• Ep 132 - Does Someone HAVE to be Baptized to Have Charisms?
    Jul 10 2025

    In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons tackles a common FAQ: "Does someone have to be baptized to have charisms?"

    Drawing from scripture, tradition, and personal insights, they delve into the theological nuances of how charisms—or spiritual gifts—are usually received through the sacraments, especially baptism, but also explore the rare instances when God chooses to act outside these ordinary means. The discussion covers the centrality of sacramental grace, what it means when someone claims to have charisms without baptism, and how true charisms always draw us toward unity with the Church.

    If you’ve ever wondered about the relationship between baptism and spiritual gifts, or how to guide someone discerning charisms without being baptized, this episode offers practical wisdom and pastoral guidance.

    00:42 — The episode’s central question is introduced: “Do you have to be baptized in order to have charisms?”

    01:28— The Wisdom Guide references the biblical precedent in Acts where the Holy Spirit falls on someone before baptism.

    02:05— Discussion on how grace is normally received through the sacraments, beginning with baptism.

    03:50— Analogy of sacraments as the “levers” we know will always work to receive grace and the distinction that God is not limited to these methods.

    05:29— Exploration of why, if someone feels they have a charism but aren’t baptized, they haven’t sought out baptism.

    09:00— Noting that authentic experiences of grace should draw someone toward communion with the Church; any experience that doesn’t is viewed skeptically.

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

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    12 mins
  • Ep 131 - Why I Think the Holy Spirit Is Highlighting Charism Discernment in the Modern Church
    Jul 3 2025

    In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores the question of why charism discernment is gaining so much attention in the modern Church, even though spiritual gifts have existed throughout church history.

    Jill offers her personal theory on why the Holy Spirit is emphasizing charism discernment today, reflecting on how life’s increasing complexity, noise, and endless options have made it harder for people to find personal fulfillment and clarity in their vocation. She discusses how, in contrast to earlier times when life was quieter and choices were more limited, we now need intentional tools—like charism discernment—to help us focus, foster community, and experience the peace that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

    Tune in as Jill unpacks these relevant themes and encourages listeners to explore their own spiritual gifts as a way to navigate the challenges of modern life.


    01:17– Jill addresses a frequently asked question: Why is charism discernment only recently becoming a focus in the Church?

    02:22– Jill begins sharing her theory on why charism discernment is more prominent now, emphasizing historical context.

    05:01– She discusses the difference in mental stimulation between historical times and today, highlighting how quiet and limited options shaped spiritual discernment.

    07:10– Jill reflects on historical satisfaction with life, the role of suffering, and how modern abundance changed discernment needs.

    09:26 – She summarizes her theory: The Holy Spirit is responding to modern fragmentation and distraction by bringing charism discernment to the forefront now.

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

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    11 mins
  • Ep 130 - Our Vision for the Church: A Roundtable with the Many Parts Staff
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode of the Charisms for Catholics podcast, host Jill Simons gathers her core team from Many Parts Ministries to discuss the organization's mission and vision for the future of the Church with charisms—spiritual gifts—at the center. Each team member shares their personal journey of joining the ministry and highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing individual gifts within community life. The conversation emphasizes the unique strengths and collaborative spirit among team members, the role of discernment in matching people to roles that energize them, and the ministry’s commitment to accessibility and servant leadership. Through stories of trusting God’s timing, insightful hiring experiences, and examples of fruitful ministry outcomes, the team paints a hopeful picture of a Church where every person’s gifts are valued and catalyzed for collective mission, unity, and growth. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join the team, particularly in a new high school ministry leadership role, reinforcing their drive to spread charism discernment in all corners of the Catholic community! (see bottom for job details) 01:49 – Amy, the administrative assistant, shares her journey into charism work, highlighting the value of discovering administration as a spiritual gift and helping others recognize their own gifts. 04:22– Bella, the community manager, recounts her “God moment” of joining the team, her background in ministry and social media, and how hearing testimonies has deepened her passion for the mission. 07:24– Becca O’Hara, director of parishes, explains how her interview shifted from applying for one role to having a new position created for her to focus on parish ministry and charism discernment. 15:22 – The team discusses the core vision and values of Many Parts Ministries, emphasizing healthy leadership, affirmation of individual gifts, and the hope that charism discernment brings to the church. Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com. ------- About the Role We’re looking for a High School Ministry Coordinator to serve as the key connector between our organization and Catholic high schools, parishes, and youth ministries. In this role, you’ll engage with clients to understand their needs, recommend tailored packages from our charism education and implementation resources, and help them implement programs that transform their ministries. This role is ideal for someone with a heart for Catholic youth ministry, a strong understanding of charisms, and a desire to help others grow closer to Christ. You’ll work 10-15 hours per week as part of a tight-knit, international team that values collaboration, communication, and shared mission. The role is fully remote, offering flexibility for family life and other commitments.Responsibilities Client Engagement: Take sales calls with Catholic youth ministers, high school leaders, and other ministry professionals.Listen carefully to clients’ needs, challenges, and goals to offer personalized guidance.Build authentic relationships with ministry leaders, demonstrating genuine care for their mission and success. Sales and Recommendations: Recommend appropriate packages and resources from our charism-based programs.Share the value of our resources in helping teens discover their charisms and deepen their connection to the Church.Close sales by providing clear, compassionate guidance and follow-up communication. Support and Follow-Up: Serve as a point of contact for clients throughout the onboarding process, ensuring they feel supported and excited to implement our resources.Collaborate with our team to provide the best possible experience for clients. Team Collaboration: Work closely with other team members to share insights, feedback, and ideas for improving our offerings.Participate in weekly team meetings, training, and ongoing formation to deepen your understanding of charisms and youth ministry. Qualifications Faith and Mission Alignment: Practicing Catholic with a strong understanding of Catholic teaching, charisms, and the mission of the Church.Passion for youth ministry and helping teens discover their God-given gifts. Sales and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully.Prior experience in sales, customer service, or ministry-related roles is a plus.Confidence in presenting and recommending resources while maintaining a mission-first, service-oriented approach. Organization and Self-Motivation: Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple calls and follow-ups each week. Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment. Team Spirit and Flexibility: Collaborative mindset, eager to contribute to a supportive, family-friendly team culture.Comfortable working with an international team across time zones and ...
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    36 mins
  • Ep 129 - Dreaming for a New School Year: High School Ministry
    Jun 19 2025

