Discovering Charisms and The Catholic Commons

A few weeks ago, I walked into a charism workshop not quite sure what to expect. I left deeply moved—challenged, affirmed, and a little in awe.

I had always known God gives us gifts, but I didn’t fully grasp that He gives us supernatural charisms—ways the Holy Spirit wants to work through us, uniquely, for the good of others. It was a very eye-opening experience—thinking and praying about the fact that God equips each one of us with certain gifts for sharing with and building up His Church. We are not called to use them for God, necessarily, but with God—in prayer, listening to Him, and following the lead of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever considered this? That God has equipped you with gifts to share with the world?

Before the workshop, I was given a charism assessment. The top results for me were: intercession, evangelism, writing, teaching, and knowledge.

Looking back, it wasn’t surprising I “scored high” in these areas. I’ve always joked that if I could spend my life as a professional student, I would—this aligns with the charism of knowledge. Sharing my faith comes naturally; honestly, I burn with a desire to talk with people about God—I’m always looking for an opening because the Lord is my best friend! I want people to know and love Him as I do—and if they do, I want to share that love with them (evangelism).

I also have an affinity for writing, and teaching has become a great love of mine—from homeschooling my kiddos to teaching adults the Catholic faith. Intercession was one I hadn’t really considered before, but I realized the desire to intercede for others—strangers and loved ones alike—isn’t a charism everyone has.

Though I knew these areas were interests of mine, I never really thought of them as more than that. I figured I was just scraping together whatever I could muster in my work, home life, relationships, and Church—a meager offering to God.

Even now, it’s strange to talk about these gifts. Sometimes I worry it sounds arrogant—like I think I “own” these gifts or that they come from me. (Imagine me going around yelling, “Hey everyone! I have the gift of knowledge!”)

But no—these gifts come from the Lord! He gives us talents just as He did the men in Matthew 25… and we are called to share them, not bury them in the sand.

For example, the charism of “knowledge” was described in the workshop like this:

Analytical spiritual insight: This charism isn’t about natural smarts—it’s a spiritual gift that enables you to dive deep into truth, understanding God’s workings, and uncovering layers of meaning in the world around us.
Gathering and synthesizing: People with this charism are drawn to research, reading, and thoughtful reflection. They may excel in theology, science, arts—or anywhere that invites deep exploration. They lovingly gather information and then organize it in meaningful ways for others
Communicating truth: The Holy Spirit equips those with Knowledge to share what they’ve discovered clearly—often through teaching or writing. The Knowledge charism frequently overlaps with writing, teaching, and even evangelism

One example of someone with this charism is Blessed Carlo Acutis, who used modern digital technology to bless the Church and share about the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. (Look at all he did by simply responding faithfully to the charism the Lord gave him!)

I don’t know about you, but this excites me. The idea–no, the reality–that God has given us particular charisms to serve him in his Church is empowering. We just have to be humble and brave enough to accept and cooperate with Him!

Years ago, when I first named The Catholic Commons, it truly came after a lot of prayer and conversation with God. I was inspired by the Commons area in my old high school—the space everyone passed through, no matter their friend group or background. It reminded me of something deeper: St. Peter’s Square in Rome, where the arms of the Church stretch wide to welcome all who enter, no matter their story. The Church is a home for everyone. A common place.

Though I loved sharing my faith through writing, podcasting, and serving as an RCIA minister, I prayerfully discerned it was time to step away.

I’m learning that charisms can shift in prominence—and that’s okay! It’s not about a gift disappearing, but how often or clearly it’s being used in a given season.

For a while, I felt called to focus fully on my little ones at home. Now that they’re growing, and I have more time, I can begin again.

As I prepared to write again, I wondered if I should let the name go and simply use my own. But the heart of The Catholic Commons still fits what I hope to offer: an open place of welcome. A space where I can share glimpses of my own life, yes—but more importantly, the beauty of the Catholic faith I love.

I believe this is what God is calling me to do, and my hope is that you’ll find this to be a quiet, encouraging corner—a commons of sorts—where you’re inspired to grow in faith, in love, and in your desire for God. I hope to somehow put to use the charisms that God has given me, responding mindfully and prayerfully to what He is asking me to do.

Now, I leave you with some food for thought:

What is the Lord asking YOU to do?
What charisms has He given specifically to you?

I encourage you to pray about this. Be brave, and open your heart to how the Lord is leading you to serve Him in the Church.

Resources to Help You Discover Your Charisms

If this stirred something in your heart and you want to dig deeper, here are a few tools to help:

🕊️ Charism Guide (Free PDF)
A detailed overview of 24 charisms, perfect for discerning how the Holy Spirit might be working in your life.
👉 Download here from Many Parts Ministries
🧭 Charism Assessment Quiz ($9)
A practical, prayerful quiz that helps identify your top spiritual gifts. Great for journaling or group discernment.
👉 Take the quiz at Many Parts Ministries
🎙️ Charisms for Catholics Podcast
Hosted by Jill Simons, this podcast explores how everyday Catholics can live their gifts.
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts
🧠 Bonus: Metanoia Catholic’s Temperament Quiz
Understanding your temperament can help you better understand how your charisms function in daily life.
👉 Take the free temperament quiz
📖 Book: The Temperament God Gave You
By Art & Laraine Bennett – A Catholic classic for understanding personality and relationships through the lens of faith.
👉 Find it on Amazon

💌 How can I walk with you in this?
Consider subscribing, emailing, and sharing your own stories with me! I love to chat with people about this, and will continue to share openly how God is working in my life through the various callings He’s placed on my heart. Please consider doing the same!