The One Accompanied 65
Evangelizer
If one is properly accompanied, they are formed for mission. In com-
ing to a deeper understanding of their faith, a renewed commitment to a
relationship with Christ, and a strengthened bond with the Church, the
one accompanied becomes an evangelizer, responsible for their individual
role in carrying out the mission of the Church. The apostolate of accom-
paniment essentially forms the one accompanied to become a missionary
disciple after encountering Christ and being supported by the mentor and
Christian community:
As they get to know and love the Lord, disciples experience the
need to share with others their joy by proclaiming Jesus Christ, not
just with words, but also through service to those most in need.
This is what it means to build the Kingdom of God and to be a
missionary disciple. (Living as Missionary Disciples, 17)
Summary Thoughts
In the apostolate of accompaniment, both mentors and those
accompanied must have distinct qualities that allow them to be
well-suited to the apostolate of intentional relationship. To shape
these qualities and grow in discipleship, mentors and those accompa-
nied should commit themselves to intentional formation both in and
outside the accompanying relationship. Finally, though each individ-
ual relationship of accompaniment will be unique with particular joys
and challenges, each relationship calls mentors and those accompa-
nied to certain roles according to their call to mission and discipleship.
Through prayer, a sense of mission, friendship, love, and commitment,
the mentor and the one accompanied welcome the Holy Spirit into
their midst, who builds them up in holiness and love of Christ and his
Church.