    In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons invites listeners to dream big for the upcoming school year by reimagining Catholic youth ministry and confirmation as more than just a rite of passage.

    She introduces "Spirit Rising," a brand new, flexible charism discovery curriculum and suite of resources created specifically for high schoolers. Jill discusses how this five-session program can be adapted for mission trips, retreats, theology classes, or youth ministry groups—empowering teens to discover their unique spiritual gifts and see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.

    Tune in to be inspired about what’s possible for your parish, school, or family—and learn how understanding and nurturing charisms can transform the experience of teenagers on the threshold of their vocational journey.


    00:29 - Jill opens the discussion about youth ministry and poses the central question: What if this is the year confirmation stops being “Catholic graduation”?

    01:04 - Discussion on different approaches to confirmation and the new charism assessment for teenagers introduced by Many Parts Ministries.

    02:18 - Introduction of the new "Spirit Rising" curriculum for teens: a five-session charism discovery program.

    05:44- Jill describes pairing students with saints using assessment data and the "Guided by Grace" book, personalizing ministry for different charisms.

    07:47 - Announcement of the launch for youth ministry and school programs using the new resources and the plan to gather feedback for continuous improvement.

    08:39 - Details about the Spirit Rising Journal and the exclusivity of the curriculum to ensure adequate support for youth ministers and teachers.

    09:55 - Encouragement for listeners to dream about and actively pursue a new vision for youth and confirmation ministry in the coming school year.

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

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    13 mins
  • Ep 128 - Dreaming for a New School Year: Parish Life
    Jun 12 2025

    In this inspiring episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons invites us to dream about what’s possible in parish life as we approach a new school year.

    Broadcasting from her brand-new studio, Jill discusses the importance of intentional dreaming and how the Holy Spirit calls us to imagine better outcomes for our communities. She explores new parish programs from Many Parts Ministries, focusing on leadership training, forming parishioners around their charisms, and cultivating organizational clarity that leads to healthier, more sustainable ministry.

    Whether you’re a parish staff member, a ministry leader, or a passionate parishioner, this episode will encourage you to dream big for your parish and take actionable steps toward meaningful change—fueled by prayer, discernment, and the gifts already present in your faith community.

    ---

    02:11 — Discussion on defeatist thinking within the Church and how it inhibits possibilities; encouragement to dream about change, especially regarding parish pain points.

    03:24 — Announces new divisions and setups for parish and youth ministry programs; focus shifts to leadership training as part of parish formation, emphasizing the importance of charism-oriented leadership and organizational clarity.

    04:28 — Jill highlights the empowering nature of leaders knowing and articulating their strengths and limitations, particularly how this could benefit priests and parish staff, touching on priest burnout and seminary education.

    06:49 — Describes team-building at Many Parts Ministries using charism discernment, and how it fosters organizational health, collaboration, and clarity.

    07:42 — The importance of identifying gaps in parish ministry roles, leaving space for the Holy Spirit, and the value of organizational "surrender" in finding the right people.

    11:06— Overview of integrating charism discernment into parish life, using the Source Stewardship Renewal Model, and leveraging digital tools (website, soon-to-be app) for follow-up and education.

