Ministry or Apostolate?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a ministry and an apostolate? Until recently, I hadn’t. These words seem like synonyms, and talking about their differences feels a bit like quibbling or semantics.

However, because we’ve forgotten the difference, most of the energy in our parishes goes toward building up ministries. But without the apostolate of the laity, the Church becomes a country club, only concerned with serving its members.

So what is an apostolate? And how does remembering help the lay faithful evangelize?

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)