The One Accompanied 99
things which do not match its mission and the mission of the Gospel.
Ideals over People
Many people seek to identify themselves according to their theological,
liturgical, or spiritual preferences within the Catholic tradition. However,
the identity that God bestows on each human person takes priority over
all: “Beloved.” Catholics must seek unity, understanding, and community
with all of the people of God, but especially those who share “one Lord,
one faith, and one Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5-6). Though individual believers
must pursue beauty and truth according to the ways that most speak to
them, the behaviors, beliefs, and actions of each Catholic must reflect the
prayer of Jesus Christ “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). This involves
strengthening relationships and communities to appreciate the universality
and diversity of the Church.
Summary Thoughts
The implementation of accompaniment takes shape according to
the different contexts into which it is established. Depending on the
type of accompaniment to be implemented, parishes, schools, or in-
stitutions must intentionally plan for the apostolate’s establishment
through the support of staff, pastors, and directors, proper manage-
ment of resources, and a substantial time of prayer and discernment. In
implementing accompaniment, it is important to look for spaces and
situations in which the apostolate would already make sense and make
a fruitful contribution to the parish, school, or institution community.
All levels of the Church are involved in establishing and maintain-
ing of accompaniment. Certain obstacles must be anticipated in order
to foster a culture of accompaniment in the environments where it
is implemented. The implementation of accompaniment should be a
process that brings a parish, school, or institution closer to Christ and
reaffirms its sense of mission.