We must be faithful friends, walking with people and communities, committed to lasting relationships. They are not a project or our clients; they are our sisters and brothers. Our encounters should be genuine and ongoing; continuing to return to dialogue and serve builds trust.  We do not start engaging with people and communities unless we intend to maintain the journey. The people and communities whom we accompany should be genuinely served by us and empowered by our engagement with them. We should think carefully about how we can affect people who have experienced trauma and oppression by asking them to share their stories and by what we ask them to do. Sometimes there is nothing we can do about the challenges communities face, but we can bear witness and give encouragement to instill worth and dignity. We are conscious that we can either help people to feel that the Church is concerned about their lives, and is with them in their struggles or make them feel abandoned or alone.

Resources on Accompaniment

Talking With Elise about Accompaniment

A conversation with Elise Ganly on her accompaniment of a refugee. Growing up in Port Augusta, South…

Planning Next Steps for Cherbourg

Part 3 of a series of three conversations with Ravina Waldren, Peter Arndt and Maree Rose. After pra…

Praying About Cherbourg

Part 2 of a series of three conversations with Ravina Waldren, Peter Arndt and Maree Rose. After an …

Prayer – Accompaniment

This prayer is featured in the praying with scripture resource and reflects the pastoral theme of Ac…

Sharing Our Stories – Accompaniment

This video discussion shows a conversation on the pastoral theme of Accompaniment and what it means …

Praying with Scripture – Accompaniment

This prayer sheet provides a process for praying together with Scripture on the theme of accompanime…