Apostolates

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Lay apostolate. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2011.

Apostolates are organizations of the Catholic laity devoted to the mission of the Catholic Church.

Explanation

Most understand the term "apostolate" to be synonymous with the term ministry, or outreach, such as "youth ministry."

Within Catholic theology, "ministry" pertains to the administration of a sacrament; or the celebration of liturgy and all that pertains to the liturgical functioning of the Church and as such is specific to those with Holy Orders. Laity have a different role, namely, to spread the truth of the Catholic faith in the secular world through whatever means they can^[1] - this is properly called an apostolate. Examples of apostolates are Catholic Answers and Real Catholic TV which are both organizations run by laity whose mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Catholicism in the world.

See also Christian ministry, as age-specific ministry, creative and performing arts, community service and outreach.

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1. ^ Pope Paul VI (November 18,1965). "Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity Apostolicam Actuositatem". http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html.