Prelature

A prelature is a church jurisdiction or administrative unit led by a prelate, often managing specific missions or communities that do not fall under regular diocesan boundaries. It's similar to a specialized parish or mission area, designed to serve particular groups or regions, especially where the Church’s presence is developing or needs unique oversight. Prelatures can be territorial, like a diocese, or personal, focusing on specific groups such as clergy, religious communities, or specific ministries. They function to organize and coordinate Church activities and pastoral care in areas needing focused attention beyond standard diocesan structures.