MOOC COURSE

Introduction to Spiritual Accompaniment

Accompanying people on their journey of faith

An introductory pathway to understand the nature, aims and dynamics of spiritual accompaniment.

100% online

150 €

3 months

Italian

1 ECTS

Why choose this course

Understanding the value of accompaniment

A relationship that serves spiritual growth

Spiritual accompaniment is an ecclesial ministry in which a person experienced in Christian life helps another person grow in faith and live more fully the life received in Baptism.

The course offers an initial introduction to the nature of spiritual accompaniment, its aims and the characteristics of the relationship between the spiritual guide and the person being accompanied.

To accompany someone means helping them recognise and follow God’s action in their own life.

Who it is for

This pathway is designed for you if…

You wish to deepen your spiritual life

You want to better understand the meaning and role of accompaniment in the Christian journey.

You accompany other people

You are involved in educational, pastoral or accompaniment activities and wish to acquire clearer criteria for your service.

You work in education or formation

You are an educator, trainer, catechist or community leader and want to explore an important dimension of the Christian educational relationship.

You want to study flexibly

You seek a fully online pathway that you can access independently and organise at your own pace.

Course programme

A pathway in three units

Unit 1

What is spiritual accompaniment?

The first unit introduces the meaning of spiritual accompaniment as an ecclesial ministry of support.

You will explore two complementary definitions, its purpose, its immediate objective and the value it can have in the life of someone who wishes to grow in faith. By the end of the unit, you will understand why spiritual accompaniment can be an important support in the journey of the baptised person.

Unit 2

The spiritual guide: faithful to God and to the person being accompanied

The second unit explores the Trinitarian roots of spiritual accompaniment, linking them to Baptism and communion with God. It also examines the role of the spiritual guide, a man or woman called to become progressively conformed to Christ and to carry out this service with humility and dedication.

Unit 3

The spiritual accompaniment meeting

The third unit addresses the accompaniment meeting in practical terms as a structured dialogue with specific content and pedagogical conditions.

The aim is to understand how the spiritual guide can support the person being accompanied in growing in Christian maturity, holiness, openness to the Holy Spirit, knowledge of Jesus and communion with God.

Methodology

An independent, clear and progressive pathway

The course takes place entirely online through Canvas and can be followed at your own pace during the three months of access.

Video lessons, transcripts, concise presentations and tests progressively guide students in understanding the content and allow them to monitor their learning progress.

The three units form a progressive pathway: from understanding the nature of spiritual accompaniment, through the role of the spiritual guide, to the practical dynamics of the meeting.

Discover APRAonline’s teaching model →

The professor

Prof. Angela Tagliafico

Upon completing the pathway

Earn 1 ECTS credit

After completing the three units and passing the final assessment, you will receive the official document provided for by the course, awarding 1 ECTS credit.

The pathway involves a total workload of approximately 25–30 hours, including video lessons, independent study, teaching materials and assessment activities.

Learn to accompany others with greater awareness

Explore the meaning of spiritual accompaniment and acquire criteria to better understand the relationship between the spiritual guide, the person being accompanied and the action of the Holy Spirit.

Enrol in the course