Welcome to Charisms for Catholics! In today's special Thanksgiving-themed episode, host Jill Simons invites listeners to reflect on the power of gratitude—specifically, giving thanks for the charisms, or spiritual gifts, that the Holy Spirit has placed in our lives. Whether you're tuning in on Thanksgiving Day or any other time of year, Jill Simons shares practical ways to incorporate prayers of gratitude for your unique charisms into daily life, explains why this practice is so important, and encourages everyone to embrace a spirit of praise in their personal prayer routines. Plus, she shares exciting news about upcoming events, the Discern in December community challenge, and new tools available through Many Parts Ministries to help you discern and track your charisms. Join us for heartfelt encouragement and helpful tips on living with greater joy and stewardship of the gifts God has given you.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons welcomes spiritual director Rose Folsom to explore how charisms—our unique spiritual gifts—can help us grow in virtue!

Drawing from her own journey as a convert and her expertise in teaching the virtues, Rose shares practical wisdom on how humility intersects with the most common charisms, and how a deep prayer life empowers both discernment and growth. The discussion highlights real-life challenges, such as dealing with pride and burnout, and offers insights on balancing joy and virtue while stewarding our gifts. Listeners will also learn actionable steps for cultivating a Christ-like life, including a special free audio course on virtues to kickstart their journey.

This episode is perfect for anyone seeking both spiritual fulfillment and practical guidance in using their gifts to build up the Church.

00:00 - Introducing the Intersection of Charisms and Virtue

01:52 - Rose Folsom's Journey Into Virtue and Charisms

04:52 - Addressing the Fear: Can Focusing on Charisms Hinder Virtue Growth?

07:04 - The Virtue of Humility and Its Misconceptions

09:38 - Matching Charisms to Virtues: Encouragement, Knowledge, and More

24:26 - Running Full Out in Your Charisms: Confidence, Prayer, and Discernment

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

On this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons sits down with Mary Harper, founder of Liturgical Style, to explore how personal style can beautifully reflect the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church!

Together, they dive into the intersection of fashion, theology, and spiritual gifts—discussing how understanding your charisms, like craftsmanship, prophecy, knowledge, and healing, can deepen your faith and turn everyday moments (even getting dressed!) into opportunities for prayer and evangelization. Mary shares her journey, the inspiration behind Liturgical Style, and practical ways anyone—regardless of style or season of life—can incorporate elements of the Church's rich traditions into their daily wardrobe.

If you're curious about expressing your faith through beauty or want to learn more about living liturgically with intention and creativity, this episode is for you!

02:22 - What is Liturgical Style?

04:44 - Discovering Charisms: Mary's Background

08:27 - Craftsmanship, Prophecy, and Personal Style

14:07 - Liturgical Style Levels & Everyday Application

18:07 - Healing Charism & The Story of Tabitha

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

In this thought-provoking episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores a challenging question: Why do our spiritual gifts, or charisms, often seem less impactful for the people closest to us?

Drawing from real-life examples and personal experiences, Jill delves into the mysterious ways the Holy Spirit works through our charisms, highlighting how our efforts to serve loved ones might not always yield the results we hope for. She discusses the theology behind the body of Christ and emphasizes how each of us plays a unique role in bringing grace to unexpected people—sometimes as a "random cubicle mate" in someone else's story. Whether you're feeling frustrated about your charisms or curious how they fit into your relationships, this episode brings clarity, encouragement, and a renewed sense of mission within the Church.

Tune in to discover why everyone's gifts matter and how our call to serve reaches far beyond our inner circles.

00:49 – Why Don't Our Charisms Help Those Closest to Us?

2:02 – Real-Life Examples of Charism Limitations

4:40 – The Theology of the Body of Christ and Charisms

7:58 – Serving the "Random Cubicle Person"

11:25 – The Urgency of the Mission and Everyone's Role

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

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons wraps up "Opt Out October" with a special conversation featuring Lisa Hendey, founder of CatholicMom.com!

