Art of Accompaniment: Four Essential Conversations on Becoming the Kind of Parish the Church Needs Today

“Ordained ministers and other pastoral workers can make present the fragrance of Christ’s closeness and his personal gaze. The Church will have to initiate everyone—priests, religious and laity—into this ‘art of accompaniment.’”
–Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel

From his poignant description of the church as a field hospital, to proclaim­ing the need for mercy in a jubilee year and beyond, Pope Francis has spoken again and again about our need to meet people in whatever circumstances life has given them and to walk with them in compas­sion and love. In his profound exhortation on The Joy of the Gospel, he named this “the art of accompaniment.” But what exactly does Pope Francis mean by that term, and how can our parishes take up this crucial mission? In this clear and easy-to-use group reading guide, Bill Huebsch helps pastors and parishioners deepen their understanding of Pope Francis’ urgent call and explore ways to make it real in parish life. Perfect for pastors and parish leaders, including catechists, committees involved in outreach of any kind, and anyone who ministers to the Peo­ple of God.

Bill Huebsch is a well-known national speaker and Vatican II scholar. He is author of The Joy of the Gospel: A Group Reading Guide to Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium and Our Catholic Life: A Reading and Study Guide for Adult Faith Formation.