apostolate

The priest's apostolate involves visiting the sick and elderly in the community.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The office or mission of an apostle: "apostolate" refers to the role, function, or period of activity of an apostle, especially in a religious context.
   • A dedicated missionary or reformatory work: In broader usage, "apostolate" denotes a zealous or organized effort to promote a cause, particularly a religious or social reform movement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He dedicated his life to the apostolate in rural villages. (He devoted himself to the missionary work of spreading religious teachings.)
  • The organization’s apostolate focused on education and healthcare. (Its dedicated mission aimed at promoting social welfare.)

Advanced Usage

• "lay apostolate": the work of non-clergy members in spreading religious or charitable activities.

  • Many laypeople engage in the lay apostolate through community service. (Ordinary members participate in the mission of the church.)

• "the apostolate of the press": the use of media to promote religious or moral teachings.

  • The Catholic newspaper was part of the apostolate of the press. (It was a means of spreading the faith through publications.)

Variants and Related Words

• Apostolic (adj): relating to the apostles or their teachings.

  • The apostolic tradition is central to Christian doctrine. (The tradition derived from the apostles.)

• Apostle (n): a person sent on a mission, especially one of the original followers of Jesus.

  • He was considered an apostle of peace. (A dedicated promoter of peace.)

Synonyms

• Mission: a task or calling with a specific purpose.
• Vocation: a strong sense of suitability for a particular career or occupation, especially a religious one.
• Crusade: a vigorous campaign for a cause.

Related Idioms