This phase of our Vocation Process invites a man to initially examine his understanding of a Marist religious vocation. Accompanied regularly by a Marist Brother through personal and electronic means, it is hoped that he would learn how the discernment process can be part of his life. While Accompaniment is a flexible time, it also could include community and ministry visits, and “Come and See” retreat experiences with the Marist Brothers. Accompaniment can last for a few years during which time he can be invited to move into DISCERNMENT.

From the Accompaniment members themselves...

"So, why did I join Accompaniment? I joined Accompaniment to grow spiritually and help see if becoming a Marist Brother is part of God’s plan for me. I thank God that I am able to begin this process now in my life, where I can identify where I am going, and where I want to be." – Mike, college student

"I'm trying to be open to God's will for my life as I enter into adulthood. I joined Accompaniment to better understand the Marist Brothers so I can decide if this is where God is calling me." – Sam, college student

“I joined Accompaniment because I want to get a more in depth view of what being a Marist Brother is." – Bernardo, college student

“Accompaniment allows me to touch base with the Marist Brothers, helping me to know if this is God's call for me." – Miguel, college student

“Accompaniment allows the Marist Brothers to connect on a much more personal level with young men who have been brought up in the Marist tradition and wish to maintain a relationship with the Brothers… it allows me to maintain Marist ideals and pursue Marist life if that is what I am called to." – Joey, college student

“The reason as to why I joined Accompaniment was to keep that Marist fire alive in me.  Each week I still contemplate about where I will be in 5 to 10 years.  Sometimes I tell myself that I will have a steady job with a family, but other times I tell myself that I will be putting all of my effort and energy into serving God as best as I can without a family.  Becoming a Marist Brother is still a thought for me and I know that it is a process.” – Stephan, college student

“I joined Accompaniment to have a spiritual guide to keep me on track and focused. Having the Marist Brothers available at anytime to speak with is truly a blessing." – Gabriel, college student

“The reason I am in Accompaniment is because I feel like God has a calling for every individual person. Some people find out what God wants them to be early in their lives. I, on the other hand, have not found that calling and am hoping that one of the many things that I am involved in happens to be that calling. Since God and the Marist Brothers have been such a big influence in my life, maybe God is steering me in that direction. The Brothers have helped me through so many things in my life… maybe God wants me to do the same thing for others." – Bryant, college student

"I have joined Accompaniment because I feel that God has given me so much, namely everything, that it is only logical to dedicate my entire life to Him.  I believe the religious life is a particularly great way to do this.  The Marist Brothers do so much great work of value for God's young people through their beautiful service in education." – Chris, college graduate

“I joined Accompaniment because I feel the call to Marist life. But I don't know exactly what this call is leading me towards because I have questions within me. Its comforting to have the Brothers there to help me find the answers.” – Joe, college student

MARIST ACCOMPANIMENT RETREATS and VISITS in 2009
Marist Accompaniment affords college age men the opportunity to remain connected to Marist religious life as they move through their discernment. Accompaniment invites young men to continue keeping the Marist dream alive in their hearts by providing venues for reflection and conversation about the discernment process, their understanding of the Marist charism, and how the Lord might be calling them to become Marist Brothers.

TEXAS ACCOMPANIMENT MEMBERS, BERNARDO and MIGUEL met with Bro. Mike Sheerin for an afternoon of reflection in June.
BERNARDO	MIQUEL

FLORIDA ACCOMPANIMENT MEMBERS, BRYANT, JOSE, GABRIEL, and CHRIS met with Bro. Mike in July.
JOEY	BRO. MIKE	GABE	BRYANT
CHRIS

Joe, our NEW YORK ACCOMPANIMENT MEMBER, met up with Bro. Mike in August.

JOE

May God continue to bless these young men as they continue their discernment. OHIO ACCOMPANIMENT MEMBER, SAM, was visited by Bro. Mike in the spring semester and we welcome our newest member, MIKE, from CHICAGO. If you are of college age and interested in exploring how Marist Accompaniment would be beneficial to your discernment to possibly becoming a Marist Brother, please contact Bro. Mike Sheerin at vocations@maristbr.com. You have nothing to lose!