Charisms for Catholics

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.

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.

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.