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 Brenda Tryhuba, Called and Gifted team
Parishioners from La Trinité pastoral region in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon gathered Feb. 28 at St. Philippe Néri Parish in Vonda for a Called and Gifted Discernment Workshop.
Participants engage in a process of spiritual discernment to discover what charisms — gifts — God has given them to build up His Kingdom. (Submitted photo)
A family from Wainwright, AB, also attended. There were a few other family groups attending: mother/daughters, and father/son. Family presence at the workshop was welcomed and we pray that their shared experience will truly be a blessing for them.
Pastor of the Trinté parishes at Vonda, Prud’homme, and St. Denia, Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando was instrumental in encouraging parishioners to undertake this discernment journey. Mosgr. Don joined the workshop for the day, offering his encouragement and visible support of the Called and Gifted program. His presence was a meaningful sign of affirmation for all the participants., and the team is grateful for his support.
Msgr. Don Vito Pavilando (left), the pastor of the Trinité parishes at St. Denis, Prud’homme, and Vonda, expressed his support for the discernment workshop. (Submitted photo)
Called and gifted process
Everyone is called and/or invited to begin the discernment process of their charisms. God has a plan for each person and uses our gifts to bring out his plan. Regardless of age, everyone is called to use their gifts to build up God’s kingdom. When we live through our charisms, we allow God to move through us to draw others closer to Christ.
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, which includes a Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory.
The process then continues with a one-on-one interview to determine a charism to begin discerning and practicing. The third step in this process involves four Discernment in Depth group sessions, running every other week. These group sessions are vital to the process in that they assist the participants in evaluating how their experimentation is going with the chosen charism, offering suggestions and insights to further aid in discernment.
(Submitted photo)
Participant comments
Shelley Timmons: “The workshop was a helpful opportunity to ponder the gifts that God has graciously blessed me with, and I look forward to discerning further steps he would like me to take as I continue in his mission to bring people closer to the Kingdom of God.”
Garth Wruck: “The workshop was really well facilitated by the team, and it did a great job thoroughly explaining and giving concrete examples of how the various charisms express themselves in the lives of the faithful. As someone who has been faithfully trying to seek and live out my charisms, I’m excited to discern even more intentionally using the structure of the program and experience of the team.”
Chantale Rogal: “I enjoyed the sessions immensely. It was nothing radically different from what I’ve learnt about my faith, just directed in a more deliberate way. I enjoyed the detailed, thorough nature of the workshop. I appreciate the model of inquiry, prayer and accompaniment as the program guides you through discernment of your charism. It is not just a church ministry springboard to produce volunteers, but an authentic exploration into the mystery of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. It will allow us to draw closer to Christ as we resolve to be attentive to the Spirit at work already in our lives in the hopes of ultimately revealing His plan for the use of our gifts and charisms in building up the Kingdom wherever we are.”
Kris-Andra Stafford: “Our family was privileged to be included in the Called and Gifted program. In a suffering world, we are called to partner with Jesus to bring His goodness and mercy to others. Having an opportunity to discern the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon each of us has been incredibly exciting, as it is a natural question posed within every human heart: What is my purpose in life? This program offered us the opportunity to discern the divine gifts bestowed upon us, ultimately meant for the well-being of others. It was a blessing to be a part of! The course information was insightful and thorough, and the presenters were knowledgeable. The event itself was well organized, and the staff offered kindness and encouragement. I would love to offer our parish this program, as I think the world desperately needs the faithful to willingly step up and share their blessings with others!”
Team members present at the Vonda workshop included Anne Williams, Cameron Choquete, Sr. Malou Tibayan, Astrid Alas, Colin Strauss, Giselle Camm, Rick Dupuis, and Jim and Brenda Tryhuba.
The Called and Gifted team is grateful to all the participants who joined us for this introductory workshop. Charisms are an integral part of our lives, given to us by God to build up His Kingdom and to serve one another. Each of us has been blessed with unique charisms, entrusted to us according to God’s plan and purpose.
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Adult faith, Called and Gifted, communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are among the ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.