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