The Ministry of Accompaniment

To celebrate a loved one’s birthday this past weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to southeast Michigan and partake in a winery / brewery tour. JJ, our guide for the day, coordinated our travel through the area, shared information on the history of the region, discussed the types of grapes and hops being grown, noted how the last few winters (prior to this one) were really hard on the industry, and was a general wealth of knowledge. More than that, though, he knew the places we were going and the people we were meeting – the wine and brew masters at each location. JJ offered our group, in his own way, accompaniment.

Reflecting on this weekend away from Chicago, I realized that the accompaniment JJ offered us is not that different from that which we strive to offer to the students entrusted to our care at the Darst Center. We too share information on the history of the region. We too discuss how outside factors like the climate – both political and geological – affect the people of the city. We too try to bring some level of knowledge to the issues in which we collectively engage. And like JJ, we strive to be in relationship with the staff and clients of our partner agencies, journeying together to consider our part in creating a more just society.

It’s been about a month and a half since I entered into the role of Executive Director here at the Darst Center. And while I am certainly still learning how many different documents must be filed each year that are each called the “annual report” and how many different companies it actually takes to keep the lights on and the heat running, I pray that those things never overshadow what I see as one of my primary duty at the Darst Center – to accompany.  While I may not have the opportunity to directly accompany students to our partner agencies as often as I used to, I now have the chance to accompany board members, especially those who may be new to the board, into the life of the Center. I have the chance to accompany the staff into a deeper understanding of our own mission and heritage as a ministry founded by the Lasallian Christian Brothers with generous support of the Sisters of Mercy. I have the chance to accompany the long term volunteers in their paths of discernment. I have the chance to accompany and steward those who support the mission of the Center through gifts of their time, talent, and treasure. And I have found, already, that there are many who have reached out to accompany me on this journey, leading the Darst Center into the future. I am most grateful to have been selected to be in this role and I will do my best – after filing the reports and paying the bills – to walk with those who believe in the Br. David Darst Center and those who live its mission at their core.

Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever

–Keith Donovan