The Catechism in Questions & Answers

692. Is the task of providing pastoral care only reserved for the ministers?

In an expanded sense, pastoral care is also a task for the entire congregation. It also relates to practical help in life. Here the words of Jesus apply: “...for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. [...] inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25: 35-36, 40).