocesan location, are required to attend an EIM workshop every three years. In addition, that person must also complete a Secure Online Application (or submit a completed paper application through the parish office) so that a criminal record check can be done.
We highly value the many volunteers who, through their generous giving of their time, talent and treasure, enrich our communities and serve our children and vulnerable adults. Our policies ensure that their personal integrity is not questioned and that all of us are taking seriously our responsibility to shelter from harm those most vulnerable among us.
It is a both a privilege and a serious responsibility to be involved in ministry at Emmaus. For that reason, as of September 2010, our pastor, Fr. Samuel Hose, has requested that all parishioners involved in ministry need to be compliant with diocesan EIM policy and receive both a background check and EIM training.
We highly value the many volunteers who, through their generous giving of their time, talent and treasure, enrich our communities and serve our children and vulnerable adults. Our policies ensure that their personal integrity is not questioned and that all of us are taking seriously our responsibility to shelter from harm those most vulnerable among us.
It is a both a privilege and a serious responsibility to be involved in ministry at Emmaus. For that reason, as of September 2010, our pastor, Fr. Samuel Hose, has requested that all parishioners involved in ministry need to be compliant with diocesan EIM policy and receive both a background check and EIM training.