Charisms for Catholics

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," Jill Simons explores the question, "Is identity always linear?"
Drawing on insightful analogies between identity formation and physical fitness, Jill discusses how investing in your spiritual life can help you maintain and grow your sense of identity, but also acknowledges that setbacks and non-linear progress are common. She examines how personal struggles or injustices can impact our sense of self, the ongoing need for healing, and the vital role of divine grace in our journeys.
Whether you're moving steadily forward or experiencing detours, you'll find encouragement and practical wisdom for embracing and strengthening your identity in Christ!
00:57 - Comparing Identity to Physical Fitness
02:15 - Exceptions and Nonlinear Identity Journeys
03:32 - Building "Mental Hygiene" for Identity Maintenance
04:09 - The Limitlessness of Growth in Identity
05:14 - How Pain and Injustice Affect Identity
12:45 - Encouragement for Continuing Your Identity Journey
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of "Charisms for Catholics," host Jill Simons explores the essential role that coaches and volunteers play in making charism discernment accessible within the Church!
She delves into the different programs offered by Many Parts Ministries, from entry-level study groups to comprehensive volunteer and coach certifications, all designed to equip individuals to accompany others through their discernment journey. Jill also shares her personal experience in developing these resources, emphasizing the importance of local leadership and one-on-one accompaniment to help people identify their spiritual gifts.
This episode also highlights how you can get involved, whether by becoming trained leaders or by advocating for charism discernment programs within their own parishes!
01:03 — Launch of "What You Carry" Study: Entry-Level Accompaniment
02:50 — Volunteer Training Programs and Small Group Accompaniment
04:16 — Jill Simons' Personal Journey: Learning and Informal Charism Accompaniment
06:44 — Impact and Role of Volunteers in Local Communities
10:04 — Volunteer Accompaniment Training Program Overview
11:13 — Spiritual Director and Coach Certification Program
14:51 — Benefits for Spiritual Directors and Coaches: Practical Application
16:14 — Grassroots Parish Engagement and Impact


Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.