The accompanist’s guide: Walking with others on the journey of faith

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14 thoughts on “The accompanist’s guide: Walking with others on the journey of faith”

  1. Deborah G Vasquez

    I think the transition between drifter and pilgrim is part of the conversion process. We can recognize that conversion has begun by the intent to go somewhere specific–to find Jesus and follow him. The listening is a large part of whether someone remains a drifter–are we listening to their story? Everyone comes with their story but if there is no sacred, safe space to share it, they may never see that Christ has been in their story for some time. RCIA is like a mirror, they tell us their story, we reflect it back, but show how God has been there, they just didn’t see. My most recent “Aha!” or Holy Spirit prompting was as I was stressing to rush some catechumens to Easter Vigil by helping them get married in the Church. I felt the Lord say, “Stop, give them more time to get to know me!” Blessings!

    1. Thanks for sharing, Deborah. I’m so inspired by your willingness to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

  2. When I first started in initiation ministry I approached every seeker as a pilgrim and gave them a program that everyone followed to get to the destination of the Easter sacraments. As I matured (i.e. humbled myself to accompany rather than lead), I have seen the Holy Spirit bear the most fruit when I listen to and with the drifters in the slow, sometimes convoluted path of faith and deep relationship with God and the Church.

    1. Hi Lori. I did that too. I think you nailed it when you said the key is to humble ourselves to accompany rather than lead. Thanks for your thoughts.

    2. Thank you, Deborah and Lori. Our parish had been under the leadership of one who uses the classroom style of learning – for over 30years. There was no deep listening in humility. After she left, we had to restructure how we journey with the current elects and it has been a different dynamic. We (animators) have seen a paradigm shift in our relationship with the catechumens and with each other. We listen more to them and to each other and we have seen how they opened up to our sharing of the faith. Praise be to God. 🙏💖

      1. Hi Joana. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so happy for you. Thanks for your dedication to this ministry through all those years.

  3. Dolores Martinez

    I LOVE what you said about the difference between a drifter and a pilgrim. Wow! I had never given that some thought, especially in its application to the Prodigal Son. WOW, just WOW. I am going to use your analysis in future formation of team members.

  4. Thanks Nick for a great article. The idea of drifter and pilgrim really resonates with me. At the moment I’m seeing a particular demographic – young men aged in their 20s and 30s who really fit into the “drifter” category. They seem to be lacking purpose/direction. Yet, when they see other young (or older) men witnessing to their faith – and being prepared to walk with them – something inside them changes. There is a subtle shift from drifter to pilgrim. I’m praying that I have my ears and eyes open for those blessed moments. Lenten blessings to TeamRCIA.

    1. That’s a good insight, Sharon. I am guessing a lot of young men (and maybe women?) in that age group would fit into the “drifter” category. I’m glad you are attentive to those who are showing up in your life.

  5. Catherine Cornue

    What a timely article! Today, a friend stopped by for coffee and conversation. A life-long Methodist, she is unhappy with her church and is now a pilgrim, seeking a church that better meets her spiritual needs. “I could almost be a Catholic!”
    We had an honest, heartfelt discussion, led by her, and when she left, she knew that I am always here to listen. Now I leave it, so to speak, in the hands of the Spirit.
    For now, I accompany her in prayer.

    1. Wow Catherine, that’s awesome. Whatever happens, I know God was using you in that moment with your friend. Thanks for sharing your story.

  6. Sister Beth Quire, OP

    This is helpful, and your examples are good. However, breaking this open even further by giving more details as to what you consider some of the parts of accompaniment would be helpful.

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