Lipiec, Dariusz (Wydawnictwo Towarzystwa Naukowego Katolickiego Uniwersytetu Lubelskiego, 2007)
According to John Paul II, the pastoral function, aside to the magisterial and sacerdotal functions, belongs to the basic functions to make the Church present. The pastoral function of the priest has its Christological and ecclesiological grounds. Holding the pastoral function consists in participating in the pastoral office of Jesus Christ, the Head and Pastor of the Church. The essence of the pastoral function is to govern church community in the spirit of love and service. The pastoral function should be carried out in a close contact with a bishop, who is the keystone of the unity of the particular Church.