    12:36 — Details the three new parish program pathways: leadership formation, parish-wide programs, and the intensive transformation program, highlighting flexibility and support from Many Parts Ministries.

    18:20— Jill previews next week’s episode on youth ministry and encourages checking the App Store for their new app!

    ---

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

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    19 mins
  • Ep 127 - FIRE 50 Week 7 on Victory with Sr. Beata Victoria of the Sisters of Life
    Jun 5 2025

    This Fire 50 episode offers a heartfelt exploration into experiencing victory through Christ in our daily lives.

    Sister Beata Victoria shares her personal journey to becoming a Sister of Life, highlighting how spiritual victories often unfold in unexpected ways. Through her work with women in vulnerable situations, she illustrates the transformative power of love and faith. Listeners will gain insights into living with hope, recognizing God's promises, and embracing our unique gifts amidst challenges. This lesson encourages contemplation and connection, inviting you to reflect on where true victory lies.

    Join us to deepen your understanding of spiritual fulfillment and discover how to resonate with the divine presence in every aspect of life.

    00:00 Journey of Love and Calling

    04:47 Embracing Vocation Through Faith

    07:57 "Proclaiming Life's Inherent Goodness"

    12:03 Living Holy Saturday's Hope

    15:12 Discover Gifts; Overcome Spiritual Attacks

    17:40 "Finding Hope in God's Promises"

    20:29 Praying with Jesus's Promises

    22:33 Spiritual Reflection and Personal Growth

    27:22 "Extravagant Divine Love Imagery"

    29:30 Sisters of Life: Resources Online

    Additional resources to engage with the Sisters of Life community:

    1. Sisters of Life Website: sistersoflife.org - For information and resources about the Sisters of Life, including their magazine.

    2. Sisters of Life YouTube Channel: Featuring music and talks by the sisters.

    3. Instagram and Community Group: For those interested in praying the Pentecost novena and experiencing community engagement.

    4. Magazines and Publications: Free magazine offered by the Sisters of Life, published several times a year.

    Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

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

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    32 mins
  • Ep 126 - FIRE 50: Week 6 on Boldness with Samantha Povlock
    May 29 2025

    In this week of Fire 50, host Jill Simons sits down with Samantha Povlock, founder of Fem Catholic, to explore the theme of boldness—particularly what it means to enter into difficult conversations with both courage and compassion. Together, they touch on the importance of bringing real lived experiences, faith, and honest dialogue into spaces that can often feel tense or divisive. Viewers will discover insights about navigating complex issues in a way that fosters healing and understanding, and hear firsthand how boldness can be lived out authentically through both personal growth and service to others.

    It’s a thoughtful conversation for anyone seeking to live their faith with integrity and openness!

    00:00 "Boldness Week: Samantha Pavlak Feature"

    04:16 Faithful Feminism in Catholic Dialogue

    06:26 "Integration of Faith and Trauma"

    11:12 Gifts of Faith and Steadfastness

    16:16 "Boldness, Healing, and Divine Guidance"

    18:10 Spiritual Growth and Healing Journey

    22:45 Embrace Boldness Despite Fear

    26:40 Navigating Delicate Faith Topics

    30:16 Extending Grace to Differing Perspectives

    34:19 "Grieving and Hope Coexist"

    35:23 "Truth and Love: A Sacred Balance"

    Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

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

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    36 mins
  • Ep 125 - FIRE 50: Week 5 on Risk with Dr. Mario Sacasa
    May 22 2025

    In this enlightening Fire 50 conversation, Dr. Mario Sacasa, a seasoned marriage and family therapist, joins host Jill Simons to explore the vital role of risk in living a fulfilled Christian life.

    Drawing from his own experiences and professional insights, Dr. Sacasa discusses how risk, when embraced in a balanced and thoughtful manner, can be a powerful tool for spiritual and personal growth. The discussion extends into practical advice for both personal and interpersonal development, including navigating risks in relationships and understanding the psychological interplay of safety and adventure.

    Join the dialogue for a thoughtful reflection on how risk can integrate with faith for a life of hope and purpose.

    00:00 Discerning New Paths and Ventures

    05:43 Navigating Life's Transitional Phase

    08:12 "Discerning Divine Invitations"

    11:42 "The Path to Hope"

    16:40 Nervous System Healing Journey

    18:10 "Embracing Faith's Leaps"

    23:50 Balancing Stress and Anxiety

    26:45 Navigating Risk in Relationships

    28:59 Building a Decision-Making Foundation

    32:36 Dating Risks and Life Choices

    34:16 Discerning God's Calling

    36:59 "Always Hope: Genuine Optimism Explored"

    1. Dr. Mario Sacasa's Podcast - Always Hope

    2. Dr. Mario Sacasa's Website - Dr. Mario Sacasa

    Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

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

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    40 mins