Together, they dive deep into the importance of discerning your yeses and noes, especially as it relates to your spiritual gifts and living out your vocation without burning out. Lisa shares her inspiring journey of starting CatholicMom.com, navigating big transitions—including the decision to step away from her own ministry—and how prayerful discernment and self-care are essential for faithful service.

Jill and Lisa also touch on the generational differences in how women approach self-care and saying no. Lisa reflects on how her mother's generation, and even her own, often equated virtue with always saying yes and powering through burnout. She contrasts this with the healthier outlook of younger generations, who are much more likely to openly discuss their needs for personal care and boundaries. Lisa encourages listeners that caring for ourselves spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally isn't selfish—it's necessary for truly fruitful ministry and vocation. By embracing both the grace of yes and the grace of no, we can trust that God will provide what's best for us, and for those we're called to serve.

Practical tips, personal stories, and wisdom on embracing trust in God when making tough choices await listeners in this enriching episode.

Absolutely! Here are 6 timestamped titles from the episode:

01:54 - Founding CatholicMom.com: The Beginnings

06:20 - Discerning Out of a Beloved Project

10:41 - Building Trust in God: Habits & Practices

17:23 - The Three-Part Process for Choosing Your Yes

24:16 - Embracing the Grace of No & Generational Shifts

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

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons welcomes Father Timothy Gallagher for a deep dive into discerning and decluttering the spiritual life.

As part of the "Opt Out October" series, the conversation explores what it means to address not only physical, mental, and emotional clutter, but also the often-overlooked spiritual distractions that keep us from fuller relationship with Christ. Father Gallagher shares his vocation story, offers practical insights from St. Ignatius' rules of discernment, and discusses why so many Catholics haven't learned about these foundational tools for navigating spiritual desolation and growth. Together, they unpack why we're drawn to distractions, the roots of spiritual clutter, and how regular sacramental life, daily prayer, and Ignatian wisdom can bring clarity and renewed purpose.

Whether you're seeking to deepen your prayer life or simply feel spiritually "stuck," this episode provides practical steps and encouragement to encounter God more freely and let go of what holds you back.

1:34 - Father Gallagher's Vocation Story

3:47 - Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

7:07 - Addressing Widespread Spiritual Discouragement

10:50 - The Problem of Spiritual Distraction and Diversion

15:14 - The Transformative Power of Prayer and Sacraments

25:12 - The Biggest Misconception About Discernment

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

In this episode, host Jill Simons welcomes Dr. Peter Malinoski, a Catholic psychologist, to dive deeply into the concept of mental clutter and its role in our spiritual and personal development. This is part of the "Opt Out October" series, which is all about helping listeners identify and intentionally eliminate the unnecessary noise and commitments that hinder their ability to live out their unique spiritual gifts—their charisms.

Dr. Malinoski explains that much of the so-called "clutter" we experience—our racing thoughts, emotional outbursts, and inner fragmentation—points to underlying wounds, unmet needs, or unresolved issues from our past. He emphasizes that, rather than random noise, mental clutter carries important messages about parts of ourselves that need healing or integration. He notes research suggesting that 90% of our reactions to present situations come from unresolved issues in our past, making interior integration essential for true spiritual and emotional peace.

Jill and Dr. Malinoski discuss how many Catholics tend to avoid looking inward, fearing self-absorption or thinking it's unspiritual. Dr. Malinoski insists that genuine self-knowledge and self-love aren't selfish; in fact, St. Thomas Aquinas and the great commandments teach that we cannot love neighbor or God fully without loving ourselves and knowing who we truly are. He provides examples of how distraction and internal noise in prayer are often signs that our hearts are trying to show us where we need attention.

If you're looking for a practical, Catholic perspective on how to quiet internal noise, heal old wounds, and discern your unique gifts, this episode is packed with insightful guidance, relatable examples, and great resources to continue your journey.

01:20 - Introduction to Mental Clutter and "Opt Out October"

04:07 - What is "Human Formation"?

07:26 - "I'm Actually Grateful for the Clutter": The Purpose of Distractions

11:10 - The Importance of Inner Integration Before Loving Others

23:49 - Recognizing Spiritual Bypassing and Its Consequences

47:18 - Resources for Human Formation: Souls and Hearts

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

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons welcomes Brya Hanan, a licensed marriage and family therapist and integrative Catholic coach, for an in-depth conversation about "Opt Out October: Saying No to Emotional Clutter."

