The Art of Accompaniment
The art of accompaniment is being a traveling companion who journeys with others in the process of formation and maturity in the Christian life in constant openness and docility to the Holy Spirit (General Directory for Catechesis, para 113, c). The concept of the “art of accompaniment” comes from Pope Francis’s letter, Joy of the Gospel. He says there:
The Church will have to initiate everyone — priests, religious and laity — into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life. (169)
A Meditation on Accompaniment
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a great example of Jesus’ art of accompaniment and a model for the role of catechists and teachers. Meditate on this story using the simple process below.
Read
Begin by reading the “Road to Emmaus” in the Gospel according to Luke 24:13-35 in your Bible or online at . Read the Scripture passage slowly and purposefully. Reflect on it silently for a few minutes to pray with it and to ponder what it might be saying.
Meditate
Read it a second time followed by a few minutes of silence. How is this passage speaking to you as a catechist or teacher? Discover a word or two from the passage that is echoing in your heart or stands out for you in any way. What does the word or phrase you have chosen mean to you today?
Pray
What do you want to communicate to God? What emotions do you want to express to God? Ask God to strengthen you for your ministry?
Act
What is God calling you to do now? How is the Emmaus story challenge you to grow? What is the next step you need to take?
Closing Prayer
Lord God,
source of all wisdom and knowledge,
you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us
and to proclaim your message of faith, hope, and love to all nations.
In your goodness, bless all of us who have offered ourselvesas catechists and teachers for your Church.
Strengthen us with your gifts
that we may teach by word and by example
the truth that comes from you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.
Final Steps
Congratulations! You have completed the module on The Ministry of the Catechists! If you are a Catholic school teacher, or a parish catechist/minister, please click on the appropriate link below for further instructions.
For Catholic School Teachers
You have completed this module – a milestone on your Emmaus. Please notify your school principal or high school department chair to let them know of your completion of this module. It will be added to your personnel file. If you would like to work on another module, please return to the My Emmaus Home Page.
For Catechists and Parish Ministers
If you would like to work on another module, please return to the My Emmaus Home Page.