The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of the hierarchy of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands who jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States. The purpose of the Conference is to promote the greater good which the Church offers humankind, especially through forms and programs of the apostolate fittingly adapted to the circumstances of time and place. The Gospel of Christ and the teachings of his Church guide the work of the USCCB. The work of the Conference is rooted in three general mission goals and organized into three key areas of responsibility. 1. To act collaboratively and consistently on vital issues confronting the Church and society 2. To foster communion with the Church in other nations, within the Church universal, under the leadership of its supreme pastor, the Roman Pontiff 3. To offer appropriate assistance to each bishop in fulfilling his particular ministry in the local Church