The mission, office, or work of an apostle; apostolic activity or a body of people engaged in apostolic work.
From Late Latin apostolatus, derived from apostolus (apostle) + -ate (suffix denoting office or position). The term emphasizes the active mission and authority of apostles.
Catholic religious organizations call themselves 'apostolates' to claim they're continuing apostolic work—there are Apostolates for Media, for Life, for Families—each one borrowing the original apostles' authority to validate contemporary religious activism.
Apostolate (papal/institutional leadership) historically restricted to men; theological language conflated male celibacy with apostolic authority from medieval period forward.
Use 'apostolic ministry' or 'apostolic work' for gender-neutral reference; 'apostolate' is acceptable when accuracy requires it.
["apostolic ministry","apostolic work","apostolic service"]
Women have exercised apostolic ministries throughout Christian history; language should not reinforce institutional male monopoly.
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