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.