The One Accompanied 89
relationship of accompaniment, but also through the assistance and care of
a mental health professional or similar counselor.
Accompaniment in High Schools and Universities
High schools and universities are environments filled with hope for the
future and opportunities for human formation. In Catholic institutions, the
goal of education is the formation of the intellect and will. This objective
also includes the pursuit of sanctity above all, making them privileged en-
vironments for accompaniment:
The Church’s educational institutions are undoubtedly a communal
setting for accompaniment; they can offer guidance to many young
people, especially when they ‘seek to welcome all young people,
regardless of their religious choices, cultural origins and personal,
family or social situations.’ (Christus Vivit, 247)
St. Irenaeus says, “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of
man is the vision of God.” This fullness of life includes robust intellectual
formation, but it also includes knowing and being known by others within
a community. At the risk of prioritizing achievement over accompaniment,
schools and universities can consider how they are accompanying their stu-
dents to be “fully alive.” Spiritual accompaniment in high schools and uni-
versities can occur through campus ministry programs, but it must also take
place in the classroom.
In the spirit of Catholic education, Catholic schools and universities
should seek to care for the person of the student first and foremost before
their academic or professional success. This care for the human person can
take the form of moments or relationships of accompaniment. Teachers,
professors, and staff members can be formed in how to accompany their stu-
dents by being trained in the art of listening, guidance, and encouragement.
Teachers and professors who accompany their students can do so through
occasional visits and conversation, or through an established relationship
that involves a periodic meetings and check-ins. For many students, the care
of a teacher or professor brings humanity to the school environment that is
often highly competitive and causes stress.
High schools and universities should make an effort to help their stu-
dents engage their vocations. Accompaniment is a practice well-disposed to