apostolate

[ uh-pos-tl-it, -eyt ]

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.

apostolate

/ -ˌleɪt; əˈpɒstəlɪt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostolate¹

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

Example Sentences

It “is not recognized as a Church apostolate” and lacks authorization to promote itself as Catholic, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit, in whose territory it is based.

From Seattle Times

It “is not recognized as a Church apostolate” and lacks authorization to promote itself as Catholic, according to a 2020 statement by the Archdiocese of Detroit, in whose territory it is based.

From Seattle Times

These days, Voris describes the website as an apostolate trying to preserve authentic Catholicism in the face of a church hierarchy he describes as an "international crime syndicate" run by a gay cabal.

From Salon

Conference of Catholic Bishops and Courage International, a Catholic apostolate to persons with same-sex attraction for comment.

From Washington Times

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

From Fox News