Lay apostolate

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The lay apostolate is made up from laypeople and consecrated religious who exercise a ministry in cooperation with the Catholic Church. These organizations cooperate with ecclesiastical authorities. These organizations operate "under direction of her pastors" but are not members of the official Church hierarchy or enjoy Holy Orders. Apostolates operate with the permission of the local Ordinary of a Diocese, but often without material support.

This is a special case of a normal Catholic lay organization; usually these organizations obtain permission from the Church hierarchy, and operate in cooperation with the Church. In many cases, where the Priests are unable to function in specialized situations, like dealing with computer technology, medical care, or broadcast equipment, a lay apostolate may be formed to provide those specialized technical skills.

[edit] References

• Pope Pius XII to the Lay Apostolate on October 5, 1957
• Pope Paul VI Apostolicam Actuositatem Nov. 18, 1965