The One Accompanied 97
programs and processes instead of listening and empathy. Most of the time,
the experiences of human life do not fit into easy expectations of formation.
Therefore, every community leader or staff person of Catholic institutions
should rise to the challenge of doing everything possible to accompany all
the people of God in these sensitive life experiences. Institutions must con-
sider how administrative processes appear to the outsider, and be concerned
with making them more inclusive and hospitable. Because of the varied
experiences of the people who seek the assistance of the Church, leaders
and staffs must work to accompany them in these diverse circumstances.
The person must be considered before processes and programs.
The response to people in diverse circumstances must be one that is pas-
toral and loving. Extra attention, sacrifice, and effort should especially be
extended to those with difficult life experiences so that they may encounter
God.
The “Idealism” of the Young
Many young people desire to be accompanied in the Church in order
to discern important decisions, grow in holiness, and make contributions to
the Church:
The young are constantly called to make decisions that give di-
rection to their lives; they want to be heard, acknowledged and
accompanied. Many find that their voice is not considered worth-
while or helpful in social and ecclesial circles. In various situations,
little attention is paid to their cry, especially that of the poor and
exploited, and there is a lack of adults prepared or willing to listen
to them. (Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People,
Faith and Vocational Discernment, 7)
Because of this desire of the young to be heard and accompanied, it is para-
mount for the Church to create opportunities for this to take place in Cath-
olic institutions.
Parishes especially must create opportunities for young adults to engage
faith in a relational way as a community of faith:
This is why our first task is to offer to young people an encounter
with Jesus Christ through the witness of each baptized Christian.
We must re-propose the pedagogy of Christ, calling young people