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 Riah Sta. Maria, Holy Family Cathedral
On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, Fr. Gerard Cooper commissioned some of the Called & Gifted participants from the Cathedral of the Holy Family Cathedral who completed the Catherine of Siena Institute’s discernment process in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Fr. Gerard sent us forth to use our charisms in service of others. He also met with us personally to encourage us in our discernment journey and to remind us that the mission is clear: to expand God’s Kingdom through the unique gifts that the Holy Spirit has given each of us.
Fr. Gerard Cooper meets with parish participants who took part in the Called & Gifted program. (Submitted photo)
Before Called & Gifted, I was involved in so many ministries and saying yes to everything, thinking that was faithfulness. But over time, I felt scattered. I was serving hard, but not always where God was actually calling me. Through Called & Gifted (and the team training), I discovered my charism and, more importantly, gained clarity. Clarity on where I’m called, how I’m gifted, and why some things drained me while others gave life.
Now, I serve with joy, not out of pressure, but with purpose. I no longer chase every need – I follow God’s lead. And that changes everything. I didn’t choose this mission – GOD DID. And in saying yes to His call, I’ve found deep peace, direction, and fruitfulness.
May this be the beginning of a new season in our parish – one where each of us walks confidently in the gifts we’ve been given, trusting that God is leading the way.”
Riah and Jason Sta Maria are a married couple from Holy Family Cathedral parish, who have taken part in the diocesan Called and Gifted process of discerning God’s gifts and how they can build up the Kingdom. (Submitted photo)
Overview of the Called and Gifted™ process from the Catherine of Siena Institute:
- STEP 1 – The CALLED & GIFTED™ INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP lays the foundation for the beginning of discernment. During the initial Called & Gifted™ workshop, participants will take the Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
- STEP 2 – The ONE HOUR GIFTS INTERVIEW with a trained interviewer is available in-person or virtually through the Called & Gifted Diocesan team or through the Catherine of Siena Institute.
- STEP 3 – DISCERNMENT IN DEPTH is a guided experience of intentional discernment in a small group setting. In four sessions over a period of six to eight weeks, you will develop charism experiments, evaluate your results, and put into practice what you learned about discernment.
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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 diocesan website: rcdos.ca/called-and-gifted.
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