The Called and Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms (God’s gifts) in their lives. For more information about the Called and Gifted program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, contact Sr. Malou TIbayan at mtibayan@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5843 or see the pamphlet (PDF).

By Donna Dupuis, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Saskatoon

What a privilege for my husband Rick and I to lead another small group through the Catherine of Siena Institute’s Called and Gifted Discernment Process. On Wed April 10, 2024, our group wrapped up our final session with a potluck supper and meeting. We have witnessed the Holy Spirit reveal the unique gifts — the charisms of each discerning participant.

The process began with a weekend workshop to understand the nature of charisms which we receive at baptism, followed by an interview to identify which charism the Holy Spirit is calling each individual to reflect on and experiment with.

The following weeks we watched each one courageously experiment with their chosen charism in their workplace, in their home life and parish commitments (or volunteer activities).

During four evening sessions we met with the group and watched in awe as the Holy Spirit revealed how He has called/gifted each of them uniquely to love His children. The charisms are never for ourselves but ALWAYS a sign of God’s Love for others. When each member faithfully and courageously used their gifts/charisms they witnessed supernatural fruit, personal joy and energy, and affirmations from those who experienced the love of Jesus through them.

The discernment process continues for months and years as we learn to recognize our unique combination of charisms always working together, always working to reveal Jesus’ love to those we are called to minister to.

“God has determined….that I should reach that which will be my greatest happiness. He looks on me individually, He calls me by name. He knows what I can do, what I can best be, what is my greatest happiness, and He gives it to me.” – St John Henry Newman

Rick and I feel especially grateful and privileged to hear participants report : “I feel more confident,” and “more at peace as I recognize it is the Holy Spirit working through me.” Other responses include: “there is less pressure on myself,” “I feel like a new person,” “gratitude,” “courage to serve,” “I am a channel of the Holy Spirit,” “I am no longer jealous of others as the charisms given to me are unique and purposeful,” “I recognize my area of expertise/ministry in my parish,” “a sense of collaboration,” etc.

In addition, Rick and I are especially privileged to use the charisms that we believe we are gifted with during this time – whether it is the charism of encouragement, service, pastoring, hospitality, helps, or teaching – as we prayerfully guide each person in the group.

The Catherine of Siena’s Called and Gifted Discernment Process will be held again in the future in our diocese.  Watch for the dates in the fall of 2024.

Related: Called and Gifted discernment of gifts of the Holy Spirit continues in diocese

Related: Testimonies reflect the impact of the Called and Gifted discernment of spiritual gifts

Related: Called and Gifted presented at St Augustine Parish, Humboldt

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire” – St. Catherine of Siena

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