apostolate

American  

[uh-pos-tl-it, -eyt] / əˈpɒs tl ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

noun

1. the dignity or office of an apostle.

2. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. the dignity and office of the pope as head of the Apostolic See.

   2. the mission of bishops in their dioceses.

   3. an organization of the laity devoted to the mission of the Church.

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apostolate British  

/ -ˌleɪt, əˈpɒstəlɪt /

noun

1. the office, authority, or mission of an apostle

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Etymology

Origin of apostolate

1635–45; < Late Latin apostolātus the office of an apostle, equivalent to Late Latin apostol ( us ) apostle + -ātus -ate ³

Explanation

An apostolate is a group of people dedicated to spreading the doctrine of a particular religion, especially Catholicism. The word apostolate also refers to their evangelistic mission. In modern times, the word apostolate is mainly used for a Catholic or Anglican lay ministry — those people who are elected or selected by the church to perform certain duties, but who are not ordained ministers of the church. The word apostolate is derived from the word apostle, which comes from a Greek root meaning "send forth." The 12 Biblical apostles, who spread the messages of Jesus, formed the original apostolate.

Example Sentences

While it is easy to believe that Musk thinks of himself in messianic terms, there’s no reason why the rest of us should rush to join his apostolate.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2022

But it's one that every apostolate and every business, large and small, is working through at the present time.

From Fox News • Apr. 19, 2020

I thank you for prayers and work, and the daily sacrifices you make in the various areas of your apostolate.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2015

"The whole lay apostolate," Callahan warns, "could simply wither away to a feeble, insignificant movement, of little consequence to the ongoing life of the Church."

From Time Magazine Archive

So the notion of formal or constitutional authority attaching to the apostolate, in its various senses, is an anachronism for the apostolic age.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various