70 The Art of Accompaniment
When is accompaniment most fruitful?
Accompaniment for General Growth in Faith
Like all methods of making disciples, the apostolate of accompaniment
is oriented towards a growth in mature faith. Accompaniment is a meth-
od well-disposed to nurture a growth in mature faith; it necessitates an
intimacy between the mentor and the one accompanied. Through this in-
timacy, the one accompanied can come to recognize areas of improvement,
identify gifts, and receive guidance in living a life of conversion towards
Jesus Christ. The nature of the relationship of accompaniment provides a
context in which those accompanied can become more aware of the action
of God in their lives through the wisdom of their mentors. The apostolate
of accompaniment serves the objective of growth in faith through a sharing
of prayer, reflection, and discernment between mentors and those accompa-
nied in a practice of spiritual friendship and intimacy.
Because growth in faith refers to an all-encompassing endeavor of hu-
man life, the apostolate of accompaniment must assist the one accompanied
in “seeking first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) in all aspects of their
life. Accompaniment, therefore, must foster holistic development in the un-
derstanding of the teachings of the Church, an increased love for and active
participation in the liturgical life of the Church, a well-formed conscience,
a rich and life-giving prayer life, a sense of responsibility for neighbor and
community, and a missionary and evangelizing spirit (National Directory for
Catechesis, #20). All of these tasks of the apostolate of accompaniment are
taught through the life, guidance, and witness of the mentor, and actively
discerned and implemented by the one accompanied. Practically, the apos-
tolate of accompaniment is helpful in accomplishing growth in faith in the
lives of Christian young adults and adults who seek deeper connection to
Christ and the Church. Therefore, it is able to be implemented in any set-
ting in which active Christian adults seek accompaniment.
Since the goal of growing in faith is a more general objective of ac-
companiment, it can be carried out in a multitude of ways. To provide ac-
companiment for the Christians in their community, Catholic parishes,
schools, and institutions can deliver this ministry in collaboration or as an
outgrowth of other ministries or groups, such as faith-sharing groups, aca-
demic cohorts, bible studies, or student organizations. Additionally, general