apostolate

[ uh-pos-tl-it, -eyt ]
/ əˈpɒs tl ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

noun

the dignity or office of an apostle.
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.

Origin of apostolate

1635–45; < Late Latin apostolātus the office of an apostle, equivalent to Late Latin apostol(us) apostle + -ātus -ate3

Words nearby apostolate

apostle plant, apostle spoon, apostlebird, apostles' creed, apostles, the twelve, apostolate, apostolic, apostolic age, apostolic church, apostolic delegate, apostolic fathers

Example sentences from the Web for apostolate

British Dictionary definitions for apostolate

apostolate
/ (əˈpɒstəlɪt, -ˌleɪt) /

noun

the office, authority, or mission of an apostle