Apostolate

An Apostolate is a Christian organization “directed to serving and evangelizing the world”, most often associated with the Anglican communion or the Catholic church. In general usage, an apostolate is an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine. The word apostolate comes from 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 also be a Christian organization made up of the laity or of specific Christian religious order.

APOSTOLATE AS MINISTERY

Within Anglican theology and 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 roe namely, to spread the truth of the Christianity in the world through whatever means they can. An example of Anglican apostolate is the Saint Martin Apostolate of prayer, whose aim is the “sanctification of all priest through the continual offering of prayers on their behalf by the faithful”. An example of a Catholic apostolate is Catholic answers, run by laity whose mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Catholicism in the world.

THE APOSTOLATE OF SONS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY CONGREGATION

The Apostolate of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy, following the Biblical axiom read thus: “the spirit of the Lord has been given to me …. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broke, to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison” (Is. 61:1). Our Apostolate proceed from the church founded upon the Apostles, through our life of consecration, we enter more intimately into the apostolic mission of the church as an outflow of our union with Christ, who has called us to follow Him unconditionally. In union with Christ, we go out to the poor who need to feel the goodness of Christ who is living and acting in us.

We have “missionary apostolate”, whereby our brothers who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders have the special duty of preaching and celebrating the sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist. In communion with the Bishops and the whole priestly body, they exercise the pastoral service of unity within their communities. They promote other ministries and work for the emergency and development of Christian communities. The apostolate of the poor appeals in a special way to our missionary brothers, who through their professional arts give generous services of varied kinds to all men.

We also engage in “teaching apostolate” where we educate the people of God for development of human person and faculties, the discoveries of gifts and talents and its development according to the mind of the creator. Our brothers who cannot participate in active work because of illness or age, make a vital contribution to the apostolate of the institute by their good example, prayer and suffering. Bearing in mind that vocation can be fostered through their prayers and exemplary lives.