"We need a Church capable of walking at people's side... a church which accompanies them on their journey" - Pope Francis. Pope Francis calls for us to be initiated into what he calls the "art of accompaniment". As a community and individually, we can extend God's love to others and walk shoulder-to-shoulder with them in life and faith. More than living in solidarity, this is about enabling the flourishing of each person's human dignity, where they can be fully themselves, belong and be deeply listened to.
Who is called to accompany? All of us... you! To accompany is to live the Christian life.
Over the past several years, Million Minutes has conducted several research pieces and identified a type of accompaniment called Adventurous Accompaniment. Million Minutes believes the Pope is inviting us into this type of accompaniment.
Join us for a 6-week practical programme starting the first week of September that explores the general principles of Adventurous Accompaniment, how to develop our listening skills and the characteristics of an accompanier, and how to walk alongside people we encounter in life and faith (e.g. in your family, your workplace, in parish ministry).
This programme is aimed at anyone who wants to develop their skills as an accompanier (including all those involved in a ministry). If you've not attended any parish courses before, this one is for you!
When is it Happening?
This Autumn term, we will be providing two offerings a week, both in-person in St Joseph's Church Hall:
Tuesday evenings, 7.30 pm (for a 7.45 pm start) - Starting 12th September, for six weeks
Wednesday mornings, 10.45 am (for an 11 am start) - Starting 13th September, for six weeks