Apostolate

The word apostolate comes from the Greek word "apostello", which means to send forth or to dispatch. The word came to signify in particular the active mission of the Church in the world. As Jesus sent forth his apostles on a mission, all those who follow Christ are his apostles and sent on a mission.

Vatican II teaches that the Christian vocation essentially is a calling to apostolate. Apostolate refers to each and every activity in the Church which is directed toward carrying out her mission.

The preaching apostolate was the most obvious sort of action for the early Carmelites. The Carmelite Order which has its origins on Mount Carmel in Israel is today found on all five continents and its apostolate is as diverse as that of the Church itself.

The Carmelite apostolate is a purely contemplative one – a hidden life of prayer and sacrifice.

The apostolate of the Discalced Carmelite nuns is to offer prayers and sacrifices for the intentions of all humanity.

In a broad sense, apostolate means anything that is done for the good of others, and especially, bringing other people closer to God.