7 Ordinary Things Catholics Do That Can Become Extraordinary Apostolic Works

Are we being robbed of experiencing the great joy that comes with discovering the unique gifts and charisms God has given us?

Typically when someone hears the word “apostolate,” they think of someone standing up and promoting their new ministry after Sunday Mass or perhaps someone online who has started a new non-profit and is asking for donations. One tends to think of an apostolate as a new business venture, except… Catholic. An apostolate is not necessarily a formal business and doesn't even need to be a formal effort. An apostolate is the response to, and a fruit of, the love of Jesus in our lives and is the “work” or mission we have been called into by God for the sake of building up His Church. We are all capable of our own apostolates by answering this call to mission.

In the opening statements of Apostolicam Actuositatem - On the Apostolate and the Laity, Pope Paul VI writes: “Our own times require of the laity no less zeal: in fact, modern conditions demand that their apostolate be broadened and intensified.”¹

While there is, of course, great value in a formal apostolic effort, to see these sorts of ministries as the only means of assisting the Church’s mission can greatly limit an individual’s apostolic call and outreach to others’ lives. Consider these seven “ordinary” ideas for your own apostolic works that can help bring renewal to the Church.

Invite Others Over for Supper

Make your home a place where people come to eat, share life, and “retreat” from all of the things going on in their lives. Pick a day each week or a couple of times a month where you can invite others to your home or out to eat. This could be supper throughout the week, Sunday brunch, coffee and conversation among friends, etc. Pretty simple, right?

Volunteering (with others)

Get involved in your parish and/or community through a simple volunteer opportunity that you can invite others to join in. Rather than just giving your own time, make your apostolic work an opportunity to invite others to experience the joy of giving their time, too. You also get the joy of building a relationship with those you invite.

Meal Trains

This is such a simple apostolate for the laity, but means so much to those that receive your care. Meal trains are often given to those that are ill or have difficulty caring for themselves. However, if this is the ministry you enjoy, consider expanding efforts with meal trains to postpartum mothers and their families or those that just moved into the area. Consider inviting others into this generous work, as well.

Celebrations or Parties

Perhaps you have an itch to invite others to celebrate the Church’s birthday on Pentecost, to host a Super Bowl Party, or share the joy of National Ice Cream day (the third Sunday in July). God may be putting that desire on your heart! Be confident in the call and start sharing the desire with others by organizing simple gatherings and inviting others to be a part of them.

Being an Active Presence

I’ve had the gift of knowing so many people who seem to always to be there. They don’t ever seem to be in a rush. They are always asking how things are going and what has happened since the last time we chatted. While they do this for everyone they encounter, when you talk with them, it seems like you’re the only person in the world. Yes, simply being present and caring can be a very effective apostolate, especially when done with intentionality to be a witness of God’s love to others.

Crafts & Prayers

If you enjoy making things, consider making your craft a work of love and service towards others. I’ve known individuals who make rosaries, prayer shawls, or even pieces of art. When my mother was in the hospital for one of her cancer appointments, a professional sculptor was sculpting and painting little roses in the waiting room and handing them to patients, sharing his love for the art with them. I remember it bringing my mom so much joy that day. I still have the rose today. Take your craft to the next level by making it an active service or work for the Church and a witness to the joy and love of God!

Ad Hoc Trips

This is one of my favorites. Foster greater community and friendship by inviting others to do something together “just because.” This could be a women’s weekend away, a men’s camping/fishing trip, a family pilgrimage to a shrine or vacation to an amusement park. It doesn’t have to be anything far away or expensive. Make the goal to get to know others better, grow in friendship and intimacy in the Lord, and allow the Lord to work in and through whatever it is that you do.

I truly believe that there are many individuals in the Church who feel some sort of obligation to assist with the “bigger” or “more important” works in the Church but find their involvement to be relatively fruitless and lacking joy. Their involvement in these “bigger efforts” can rob them of the time, focus, and energy they can put towards a more unique apostolate built more specifically for them and discovering the great joy that comes from tapping into the unique gifts and charisms that God has given them.

For some, who may already be doing these things, or something similar, Pope Paul VI’s called us to “intensify” these efforts. While some of these ideas may appear to be mere hobbies or special interests, we must consider whether God has a greater plan and intention behind them. Is there a way to make your hobby into an apostolate? For you, this could mean doing this work more intentionally with the heart to evangelize or perhaps to be more attentive to how God wants to work in and through you. There is extraordinary potential in the ordinary activities when we give them to God, and invite others to join.

In short, I want encourage you to consider the things that you love to do and find joy in. How can these gifts bring new life into the Church and into the lives of those around you? Make your life as a disciple something that’s ordinary but extraordinary at the same time and start giving witness to the lay apostolate as something that extends far beyond mere programming and non-profit work but is an authentic response to the love and joy of Christ in your life.

What other “ordinary” apostolate ideas do you have? Please share some ideas in the comment section below.

1. Apostolicam Actuositatem, 1