Who is involved in the apostolate of accompaniment? 43
to represent Christ to humanity” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 57). As part of being
“ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20), mentors must witness to their own
belief in Jesus Christ in their own lives through “increasing understanding
of the revealed word of God, making it their own by meditation and giving
it expression in their speech and in their lives” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 57).
Therefore, pastoral formation cultivates a mentor’s ability to express Christ
both in their own life and relationships with others.
Concretely, pastoral formation trains mentors to relate to others in a
Christlike way through behaviors that witness to the love of God:
Pastoral leaders, through their own behavior, lead and inspire oth-
ers through an engaging vision, personal witness, and commitment
as missionary disciples. (Living as Missionary Disciples, 24)
Pastoral formation involves cultivating Christlike behavior in things such
as conflict resolution, communication skills, sensitivity to minority popula-
tions, boundary setting, basic crisis intervention, and active listening.
In addition to cultivation of Christlike behaviors, pastoral formation
also includes formation in being a leader of community prayer and preach-
ing (Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, 47). Mentors must be comfort-
able as a spiritual leader relative to their role in the Church. Mentors who
are ordained are both formed and form others by providing access to the
sacraments in the apostolate of accompaniment. Additionally, mentors who
are not are ordained are both formed and form others by preaching, lead-
ing prayer, and participating with familiarity in the sacramental life of the
Church.
Pastoral formation necessarily involves the mentor’s relationship with
the Church. As one who is actively engaging in their own formation, a
mentor is knowledgeable about church teaching and witnesses to the faith
through their own life:
A pastoral leader is in full communion with the Catholic Church,
is able to minister joyfully and faithfully, and has a desire and
willingness to accompany others on the spiritual journey to-
ward Christ while living and teaching as the Church does.
(Living as Missionary Disciples, 24)