G
Genesius
Guest
I can’t say much past the title. I have heard this term but I’m not sure what it means. I’m just wondering what would constitute a lay apostolate? Thank you in advance for the answers. 
- Status
O
Ocarm
Guest
Inasmuch as all non-ordained Catholics are lay people, including non-ordained religious, it means an apostolate not carried out by a priest, deacon or bishop.I can’t say much past the title. I have heard this term but I’m not sure what it means. I’m just wondering what would constitute a lay apostolate? Thank you in advance for the answers.
G
Genesius
Guest
Okay, again…what is an ‘Apostolate’? I am a Catholic convert, so perhaps in protestant terms one could equate the term ‘ministry’? That is, a Lay ministry, or something a layperson does to cause others to take action to glorify God.
The reason I ask is that I have possibly two. I am a singer/songwriter/musician and have written a lot of gospel songs over the years. My brother, a professional producer/engineer, has his own studio and during my Leukemia struggle he promised to help me produce a song I wrote in the hospital as well as other songs which we put on a CD. I copy them and hand them out as a ministry with inserts that I designed as well.
The other is a book I have written. I print them out myself and have them bound at an office supply store and sell them to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In addition, I am a bible college graduate with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary studies focusing on Pastoral, Educational Ministry and Communication. Everyone who has read my book so far has given me favorable reports. However, I would love to share my Leukemia testimony to promote the book as well as the music CD’s. I know there are limited opportunities in the Catholic Church, but there are opportunities nonetheless. I’m just not sure how to get started.
But again, would this qualify as a ‘lay apostolate’ by definition?
J
joplee
Guest
There is a thread with the same question as yours with this link to apologist Jimmy Akin. Here is the link: jimmyakin.typepad.com/defensor_fidei/2006/09/ministry_vs_apo.html
H
hamburglar
Guest
Lay Apostolate is a more proper term than what many people call “ministry.” It helps us avoided blurring the lines of the clergy and lay men and women.
Some examples of lay apostolates would be helping out at a soup kitchen, bringing Holy Communion to the homebound, and helping the poor.
Some examples of lay apostolates would be helping out at a soup kitchen, bringing Holy Communion to the homebound, and helping the poor.
G
Genesius
Guest
Joplee, thanks for the link. I’m assuming you want me to pay attention only to Akin’s article, not the comments underneath which seem to make it more confusing. Also, the links in Akin’s article I’m sure are helpful if one has time to read novels.
I think I would call what I do more of an evangelization thing. But then again, it is not intended to just call the lost in, but to strengthen the faith of the faithful as well. I would never want to take on the title of ‘priest’ or ‘minister’. I agree with the fact that with reform within the Church has come a blurring of these lines between clergy and laity. I certainly would not want to be a part of that.
However, I also feel that the Holy Spirit has gifted me, as has been confirmed by others, and the fact that I am unable to use these gifts in the Church (not necessarily meaning during mass, but even outside mass) almost makes me feel as though the Church wants to quench the Spirit. However, I know that’s not true (notice I said makes me feel…). I do know there can be opportunities. I just need to know where they are.
I think I would call what I do more of an evangelization thing. But then again, it is not intended to just call the lost in, but to strengthen the faith of the faithful as well. I would never want to take on the title of ‘priest’ or ‘minister’. I agree with the fact that with reform within the Church has come a blurring of these lines between clergy and laity. I certainly would not want to be a part of that.
However, I also feel that the Holy Spirit has gifted me, as has been confirmed by others, and the fact that I am unable to use these gifts in the Church (not necessarily meaning during mass, but even outside mass) almost makes me feel as though the Church wants to quench the Spirit. However, I know that’s not true (notice I said makes me feel…). I do know there can be opportunities. I just need to know where they are.
S
smetobo
Guest
Praise the Lord!He continues to call us into his vineyard to work though we’re not worthy.
It seems the Holy Spirit has indeed gifted you and tasked you to serve God in a unique way not already common in the Church yet.
The Church through Vatican II has invited us the laity to also assume a greater role in service to Christ,to whichever direction the Spirit leads us.Mother church is to serve as our safeguard against going offside but leadership is exhorted never to quench the Spirit.In the official document on lay apostolate,lumen gentium,we have been invited to use the charisms the Holy Spirit continues to give us.
I’m somewhat having the same experience of yours,the Lord has given me to understand and teach spiritual things.apostolate is not easy especially when your type is new to everyone.My priests and Bishop have not generally opposed any of my work so far, the only challenge is that sometimes you find yourself desiring for more direct support,having their weight behind your efforts to evangelize.
Read more about my charismatic teaching apostolate at http:/www.bpslayministry.wordpress.com
It seems the Holy Spirit has indeed gifted you and tasked you to serve God in a unique way not already common in the Church yet.
The Church through Vatican II has invited us the laity to also assume a greater role in service to Christ,to whichever direction the Spirit leads us.Mother church is to serve as our safeguard against going offside but leadership is exhorted never to quench the Spirit.In the official document on lay apostolate,lumen gentium,we have been invited to use the charisms the Holy Spirit continues to give us.
I’m somewhat having the same experience of yours,the Lord has given me to understand and teach spiritual things.apostolate is not easy especially when your type is new to everyone.My priests and Bishop have not generally opposed any of my work so far, the only challenge is that sometimes you find yourself desiring for more direct support,having their weight behind your efforts to evangelize.
Read more about my charismatic teaching apostolate at http:/www.bpslayministry.wordpress.com
S
smetobo
Guest
sorry that link for BPS Lay Ministry is bpslayministry.wordpress.com
would be nice to drop us a message of encouragement on any of our social media platforms.
would be nice to drop us a message of encouragement on any of our social media platforms.
Cloisters
Well-known member
This has been my lay apostolate for well over 25 years: cloisters.tripod.com/
Do you have a spiritual director? Is your bishop aware of your ministry?
I think of apostolate being the ‘major’ and ‘ministry’ being the ‘minor’. The apostolate is the general name, and ministry is what you do.
My 2 cents.
Blessings,
Cloisters
Do you have a spiritual director? Is your bishop aware of your ministry?
I think of apostolate being the ‘major’ and ‘ministry’ being the ‘minor’. The apostolate is the general name, and ministry is what you do.
My 2 cents.
Blessings,
Cloisters
P
peter26
Guest
I think your CDs and book could be considered a lay apostolate. I presume your book is of a spiritual nature (you don’t say in your post). If so, maybe you should consider applying for a Nihil Obstat and an Imprimatur, which would open the door to distributing it to places like parish repositories (gift shops).
- Status