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NFP Week July 19-25, 2026
Natural Family Planning WeekJuly 19-25, 2026DESIGNED BY GODGUIDED BY LOVEOPEN TO LOVE Natural Family Planning ProgramMission:Helping married couples to deepen…
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2026 NFP Campaign: God in Charge - Open to Life
2026 NFP Campaign God in Charge - Open to Life WEEK 1: "Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere…
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Stewards of God’s Gifts: Building the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Belleville
As the Diocese of Belleville continues its mission of faith, stewardship, and evangelization, Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, offers this reflection…
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Parish Picnics 2026
PARISH PICNICS 2026What a wonderful time to gather in fellowship and support local Catholic Parishes and Communities. All are welcome!…
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Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, Announces New Clergy Assignments
DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLEOFFICE OF THE BISHOP OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTSMost Reverend Godfrey Mullen, OSB, Bishop of Belleville, hereby announces the following appointments.…
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Flocknote: Stay Connected, Grow in Faith
Did you know the Diocese of Belleville uses Flocknote?Stay connected with the life of the Diocese of Belleville by signing…
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Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal
Charisms
Since childhood, I’ve always been amazed at the process of singing. A person hears a pitch from a piano, guitar, or organ and somehow the brain can match the pitch from the vocal cords to the pitch heard in the ear. God is so brilliant in the way He created us!
Along with the ability to sing, there are so many other gifts that God gives individuals (and yes, clearly, not everyone has been given the gift of singing on pitch!). Since the time of Saint Paul, the Church has used the word “charisms” for those gifts God gives to individuals for the good of the individual and the community.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
No one is given every gift. No one possesses every ability. But God blesses the Church with various gifts in different people. If one person possessed every gift, who could stand to be around him or her? As it is, since we share the gifts we have, the joy of having all things comes through our participation in the life of the community.
One very helpful instrument lists these charisms: administration, apostleship, caregiving, communication, craftsmanship, discernment, evangelization, encouragement, faith, generosity, healing, hospitality, intercession, knowledge, mercy, mission, music, servant leadership, trust, prophet, service, teacher, wisdom. (stjohnsindy.org/charism-descriptions.html) People have all sorts of abilities, but charisms bring life. A person may easily be able to carry out administration, for example, but it may sap them of all their energy. Engaging charisms brings joy and fulfillment. We can all learn skills, but God has given the abilities that are properly charisms.
As stewards of God’s gifts, we are called to recognize God’s gifts to us – sometimes that isn’t completely clear, to foster those gifts gratefully – becoming better at practicing their use, and obviously, to share those gifts generously, for the building up of the Kingdom of God.
Once we recognize the gifts God has given us, we have a greater ability to use them for good. The Church relies on people knowing and sharing their gifts. Every parish has members who know and share their gifts and what a wonderful difference that makes. If every one of us did the same, our churches would be even more vibrant, joyful, welcoming places.
If your schedule permits, I invite you to read over that list three or four times in the next week. It’s less important to ask what we’re able to do on that list, and more essential to identify what we love to do on that list. Awareness of God’s good gifts sets in motion the work of honing and sharing those gifts for the glory of God and the upbuilding of the Kingdom. There are different gifts, and all are needed!
Thanks be to God.
