The documents of the Second Vatican Council affirmed that all members of the People of God are called to participate in the threefold ministry of Christ and the Church according to their particular gifts, their state of life, and their office. One of the ways by which the people accept greater responsibility for the pastoral work of the local church is through participation in a parish's councils and commissions. While canon law clearly lays responsibility for (and authority over) the teaching, governing, and sanctifying work of a parish upon the pastor, he relies upon the advice and assistance of parishioners in accomplishing this work, especially via the parish finance and pastoral councils.