94 The Art of Accompaniment
Accompaniment not only provides preparation for ministry, but also fosters
practices that allow new ministers to remain in ministry because of their
awareness of its realities.
How is this implemented?
In order to implement spiritual accompaniment in these various spheres
of community, institutional investment must be cultivated in the idea, mis-
sion, and practice of spiritual accompaniment. This involves creating a cul-
ture of accompaniment throughout the whole institution. The varieties of
relationships, such as pairs, small groups, and entire ministries, must be
supported by entire communities if spiritual accompaniment is to bear last-
ing fruit. The goal of implementation of spiritual accompaniment must be
animated by a single vision shared by all in the institutional community.
This can happen in formal and informal ways.
Concretely, leaders can provide formation days for parish teams, teach-
ers, and other leaders that present the essential details and benefits of spir-
itual accompaniment. These days should begin by presenting God as the
model of one who accompanies, the traits of mentors, and the theory of
spiritual accompaniment.
If leaders of institutions are formed in the ways of spiritual accompani-
ment, this formation can be passed down implicitly and explicitly to parish-
ioners, students, parents, and everyone involved in these communities. This
passing down of formation shapes every person in the community in the
responsibility and duty of spiritual accompaniment of one another in faith.
Primary leaders of these communities must take initiative in creating
a culture of spiritual accompaniment. Pastors, principals, rectors, parents,
and directors must also invite others to this responsibility. To create this
culture and extend this invitation, leaders of communities must be witness-
es to accompaniment in their own lived behavior.
Practically, it may also be beneficial to employ a leader whose main
responsibility is the implementation and maintenance of a culture and apos-
tolate of accompaniment within the institutional community. Similarly, in-
stitutions can intentionally form volunteers to carry out accompaniment.