Charisms for Catholics

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons kicks off Opt Out October with special guest Sterling Jaquith, author of "Not of This World: A Catholic Guide to Minimalism."
Together, they dive into the relationship between physical clutter and inner peace, discussing how creating order in our homes can open more space for the Holy Spirit and a deeper embrace of our charisms. Sterling shares insights from her personal journey—growing up around hoarding, raising a large family, and developing practical systems for decluttering.
The conversation offers actionable tips, spiritual encouragement, and real-talk about letting go, setting boundaries, and building a home that reflects faith-driven priorities. Whether you're overwhelmed by physical things or just curious about Catholic minimalism, this episode will inspire you to clear space—inside and out—for God's work in your life!
00:27 — Launching Opt Out October: A Month-Long Journey  
01:39 — Introducing Sterling Jaquith: Decluttering for Internal Peace  
03:40 — Facing Family Hoarding and the Minimalism Challenge  
06:05 — Charisms and Clutter: Beyond "Does it Spark Joy?"  
09:31 — The Real Cause of Clutter Stress: What's Stealing Your Peace?  
13:34 — Letting Go of Aspirational Clutter and Woundedness  
23:38 — Getting Started: Small Chunks, Lasting Results
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores how even "good things" in life—such as commitments, relationships, and daily clutter—can unintentionally crowd out the space needed to say yes to our spiritual gifts, or charisms.
While sharing personal reflections and practical insights on making intentional space for God's work, especially as we look ahead to seasons like Advent, Jill introduces "Opt Out October," a focused initiative to declutter physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of life, so we can better align with our unique gifts.
Whether you're overwhelmed by your schedule or seeking deeper fulfillment, everyone is invited to examine what might be hindering their ability to serve and live from their charisms.
00:28 – Crowding Out Charisms with Other Good Things  
01:30 – Charisms as a Penciled-in Footnote  
03:25 – Making Space for Advent and Christ  
04:46 – Five-Week Series Preview: Addressing Clutter and Saying Your Best Yes  
06:35 – The Power of Self-Pruning: Choosing Your Yes  
09:38 – Reorienting in Challenging Relationships  
12:21 – Opt Out October Tiers: Dip In, Dive In, and All In
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this mini episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill announces the beginning of this year's Opt Out October, an annual event designed to help Catholics declutter their lives and make more space to say yes to what God is calling us to, especially in relation to our charisms!
Jill explains the availability of the challenge at a free level, as well as new options for deeper support, such as guided resources, weekly videos, daily actionable steps, charism assessments, and opportunities for live group interaction and accountability. 
This episode highlights the importance of creating room for discernment and growth, while Jill encourages listeners to join the community in this transformative journey, as a supportive environment is intended to bring greater clarity, peace, and openness to the movements of the Holy Spirit in participants' lives!
00:14 — Launching Opt Out October: An Annual Tradition  
00:26 — Creating Space to Say Yes to God and Charisms  
01:01 — Introducing New Support Levels for the Challenge  
01:14 — What's Included in Opt Out Guided  
01:50 — Features of the Opt Out Together Package  
02:21 — Opportunities for Direct Support, Training, and Accountability  
03:19 — Helping You Discern Charisms and Find Peace
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill reflects on "The Stakes of Charism Discernment," exploring why discerning your spiritual gifts matters not only for your own well-being but, even more urgently, for the good of others in the Body of Christ!
Through compelling analogies and personal stories, she highlights how understanding and using our charisms can provide healing, encouragement, and transformation far beyond what we might realize, impacting families, parishes, and entire communities. Jill challenges listeners in this episode to see charism discernment as an essential, outward-facing part of Christian life, and urges everyone to share this awareness within their circles so that the unique gifts God has given each of us can fully bear fruit in the Church and the world!
00:44 – The Stakes of Charism Discernment  
01:54 – The Gunshot Wound and Eczema Analogy  
04:06 – How Charism Discernment Addresses Hidden Frustrations  
06:01 – The Ripple Effect of Your Charisms on Others  
10:53 – A Prophetic Word and Its Unexpected Impact  
14:30 – Charisms in Action: Everyday Miracles  
19:02 – Why We Need Each Other's Charisms
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of "Charisms for Catholics," host Jill Simons explores three unconventional ways to deepen intimacy with God, drawn from her personal prayer and insights received in adoration.
Moving beyond the specifics of charisms, Jill focuses on cultivating greater receptivity to the Holy Spirit and nurturing a childlike relationship with God. She unpacks how embracing vulnerability, persistence, and authenticity in our spiritual lives can transform our awareness of God's presence and our ability to recognize opportunities to use our spiritual gifts.
Whether you struggle with feeling like a "bother" in prayer, sanitizing your emotions before God, or fearing disappointment by asking for big things, this episode offers practical, off-the-wall inspiration for growing in trust and deepening your connection with the Father!
01:00 - Levels of Invitation to Use Your Charisms
01:39 - High Attunement and Whisper Nudges from God
04:42 - Embracing Our Role as Children of God
06:09 - What Childlike Trust Looks Like Spiritually
07:05 - Don't Worry About Being Annoying
10:10 - Lesson 2: Feel All Your Feelings with God
14:47 - Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Big Things
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.