Accompaniment
As the Lord draws a young woman more deeply to Himself, she needs loving accompaniment to help her respond to the Divine Bridegroom.
No woman should feel alone as she seeks to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. The journey into religious life is often filled with obstacles to overcome, both within and without. During this time, the accompaniment of others can make all the difference.
What does it look like?
Accompaniment through vocational discernment can be as formal as spiritual direction and as informal as coffee at a kitchen island with kids running around.
We’ve put together some ideas for you to draw from in your community.
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As a girl grows up, her parents, teachers, and other adults in her life are important guide posts along the way as her faith blossoms into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
From an early age, you can show children the beauty of religious life and encourage them to say “yes” to God’s plan.
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Never underestimate the power of a community where someone is loved and engaged in a Sacramental life. Do everything you can to build Catholic community life in your area. Here are just a few examples:
Kansas City: City on a Hill
Milwaukee: Brew City Catholic
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As long as we live in a broken world, we are all in need of healing. Resources abound to help support women as they engage their heart at a deeper level.
Podcasts:
Books:
-Be Healed and Be Restored, both by Dr. Bob Schuchts
Ministries:
Other supports include group therapy, individual counseling, and recovery meetings.
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Invite and form prayerful, mature women to serve as guides for young women who reach out with an openness to discerning religious life.
You can explore formation opportunities below.
Institute for Ministry Formation: Art of Accompaniment course
Programs from the Avila Institute
John Paul II Healing Center books, teachings, and retreats
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Develop a system for maintaining contact with women who attend events, express interest, etc. Be sure to follow up with them.
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Develop an updated list of priests and trained spiritual directors (local, and/or virtual) as a resource for who are actively engaging the discernment process.
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Help support women choosing to live in community. The support of a priest and female mentor go a long way. This doesn’t have to be specifically geared toward women in discernment to be effective.
Some tools are available for household formation from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.