The One Accompanied 93
must both orient participants towards the priesthood and integrate their
past experiences:
Seminaries and houses of formation are most important places
in which the young who are called to the priesthood and to the
consecrated life can deepen their vocational choice and can mature
in discipleship. Sometimes these settings do not take sufficient
account of the candidates’ previous experience, underestimating its
importance. This blocks the person’s growth and risks giving rise
to the adoption of formal attitudes rather than the development of
God’s gifts and profound conversion of the heart. (Final Document
of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discern-
ment, 20)
Ministerial Preparation Programs
Since accompaniment is a holistic apostolate aimed at growth, it is bene-
ficial to prepare both lay and ordained ministers. With the help of a mentor,
the one accompanied can not only grow in skill and practice of ministry, but
also cultivate an overall progression of faith and holiness through theolog-
ical reflection, prayer, interpreting significant ministerial experiences, and
the integration of the call to ministry in the life of the one accompanied.
In preparation for lay or ordained ministry, accompaniment serves as
a way in which those accompanied can learn through praxis. Under the
guidance of a more seasoned minister, those accompanied can gradually
be introduced to the joys and challenges of professional ministry. In this
way, they become accustomed to the realities of serving the Church, and
are more properly equipped to assume leadership roles after a period of
accompaniment:
A mentor passes on more than skills. He or she presents an under-
standing of the particular culture in which the ministry will take
place, including the challenges and the opportunities. The mentor
helps the prospective minister to develop realistic expectations
about ministry, including the limits of what can be accomplished.
This can prevent the burnout that results when actual experience
fails to meet expectations. By sharing their own stories of progress
and accomplishments, sacrifices and frustrations, mentors prepare
new ministers to make an informed commitment to ministry.
(Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, 29-30)