Those Responsible for Pastoral Care
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the concept of pastoral care in the Church and those responsible for it, explaining that pastoral work is not the responsibility of one person only, but rather a shared service in which the bishop, priests, servants, and all bodies working in the Church and society participate.
Responsibility of Pastoral Care in the Church
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the shepherd in the church concept is the bishop who received in his ordination the responsibility of pastoral care. The episcopal rank includes all its degrees such as bishop, metropolitan, and patriarch. However, the bishop does not serve alone, but is assisted by priests who care for the people in their different service areas.
The Role of Priests and Servants
Priests participate in pastoral work together with groups of deacons and servants, and each of them carries responsibility for care within the limits of his service. Sunday School and the various church activities also participate in this work through teaching, visitation, and social services.
Diversity of Service Fields
Pastoral service extends to include many fields such as:
- Caring for the poor and the needy
- Health care service
- Education and cultural teaching
- Caring for the blind and the deaf
- Caring for children and the elderly
Charitable associations also participate in this work through serving society and providing assistance.
The Importance of Coordination and Cooperation
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the success of pastoral work depends on coordination and cooperation between the Church and the various associations and organizations. Pastoral care should not be based on competition or conflict, but on integration in work and service.
True Spiritual Leadership
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that leadership in service does not mean control or imposing opinions, but rather responsibility and understanding with others. Pastoral decisions should come from dialogue and mutual understanding rather than authority.
The Spirit of Shared Service
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls for working in a spirit of participation, because pastoral work includes many bodies and services that cannot be done by one person alone. Therefore, cooperation and humility are the foundation for the success of service and for building the body of the Church.
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