Your Charisms are Needed!

When we are baptized, we are given many extraordinary gifts, including charisms. In my opinion, charisms are not talked about enough! They are important because they help us live out God’s call and to build up his Church.

The word “charism” means “great gift” in Greek. In the New Testament, the word is only used to describe supernatural gifts.

Charisms point people directly to God. For example, if a person has a charism of music, he or she has more than just a natural talent. He or she has a supernatural and transcendent gift. When we hear someone with a charism of music, we cannot help but think of God.

Charisms are always used for other people and never meant exclusively for ourselves. “They (charisms) are at the service of charity which builds up the Church,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2003).

Charisms are not the same as talents. Talents are natural. They can also be passed on to us through genetics. Charisms, on the other hand, come directly from the Holy Spirit who gives them “as He wishes,” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Furthermore, charisms can only be used for the common good, whereas we can use human talents to do evil works.

There are 24 charisms given to us by St. Paul and St. Thomas Aquinas (although these lists are not exhaustive). Examples of charisms are:

·       Administration

·       Service

·       Helps

·       Leadership

·       Craftsmanship

·       Music

·       Prophecy

·       Mercy

·       Celibacy

·       Voluntary poverty

·       Teaching

·       Intercessory prayer

·       Encouragement

·       Knowledge

·       Hospitality

·       Wisdom

·       Faith

Discerning charisms takes practice. Two key things to keep in mind while discerning charisms is 1) do you feel a great need to practice it? For example, do you feel absolutely inclined to practice hospitality? And 2) do other people give you feedback about a charism? For example, do people often tell you your teaching abilities are remarkable? Do people often approach you to ask for intercessory prayer?

If I’m not mistaken, Notre Dame has introduced the Called and Gifted workshop through the St. Catherine of Siena Institute. If you are interested in learning more, click here to access their webpage on charisms.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good,” (1 Corinthians 12:7).