S
stjoecym
Guest
What’s the difference between a “ministry” (such as a parish’s “youth ministry”) and an “apostolate”? What are the church documents/references that define and clarify these terms? The USCCB has often referred to youth ministry in their documents as a “ministry,” and it is my understanding that an “apostolate” is usually run by lay people and, though supported by the Church and/or local parishes, is independent from them (Catholic Answers, for example). I understand that the term “minister” properly refers to the ministry of the priests/pastor, which is why I, as a “Coordinator of Youth Ministry” am not a “youth minister” or “youth pastor” (often used in Protestant churches), but am appropriately called a “coordinator” because I am coordinating the pastor’s youth-directed efforts. Any help? Thanks.