The Art of Accompaniment Book | Page 105

The One Accompanied 95 Who is involved in implementation? Depending on the context, different people may be involved in the im- plementation of accompaniment. Directors of religious education, campus ministers, seminary and religious formators, pastors and priests, catechet- ical leaders, pastoral associates, pastors, student leaders, youth ministers, those who minister with young adults, and volunteers may be included in carrying out accompaniment. Regardless of who has the lead role in im- plementing accompaniment, several levels of the church must be involved when establishing and maintaining the apostolate. Institution level At level of the parish, institution, or school where the apostolate is be- ing implemented, it is ideal to have at least one person in a leadership role. This ministry leader or committee of leaders is responsible for the intro- duction of the apostolate, identification and vetting of potential mentors, training of mentors, and also serves as the contact point between the larger parish and the ministry, as well as between mentor and the one accompa- nied if necessary. Before being introduced, accompaniment should have the support of administrators, parish councils, pastors, presidents, or directors as applicable. Local Church Level The local Church, such as deaneries or regional networks, are included in the implementation of accompaniment by supporting other area minis- tries of accompaniment, sharing resources, identifying potential mentors or those who are interested in receiving accompaniment, collaborating to provide formation to the mentor and the one accompanied, overseeing and advising institutional level accompaniment ministries, and/or establishing a region-wide or local apostolate of accompaniment. Archdiocesan/Diocesan Level The archdiocese or diocese also provides support for the implementa- tion and sustainment of accompaniment. Besides having the support of the bishop, the diocese or archdiocese provides training for mentors and minis- try leaders, gathers regional and institutional ministries of accompaniment for collaboration and reflection, provides standards for professional and