Duszpasterstwo

Duszpasterstwo, or pastoral care, is the organized work of a church to guide believers in faith, morals, worship, and service. In Catholic usage, it includes catechesis, liturgical planning, sacramental ministry, and programs aimed at forming conscience and enabling charitable action.

The work operates at parish level (duszpasterstwo parafialne) and diocesan level (duszpasterstwo diecezjalne), and may extend to national or international networks. It covers areas such as families, youth, vocations, education, media outreach, and care for the sick and elderly.

It is typically led by clergy with the help of lay ministers, catechists, and volunteers. The diocesan bishop holds overall responsibility, while parish pastors coordinate programs, and commissions or teams focus on catechesis, liturgy, or charity.

Examples in Poland include Duszpasterstwo Rodzin (family ministry), Duszpasterstwo Młodzieży (youth ministry), and Duszpasterstwo Akademickie (university ministry). Similar structures exist in other countries, adapted to local culture and ecclesial needs.

Duszpasterstwo is distinct from parish administration or purely liturgical activities, though it integrates these elements. It is also used in ecumenical and interfaith contexts to describe communal spiritual formation.

Historically, pastoral care has roots in early Christian communities and was expanded and restructured in the modern era, notably after the Second Vatican Council, to emphasize catechesis, missionary outreach, and lay participation.