Charisms for Catholics

• Ep 148 - Opt Out October: Saying No to Spiritual Clutter with Father Timothy Gallagher

  In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons welcomes Father Timothy Gallagher for a deep dive into discerning and decluttering the spiritual life. As part of the “Opt Out October” series, the conversation explores what it means to address not only physical, mental, and emotional clutter, but also the often-overlooked spiritual distractions that keep us from fuller relationship with Christ. Father Gallagher shares his vocation story, offers practical insights from St. Ignatius’ rules of discernment, and discusses why so many Catholics haven’t learned about these foundational tools for navigating spiritual desolation and growth. Together, they unpack why we’re drawn to distractions, the roots of spiritual clutter, and how regular sacramental life, daily prayer, and Ignatian wisdom can bring clarity and renewed purpose. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your prayer life or simply feel spiritually “stuck,” this episode provides practical steps and encouragement to encounter God more freely and let go of what holds you back. 1:34 - Father Gallagher's Vocation Story 3:47 - Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius 7:07 - Addressing Widespread Spiritual Discouragement 10:50 - The Problem of Spiritual Distraction and Diversion 15:14 - The Transformative Power of Prayer and Sacraments 25:12 - The Biggest Misconception About Discernment Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.  

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• Ep 147 - Opt Out October: Saying No to Mental Clutter

  In this episode, host Jill Simons welcomes Dr. Peter Malinoski, a Catholic psychologist, to dive deeply into the concept of mental clutter and its role in our spiritual and personal development. This is part of the "Opt Out October" series, which is all about helping listeners identify and intentionally eliminate the unnecessary noise and commitments that hinder their ability to live out their unique spiritual gifts—their charisms. Dr. Malinoski explains that much of the so-called “clutter” we experience—our racing thoughts, emotional outbursts, and inner fragmentation—points to underlying wounds, unmet needs, or unresolved issues from our past. He emphasizes that, rather than random noise, mental clutter carries important messages about parts of ourselves that need healing or integration. He notes research suggesting that 90% of our reactions to present situations come from unresolved issues in our past, making interior integration essential for true spiritual and emotional peace. Jill and Dr. Malinoski discuss how many Catholics tend to avoid looking inward, fearing self-absorption or thinking it’s unspiritual. Dr. Malinoski insists that genuine self-knowledge and self-love aren’t selfish; in fact, St. Thomas Aquinas and the great commandments teach that we cannot love neighbor or God fully without loving ourselves and knowing who we truly are. He provides examples of how distraction and internal noise in prayer are often signs that our hearts are trying to show us where we need attention. If you’re looking for a practical, Catholic perspective on how to quiet internal noise, heal old wounds, and discern your unique gifts, this episode is packed with insightful guidance, relatable examples, and great resources to continue your journey. 01:20 - Introduction to Mental Clutter and “Opt Out October” 04:07 - What is “Human Formation”? 07:26 - “I’m Actually Grateful for the Clutter”: The Purpose of Distractions 11:10 - The Importance of Inner Integration Before Loving Others 23:49 - Recognizing Spiritual Bypassing and Its Consequences 47:18 - Resources for Human Formation: Souls and Hearts Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.  

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• Ep 146 - Opt Out October: Saying No to Emotional Clutter

  In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons welcomes Brya Hanan, a licensed marriage and family therapist and integrative Catholic coach, for an in-depth conversation about "Opt Out October: Saying No to Emotional Clutter." Together, they explore the importance of addressing emotional clutter in our lives and how healing and integration can lead to greater spiritual freedom. Brya shares her personal journey of integrating faith and psychology, discusses the challenges of balancing inward healing with outward service, and offers practical tips for Catholics seeking emotional clarity and health—including how to gently assess your own needs, cultivate emotional vocabulary, and practice regular emotional “hygiene.” The episode also touches on the intersections of faith, body, and emotional wellness, and how Catholic traditions like adoration and the sacraments can be powerful tools for holistic healing. Whether you’re navigating old wounds, curious about somatic practices, or simply want to nurture a more integrated spiritual and emotional life, this conversation provides both guidance and encouragement.   01:02 - Introducing Emotional Clutter and Opt Out October 02:47 - Brya Hanan’s Path to Integrating Faith and Psychology 08:42 - Healing for Yourself—Not Just for Others 12:49 - How to Gently Assess Emotional Clutter Without Overwhelm 23:31 - Building Emotional Hygiene in Daily Life 37:35 - Integration Through Catholic Practices and Sacraments   Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.  

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• Ep 145 - Opt Out October: Saying No to Physical Clutter

  In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons kicks off "Opt Out October" with Catholic decluttering coach Gina Morton, a Catholic decluttering coach from Pennsylvania, who shares her journey of combining organization with faith to help Catholic women clear physical, financial, and emotional clutter! Gina explains that having order in our physical spaces brings freedom and peace, making it easier to respond to God’s daily invitations. She emphasizes the biblical roots of order (referencing Genesis) and suggests that our homes should reflect this. Gina advocates starting small—decluttering trash first—and building routines that help a home run efficiently, freeing us up for more meaningful things. For those emotionally attached to items or overwhelmed by sentimental clutter, Gina recommends starting with prayer—especially the rosary—to reorient the heart and gradually detach from earthly things. She shares practical strategies for managing kids' stuff, emphasizing boundaries (like special bins or limited spaces for toys) and advocating for gifts of time or experiences instead of more possessions. Gina highlights that everyone’s threshold for clutter is different, and finding a personal balance is key—not striving for perfection, but for freedom to say “yes” to God. She encourages listeners to pause before bringing new things into their homes, to only keep what aligns with their values and capacity, and to let faith guide daily decisions, including how we manage our belongings. Listeners can learn more from Gina through her podcast, Pruning to Prosper, Facebook group, and coaching services. If you're seeking a more intentional life and deeper spiritual clarity by simplifying your surroundings, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable advice!   02:16 – Gina Morton’s Genesis Story 06:07 – The Spiritual Connection to Physical Spaces 09:44 – Practical Approach to Decluttering 13:36 – Handling Gifts, Charity, and Kids’ Clutter 18:33 – Addressing Sentimental Attachment   Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.    

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• Ep 144 - Does My Spouse Have to Have Voluntary Poverty if I Do?

  In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons tackles a unique listener question about the charism of voluntary poverty within marriage. Can one spouse live out this spiritual gift if the other doesn’t share it? Jill explores how charisms work within sacramental marriages and “charism-mixed” households, sharing practical advice and personal examples of how different spiritual gifts can harmoniously coexist. She also previews the upcoming "Opt Out October" series, focused on creating space in all areas of life to say better yeses to our charisms. If you're discerning your gifts or wondering how they play out in family life, this thoughtful episode offers encouragement and insight for integrating your spiritual strengths with those of your loved ones. 00:51 - Jill introduces the Charism Coaching Certification Program for coaches and spiritual directors. 2:12 - Announcement of “Opt Out October,” a new annual series focused on making space—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—to say better “yeses” to our charisms. 4:58 - Mailbag question: If one spouse has voluntary poverty, does the other have to as well? Jill begins addressing the dynamics of “charism mixed marriages.” 6:34 - Explaining how voluntary poverty can be expressed individually within a marriage, using the example of a wife embracing minimalism without forcing it on the family. 9:25 - Jill shares a personal example of growing up in a family influenced by the charism of giving, and how that shaped financial priorities and values. 12:01 - Emphasizing that there are no fundamentally incompatible charism combinations in the body of Christ—differences may require more discernment, but can exist and work together. Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.  

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