Accompaniment in Action
How to Accompany Others on the Path to Discipleship
Before you can accompany someone well, you need to know where you’re going—and who’s leading the way.The "art of accompaniment” and is so much more than simply a way of being pastoral to those whose beliefs and behavior are at odds with the Gospel. In the hands and heart of a missionary disciple, accompaniment is a tool for walking with others as they journey into deeper relationship with Christ and the truth of the His Church.
Below, discover practical ways to walk with others as intentional missionary disciples. Whether you're a parish leader, catechist, or everyday Catholic, our accompaniment tools help you form authentic relationships that lead others to Christ.
In accompanying others, the disciple possesses a love for others and the Church by being welcoming and hospitable. The disciple must be willing to walk with others, share the Good News, and help others grow in their faith and live in solidarity with others. (Living as Missionary Disciples)
What is the Art of Accompaniment? | Tools & Templates for Accompaniment | Practicing the Art of Accompaniment
What Is The Art Accompaniment?
What does it actually mean to accompany someone in faith?
If you’ve ever wrestled with that question, or felt unsure where “accompaniment” ends and “just being nice” begins, this is for you. These articles dig into what the Church really means by accompaniment: not just walking with someone, but personal, prayerful, and relational walking toward Christ together. We explore how accompaniment flows from the heart of the Gospel, why it’s essential for making missionary disciples, and what sets it apart from other pastoral approaches.
The Popes on the Art of Accompaniment
Living the Faith: Accompaniment
Unpacking the Art Accompaniment
Looking for a guided process to help your team accompany others? We Offer Parish & Team Accompaniment Formation →
Tools & Templates for Accompaniment
You don’t have to go it alone.
Accompaniment can feel overwhelming – especially when you're not sure where to begin. That’s why we’ve curated these practical tools and downloadable resources to support you in your mission. Each one is designed to help you listen more deeply, discern more intentionally, and walk more fruitfully with others. Whether you’re preparing to share your story, lead a small group, start a mentoring relationship, or guide others through spiritual reflection, you’ll find tools that meet you where you are and empower you to take the next step.
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Practicing the Art Accompaniment
Accompaniment is not just a theory. It’s a way of being in the world.
These articles explore the “how” of accompaniment – real stories and strategies for accompanying others in your parish, school, family, or workplace. You’ll find examples rooted in everyday ministry: walking with someone questioning their faith, mentoring a young adult, journeying with a family in crisis, or creating space for healing and trust after years of hurt. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “the art of accompaniment,” this section is your field guide for bringing that vision to life right where you are.
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Confronting the Giant Gap in the Church: Better Preach Podcast Interview
In a recent guest appearance on the Better Preach podcast with Ryan O’Hara, our Executive Director Kristin Bird dug into one of the biggest pain points we see in the Church today: the massive gap
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From Coverage to Conversion: How the Conclave Can Spark Invitation
Parish, diocesan, and Catholic school leaders often feel pressure to ‘say something’ during major Church events. But what if our papal conclave coverage could do more than inform? What if it could actually evangelize?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating major Church events
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“I’m Not Catholic, But…” What Pope Francis’ Legacy Means for Evangelizers
Dear friends in mission,
As word of Pope Francis’ passing echoes around the world, I keep seeing the same pattern again and again. It's all these comments from people who don’t share our faith, but found themselves moved by his witness.
These aren’t just compliments
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Growing Through Lent: Try Accompaniment
How Accompaniment Can Help You Grow This Lent
The forty days of Lent can seem like a long time, especially if one is giving up a favorite food or video game. It's helpful to have a friend to keep us going. He or she can encourage us, challenge us, and pick us
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How to Evangelize on Ash Wednesday
Evangelizing Answers to Every Catholic's Favorite Ash Wednesday Question
We don't presume to have the right response for every situation, but there are a few suggestions below that might help give you a foundation whether the questioner is a stranger just trying to be helpful...
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Talking Turkey (and Jesus) at Thanksgiving
Fr. Dan Beeman, a priest and pastor from Norfolk, VA shared some tips on social media for navigating conversations about faith and spirituality at your Thanksgiving gatherings.
Sometimes we feel like our
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Accompaniment After Retreats, Summer Camps & Mission Trips
I spent 15 years as a youth minister taking teenagers and young adults on retreats, conferences, mission trips, and summer camps. I'm also the product of those experiences - my earliest memory of encounter with Jesus was as a teenager at a World Youth Day Mass. My inital conversion
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Practicing The Art of Accompaniment In the Midst of Scandal
What does accompaniment look like in the midst of the current crisis of abuse, cover up & scandal? It must mean first LISTENING.
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Our Lady of Sorrows: Accompaniment for the Suffering
September 15 is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In her role as Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary becomes the mother who cries with us when we are suffering.
When Simeon prohpesied at the temple that a sword would pierce her heart, did she know what that sword would be? Did that
...10 Tips for Accompaniment in a Divisive Political Climate
In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis has laid out a vision for our families, our relationships, our
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