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

Example Sentences

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

From Fox News

But a more important factor might be that lay apostolates and independent Catholic schools are proliferating, and Catholics have become likelier to donate to these smaller operations with their more easily identifiable ministries.

From Washington Post

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

From Los Angeles Times

The apostolate provides immigration services for the Hispanic community, Eads said, mostly filling out paperwork and petitions to bring family into the U.S.

From Washington Times

The Schoenstatt movement has been growing steadily in the D.C. area, where there are about 200 formal members and 2,000 more loosely affiliated apostolates.

From Washington Post