62 The Art of Accompaniment
learning. Within the context of the apostolate of accompaniment, the men-
tor also plays a role in this formation, directing them to resources and areas
of study that assists in their growth of understanding and relationship with
Christ. As the Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the
Faith, and Vocational Discernment exhorts, catechetical participation and ac-
tivity is crucial for the human being’s journey towards Christ, especially for
young people:
We must keep alive our commitment to offer ongoing, holistic
pathways that are able to integrate: living knowledge of Jesus
Christ and his Gospel, the capacity to read personal experience
and historical events in the light of faith, accompaniment for
prayer and for the celebration of the liturgy, an introduction to
Lectio Divina and support for the witness of charity and the
promotion of justice. In this way, we put forward an authentic
spirituality for the young. (Final Document of the Synod of Bishops
on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, 133)
Development of Incarnational Sense of Service and
Spirituality
For the one who is accompanied to seek guidance and wisdom through
relationships, they must be attuned to the movements of the Spirit in hu-
manity. To develop this attunement, the one accompanied grows through
serving the needs of humanity in the local community and church. In
learning to serve others, the one who is accompanied learns to see God
in all others, building up their sensitivity to the Spirit even in challenging
circumstances and increasing their service to all of God’s people.
Human Formation
In order to benefit most fruitfully from the apostolate of spiritual ac-
companiment, the one accompanied must seek to grow in self-awareness,
healthy collaboration, and the formation of life-giving relationships. Hu-
man formation aids in the building up of qualities that allow for respect-
ful, healthy, and Christ-centered relational ministry with a mentor. Human
formation also proves helpful in the one accompanied’s aim to integrate all
components of their life. In employing things such as therapy and self-re-
flection, they are more able to clearly identify areas of growth that could