Exploring gifts from the Holy Spirit during “Called and Gifted” in Macklin, SK.

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Participants from four parishes in the western region of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon took part in a Called and Gifted introductory workshop held on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Macklin, SK.

Representatives from St. Mary Parish, Macklin, Sacred Heart Parish, Denzil, St. Joseph Parish, Kindersley, and Immaculate Conception, Major, SK. have now joined hundreds of others across the diocese actively exploring the charisms poured out on each of the baptized by the Holy Spirit for building up the Kingdom of God.

Developed by the Catherine of Siena Institute and introduced in the diocese of Saskatoon several years ago, the Called and Gifted discernment process begins with the introductory workshop which lays the foundation for beginning discernment of one’s charisms, including a Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory.

The discernment process then continues with a trained diocesan Called and Gifted team member leading a one-hour gifts interview with each participant, available either in-person or virtually. The third step in the process is “Discernment In-Depth,” a guided experience of intentional discernment in a small group setting, which assists individuals in developing experiments to test charisms, evaluate results, and put into practice what the discernment process has revealed.

Called and Gifted introductory workshop at St. Mary Parish, Macklin, SK on Nov. 1, 2025. (Submitted photo)

Participants describe impact

Those attending a recent Called and Gifted introductory workshop at St. Patrick Parish in Saskatoon described the process as informative and inspiring. “I think for me, what stood out is an awareness that everyone is gifted in some way,” said Chandra Behrenz of Saint Anne, Saskatoon.

“To gather with others and to earnestly seek to discover God’s gifts is a blessing,” said Cara Loewen of St. Patrick Saskatoon. “To recognize that we are chosen and sent with these gifts is a deeper blessing still. He knows our thread in the tapestry and He is weaving; our calling is real. There are no bench warmers on Jesus’ team,” she added.

“I found it very informative, inspiring and fascinating to know that God has bestowed upon me charisms that I never knew all my life. Thanks to Called and Gifted that I can get in tune with these special spiritual gifts all for Jesus Christ,” observed Josh Caparas of St. Patrick, Saskatoon.

“I am so grateful that I have learned about the charisms through the Called and Gifted program; to learn more about what charism I have been gifted with,” said Teresa Lin of St. Francis Xavier, Vanscoy. “How would God want me to use these charisms, how to use them properly in God’s will in my family, my workplace and my parish, how to spread the Good News.”

“I found the Called and Gifted sessions meaningful and life giving. When I kind of confirmed the two major charisms I had of crafting (working with my hands) and hospitality, it dawned on me that I could be interceding more for the family and friends whom I cook and bake for and for those I provide hospitality for in my home, at church, as a welcomer and those I encounter each day,” observed Cheryl Zimmer.

RELATED:
Called and Gifted diocesan brochure – PDF
The Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process from the Catherine of Siena Institute is designed to help Christians discern the presence of charisms in their lives. “Charisms, or spiritual gifts, are special abilities given to all Christians by the Holy Spirit to give them power both to represent Christ and to be a channel of God’s goodness for people.” – siena.org website.
Called and Gifted held at St. Patrick Parish, Saskatoon – ARTICLE
Called and Gifted mission trip to the Philippines in January 2025 – ARTICLE
Called and Gifted presented at St. Augustine Parish, Humboldt – ARTICLE
Called and Gifted presented at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown – ARTICLE
Called and Gifted Discernment: Prayerful guidance of charisms continues in the diocese of Saskatoon – ARTICLE

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Called and Gifted, Adult Faith, Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.