12 The Art of Accompaniment
understanding and articulation, the word mentor has been used to name the
role of the one who accompanies. Most notably, mentor has been used by
the Church in the synodal process of the XV Ordinary General Assembly
of the Synod of Bishops, otherwise known as the 2018 Synod on Young
People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. This term was used by both
young adult leaders of the Church and the Synod Fathers to articulate the
need for seasoned guides who walk with the faithful in the journey towards
transformation in Christ.
The term mentor is also multi-dimensional, and speaks to the variety
of roles, gifts, and methods with which a mentor guides in the relation-
ship of accompaniment. A mentor is a leader, guide, and teacher, but is also
themselves a listener, student, and companion. Foremostly, a mentor is also
accompanied by Christ, the Model Mentor.
The One Accompanied
The less seasoned or less experienced person guided by a mentor within
the relationship of accompaniment is referred to as the one accompanied.
Unlike the Church’s recent use of a particular term for the one who accom-
panies, the terminology related to the one accompanied is less specifically
defined, welcoming reflection upon the use of diverse terms according to
the needs and expressions of particular communities within the Church. 2
The role of the one accompanied has particular characteristics which form a
basis for this reflection.
Apprenticeship and Learning
Because accompaniment is a particular style of teaching, learning,
growing into, and living the Christian life, it is itself a specific pedago-
gy. Instead of merely teaching his disciples in an intellectual sense, Jesus
models this pedagogy that sought to form his disciples in a holistic sense,
gradually guiding them to take up the practices, beliefs, attitudes, and way
of life involved in the Kingdom of God. Apprenticeship is an important way
by which one can come to a deeply held and lived faith. In the Church’s
ministry of catechesis, it leads not only to knowledge, but also to transfor-
mation and mission: “[Apprenticeship] is a ‘complete Christian initiation’,
2
Please see the appendix for opportunities for reflection and further resources.