The Apostles

Followers of Jesus Christ and Founders of the Roman Catholic Church

The Word “Apostle” means “one who is sent.” The apostles were the men and one or more women (Junia) who were close to Jesus Christ and selected by him to carry his message. They were all Jews and collected around them a community of Judeo-Christians and were headed by Peter. They undertook missions to spread his message (especially to the Jews of Palestine), gaining the respect of Jewish leaders by their fervent piety and fidelity to Mosaic Law.  The twelve Apostles recognized as founders of the Catholic Church are St. Peter, St. Andrew, St. Matthew, St. Thomas, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. John, St. James, St. Simon, St. Jude, St. James the Less, and St. Matthias.  St. Paul is also considered an Apostle, and often referred to as "Apostle to the Gentiles."

More information:   Catholic Encyclopedia   Wikipedia