Apostolates

An apostolate is a Christian organization or a movement “directed to serving and evangelizing the world”, most often associated with the Catholic Church. In more general usage, an apostolate is an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of religiosity, faith and spirituality. The word apostolate comes from the Greek word apostello, which means to “send forth” or “to dispatch”. The Christian origin of the word comes from the twelve apostles who were selected by Christ; they had a “special vocation, a formal appointment of the Lord to a determined office, with connected authority and duties”. An apostolate can be a Christian organization made up of the laity or of a specific Christian religious order.

Apostolate is 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; as such it is specific to those with Holy Orders. Laity have a different role, namely, to spread the truth and the Good News of Christianity in the world through whatever means they can—this is properly called an apostolate. An apostolate run by the Catholic laity will have the mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Catholicism in the world. The broadest aim of such apostolic work is the sanctification of all the people through the continual offering of prayers and service to realize a social order that reflects the kingdom values on earth.

The parish of Katukurunda has many lay apostolates at the local, national and international levels. Many apostolates at present suffer the lack of participation of young people, and active professionals due to which they have become weak and ineffective. The notion of an apostolate is often misunderstood and many due to their busy life schedules have distanced themselves from these collaborations. It is a sign of social fragmentation which is increasing in the modern-day society because of which teamwork and community spirit is weakening. Technology and educational demands of the modern-day society has increasingly alienated youth and young adults within their own self expectations and personal targets, and they are unable to develop a common social consciousness that can contribute to society or nation building which demands something above and beyond one’s personal agendas. This demands a thorough scrutiny of one’s Faith in God and commitment to the Baptismal Calling. All parishioners are invited to participate and engage in these parish apostolates for a true committed Christian lifestyle.

The Parish Apostolates operate at three levels:

1. Church Societies
2. Catholic Lay Movements
3. Lay Ecclesial Ministries
4. Catholic Schools and Education

Any lay volunteer willing to join these parish apostolates to help and promote justice, peace and harmony in common human development and the spread of the Gospel they are most lovingly welcomed! You may provide all your personal details and register yourself in the specific parish apostolate through the Parish Priest.

• Registration personal data form—download [PDF] Document