50 The Art of Accompaniment
All forms of community must ensure that “The community of faith... does
not remain focused on itself, but instead sends disciples out on mission”
(Living as Missionary Disciples, 17).
The apostolate of mentors is sustained by the accompanying presence of
community:
It is therefore the community as a whole that is the prime subject
of accompaniment, precisely because in its heart it develops that
drama of relationships that can support the person on his journey
and furnish him with points of reference and orientation. (Final
Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Voca-
tional Discernment, 92)
Mentors are formed by the community as a result of encountering diverse
groups of people, listening to different perspectives, seeking guidance from
others, and worshipping and seeking Christ amongst the family of the chil-
dren of God. To enter into the apostolate of accompaniment, it is helpful for
mentors to seek the support and authorization of their parish, institution,
seminary, convent, or monastery so that they can provide competent, cred-
ible, and fruitful service to the Church.
Central to communal formation is prayer:
By prayer, community is created as well as expressed.
(Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual
Life)
In learning to draw life from praying with and for a community, mentors
are formed in a style of accompaniment that “seek[s] first the Kingdom of
God” (Matthew 6:33) through dependence on God to help them fulfill
their call faithfully. In prayer, mentors listen to the Spirit both in solitude
and in the voices of others in their community, which is “brought together
by the work of the Holy Spirit” (Living as Missionary Disciples, 16).
Functions of a mentor
The Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the
Faith, and Vocational Discernment states: