Charisms for Catholics

In the final week of Opt Out October, host Jill Simons welcomes Claire Dwyer—author, writing coach, and host of the "Your Best Yes" podcast—to dive into how Catholics can make discerning, courageous choices rooted in their God-given calling!
Together, they explore what it means to say "yes" to God authentically, the role of humility and magnanimity, and the practical steps to guard new spiritual and emotional space after decluttering. Claire shares her insights on battling fear, navigating others' expectations, and discerning between multiple good choices, drawing on wisdom from Catholic tradition and spiritual guides.
 Whether you've participated in Opt Out October or are looking to refocus your priorities, this episode equips you to embrace your best yes and move forward in faith.
01:02 — Creating Space for Your Best "Yes"
03:49 — Why We Struggle to Make Progress
06:14 — The Blessed Mother's Fiat: Humility and Saying Yes
08:25 — Magnanimity: Daring Great Things with God
10:46 — Opting Out: Protecting Your Boundaries and Mission
15:06 — The Nehemiah Principle: Building Walls of Protection
22:50 — The Five C's of Discernment
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com and watch the full episode video at Many Parts Ministries Youtube

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons welcomes Ann Virnig, Director of Mission Relations at the Avila Institute, for the fourth week of Opt Out October. Together, they dive into the concept of "spiritual clutter"—what it means, how it impacts our interior lives, and why addressing it is essential for spiritual growth.
Ann shares insights from her experience in spiritual direction and boundaries work, exploring how intentional boundaries can bring freedom, clarity, and deeper intimacy with God. The conversation also touches on discerning when to say yes or no, integrating boundaries into prayer life, and the role of emotions in our spiritual journey.
This episode offers practical advice, reflection questions, and encouragement for anyone seeking to declutter their spiritual lives and grow in authentic relationship with Christ!
00:31 - Introduction to Spiritual Clutter & Boundaries
01:22 - Ann Virnig's Background and Journey to Avila Institute
03:03 - Discovering the Importance of Boundaries in the Spiritual Life
06:35 - How to Set Interior Boundaries in Your Prayer Life
09:05 - Purification of Relationships and the Pain of Saying No
14:24 - Discernment, Compulsive Yeses, and the Life of Pause
26:42 - The Role of Emotions in Spiritual Growth
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com and watch the full episode video at Many Parts Ministries Youtube
Download the free guide to follow along with Opt out October here: Opt Out October

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons is joined by physician and coach Claudine Noel for Week 3 of Opt Out October, focusing on mental clutter.
Together, they explore the challenges of constant anxiety, overwhelmed minds, and internal narratives that keep us disconnected from our bodies and God. Claudine shares practical insights on how Catholic women can reconnect with themselves through awareness, naming emotions, and allowing space for feelings—all from an integrative, faith-filled perspective.
Whether you're struggling with feeling stuck, worried about being too self-focused, or seeking to pray more deeply, this conversation offers compassionate wisdom and actionable steps for moving toward greater wholeness and peace.
00:30 - Introduction to Opt Out October Week 3
01:51 - Claudine Noel's Background and Mission
04:05 - The Problem of Disconnection Between Mind and Body
06:30 - How to Begin Reconnecting with Your Body and Emotions
07:46 - The 90-Second Rule for Processing Emotions
16:26 - Faith, the Nervous System, and Red Flags for Catholics
24:06 - Can Regulation Practices Become Self-Centered?
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com and watch the full episode video at Many Parts Ministries Youtube
Download the free guide to follow along with Opt out October here: Opt Out October

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons welcomes special guest Rachel Bulman as part of the Opt Out October series, focusing on the theme of emotional clutter.
Together, they explore how emotional clutter accumulates in our lives, its impact on our ability to fully live out our charisms, and the importance of integrating our emotional and spiritual lives. Drawing from theology, philosophy, and personal experience, Rachel offers practical insights for recognizing and addressing emotional clutter, understanding the body-soul connection emphasized in Theology of the Body, and discerning healthy boundaries in our callings.
Tune in for an outpouring of encouragement to approach your emotional life with honesty and self-awareness, seeking freedom and integration as a beloved child of God!
00:26 — Introduction to Opt Out October and Emotional Clutter  
01:20 — Rachel Bulman Shares Her Background  
02:21 — Connection Between Emotional State and Environment  
04:02 — Theology of the Body and Emotional Integration  
07:37 — Where Do Emotions Fit in Catholic Theology?  
14:19 — Practical Discernment: Knowing Emotional Limits  
18:20 — Getting Started: Journaling and Practical Self-Awareness
Download the free "Opt Out October" guide at https://manypartsministries.com and watch the full video at Many Parts Ministries Youtube

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.