What is Accompaniment? 15
Mentoring
Mentoring resembles coaching or training one another in various as-
pects of faith or life. This type of relationship might include either informal
or formal spiritual direction or catechetical instruction, as in the RCIA
process. The recent Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational
Discernment also names social mentoring, or forming others in the social
teaching of the Church as an important form of mentoring
In society and in ecclesial communities that are ever more inter-
cultural and multireligious, there is need for accompaniment that
focuses specifically on relationship with diversity, that sees it as a
mutual enrichment and as a possibility for fraternal communion,
against the twofold temptation of retreating within one’s own
identity and of relativism. (Final Document of the Synod of Bishops
on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, 94)
Mentoring can also include activities or endeavors outside spirituality or
faith:
Accompaniment cannot limit itself to the path of spiritual growth
and to the practices of the Christian life. Equally fruitful is
accompaniment along the path of gradual assumption of responsi-
bilities within society, for example in the professional sphere or in
socio-political engagement. (Final Document of the Synod of Bishops
on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, 94)
Because of its holistic character, accompaniment that emphasizes mentor-
ing in careers, hobbies, or lifestyles is capable of evangelizing and forming
towards mission. For example, mentoring is helpful in developing leader-
ship qualities, problem-solving skills, and specific habits; relationships es-
tablished as intentional relationships of accompaniment with more seasoned
co-workers, life or health coaches, or those who share similar interests can
be means of evangelization, holiness, and mission. Mentoring, when used
as a dimension of accompaniment, fosters growth in holiness through ev-
eryday circumstances and interests.