Some people can explain the faith in a way that suddenly makes it clear. Some recognize when another person is hurting, even before a word is spoken. Some turn confusion into order, make strangers feel welcome or give others the courage to keep going.

These may be more than personality traits or learned skills. They may be charisms: spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to serve others and build up the Church.

Called and Gifted Starts

Holy Trinity is hosting parishioners from around the region to learn how to recognize these gifts. It’s not too late to sign up!

The Called & Gifted program begins Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. Led by Holy Trinity parishioner Pam Benko, it will help participants identify their charisms and discern how God may be calling them to use those gifts in their families, workplaces, parish and community.

The Catherine of Siena Institute identifies 24 common charisms. A person with the charism of teaching may help others understand ideas that once seemed difficult. Someone gifted in hospitality can create an environment in which people feel welcomed and valued. A person with mercy may be drawn toward those who are suffering and bring them the compassion of Christ.

The charism of administration can bring together people and resources to accomplish an important task. Encouragement strengthens others when they are ready to give up. Leadership draws people together around a shared direction. Service recognizes practical needs and responds to them. Other charisms include healing, intercession, evangelism, craftsmanship, knowledge, pastoring, prophecy and voluntary poverty.

Charisms are different from natural talents. Talents may be inherited or developed through practice. Charisms are given by the Holy Spirit and can produce an effectiveness beyond a person’s natural abilities. They are also given for the benefit of others, not simply for our own enjoyment or success.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Both Baptism and Confirmation are important to understanding these gifts. Through Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, begin a new life in Christ and become members of His Body, the Church. Confirmation strengthens and perfects the grace of Baptism through a fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit, equipping us to witness to Christ and participate in the Church’s mission.

The Catherine of Siena Institute explains that charisms are given to us by the Holy Spirit, whom we receive through Baptism and Confirmation. Some appear extraordinary, such as healing or prophecy. Others appear more ordinary, such as administration, hospitality, service or mercy. All are empowered by God and intended for the service of God and neighbour.

More than 200,000 laypeople, clergy and religious around the world have participated in Called & Gifted since the program began in 1993. Participants at Holy Trinity will learn about the charisms and complete the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory. The complete discernment process also includes a personal gifts interview and an opportunity to experiment with a possible charism in everyday life.

Holy Trinity is Blessed to Have this Program

Called & Gifted may help answer questions many Catholics eventually ask: Why do people repeatedly come to me for a particular kind of help? Why does one form of service fill me with energy while another leaves me drained? Where does my work produce results beyond what I could accomplish through effort alone? What is God asking me to do now?

The program begins tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. and continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional sessions will be held September 24, October 8, October 22 and November 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. The registration fee is $75. Because the formal registration deadline has passed and seating is limited, anyone still hoping to participate should contact the parish office immediately to ask whether space remains.

You have been given gifts. The challenge is discovering what they are and who God intends you to serve with them.