86 The Art of Accompaniment
the apostolate of accompaniment, charging the faithful to carry it out be-
yond the parish grounds. Because accompaniment is an apostolate and is
applicable in many situations, it can flourish both inside and outside of for-
mal ministries or programs.
Accompaniment for those with Particular Circumstances
Catholic parishes, institutions, communities, and individuals can also
offer meaningful opportunities for accompaniment through particular life
stages. The different seasons of life are opportunities to grow in holiness
according to their unique challenges and joys. Accompaniment affirms the
grace to be found in these ordinary and extraordinary opportunities. When
walking with those accompanied in particular circumstances, the mentor
guides those they accompany to see that grace abounds in every stage and
season of life:
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every
affair under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 1:3)
Parents of Adult Children and Grandparents
Parents who are adjusting to life as “empty nesters,” or learning how to
parent adult children can benefit from relationships of accompaniment. To
these parents, an accompanying relationship can offer a space of listening,
finding God in these new circumstances, considering ways to support their
adult children, and learning how to use their time differently in their new
role. These parents can especially benefit from a communal style of accom-
paniment in order to share experiences and friendship with other parents.
Grandparents can also benefit from accompaniment. In the unique
stage of old age, a relationship of accompaniment allows a space of reflec-
tion upon life experiences, the cultivation of wisdom, and the ability to look
with eyes of hope upon the present and the future. As Pope Francis articu-
lates, older life is itself a vocation:
He calls us to follow Him in every age of life, and old age has a
grace and a mission too, a true vocation from the Lord. Old age is
a vocation. It is not yet time to “pull in the oars”. This period of life
is different from those before, there is no doubt; we even have to
somewhat “invent it ourselves”, because our societies are not ready,