76 The Art of Accompaniment
to the parish, and are encouraged to become involved in parish life, perhaps
by accompanying new parents themselves.
Confirmation of Young People
Though it occurs during different moments in the life of a young person
depending on their cultural context and diocesan norms, the sacrament of
Confirmation is always an opportunity to empower youth with ownership
of their faith. Ministry to the young needs to focus primarily on vocation.
As the Synod progressed, it became clear that youth ministry
needs a vocational slant, and that vocational pastoral care should
be directed towards all young people…. helping the young to find
their place in the Christian community. (Final Document of the
Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment,
16)
Appealing to the young person’s developing freedom and autonomy,
mentors of young people preparing for Confirmation should catechize while
also posing thoughtful questions and encouraging honest and thoughtful
responses. Spiritual accompaniment of young people should especially fo-
cus on intentional listening, witnessing, and authentically engaging their
concerns - especially concerns about the Church’s place in the modern
world. In order to accompany youth, leaders and catechists of Confirmation
preparation ministries might engage the concerns and experiences of the
young through asking questions such as, “What difference will Confirma-
tion make in your spiritual journey?”, “Do you see ways to incorporate your
faith into your daily life?”, “What gifts do you have to offer the Church
right now?”, and “What role will you play in the Church in the future?”
Youth ministers and those tasked with sacramental formation of young
people must adopt an attitude of patient listening, thereby accompanying
young people through their difficulties and joys and placing all of life in the
context of faith.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The RCIA is an area of parish life that is very well-suited for spiritual
accompaniment. Catechumens who undergo formation in the RCIA seek
both doctrinal formation and communal inclusion. The RCIA provides an