Together, they explore the importance of addressing emotional clutter in our lives and how healing and integration can lead to greater spiritual freedom. Brya shares her personal journey of integrating faith and psychology, discusses the challenges of balancing inward healing with outward service, and offers practical tips for Catholics seeking emotional clarity and health—including how to gently assess your own needs, cultivate emotional vocabulary, and practice regular emotional "hygiene."

The episode also touches on the intersections of faith, body, and emotional wellness, and how Catholic traditions like adoration and the sacraments can be powerful tools for holistic healing. Whether you're navigating old wounds, curious about somatic practices, or simply want to nurture a more integrated spiritual and emotional life, this conversation provides both guidance and encouragement.

01:02 - Introducing Emotional Clutter and Opt Out October

02:47 - Brya Hanan's Path to Integrating Faith and Psychology

08:42 - Healing for Yourself—Not Just for Others

12:49 - How to Gently Assess Emotional Clutter Without Overwhelm

23:31 - Building Emotional Hygiene in Daily Life

37:35 - Integration Through Catholic Practices and Sacraments

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

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons kicks off "Opt Out October" with Catholic decluttering coach Gina Morton, a Catholic decluttering coach from Pennsylvania, who shares her journey of combining organization with faith to help Catholic women clear physical, financial, and emotional clutter!

Gina explains that having order in our physical spaces brings freedom and peace, making it easier to respond to God's daily invitations. She emphasizes the biblical roots of order (referencing Genesis) and suggests that our homes should reflect this. Gina advocates starting small—decluttering trash first—and building routines that help a home run efficiently, freeing us up for more meaningful things.

For those emotionally attached to items or overwhelmed by sentimental clutter, Gina recommends starting with prayer—especially the rosary—to reorient the heart and gradually detach from earthly things. She shares practical strategies for managing kids' stuff, emphasizing boundaries (like special bins or limited spaces for toys) and advocating for gifts of time or experiences instead of more possessions.

Gina highlights that everyone's threshold for clutter is different, and finding a personal balance is key—not striving for perfection, but for freedom to say "yes" to God. She encourages listeners to pause before bringing new things into their homes, to only keep what aligns with their values and capacity, and to let faith guide daily decisions, including how we manage our belongings.

Listeners can learn more from Gina through her podcast, Pruning to Prosper, Facebook group, and coaching services.

If you're seeking a more intentional life and deeper spiritual clarity by simplifying your surroundings, this episode is full of encouragement and actionable advice!

02:16 – Gina Morton's Genesis Story

06:07 – The Spiritual Connection to Physical Spaces

09:44 – Practical Approach to Decluttering

13:36 – Handling Gifts, Charity, and Kids' Clutter

18:33 – Addressing Sentimental Attachment

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

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons tackles a unique listener question about the charism of voluntary poverty within marriage.

Can one spouse live out this spiritual gift if the other doesn't share it? Jill explores how charisms work within sacramental marriages and "charism-mixed" households, sharing practical advice and personal examples of how different spiritual gifts can harmoniously coexist. She also previews the upcoming "Opt Out October" series, focused on creating space in all areas of life to say better yeses to our charisms.

If you're discerning your gifts or wondering how they play out in family life, this thoughtful episode offers encouragement and insight for integrating your spiritual strengths with those of your loved ones.

00:51 - Jill introduces the Charism Coaching Certification Program for coaches and spiritual directors.

2:12 - Announcement of "Opt Out October," a new annual series focused on making space—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—to say better "yeses" to our charisms.

4:58 - Mailbag question: If one spouse has voluntary poverty, does the other have to as well? Jill begins addressing the dynamics of "charism mixed marriages."

6:34 - Explaining how voluntary poverty can be expressed individually within a marriage, using the example of a wife embracing minimalism without forcing it on the family.

9:25 - Jill shares a personal example of growing up in a family influenced by the charism of giving, and how that shaped financial priorities and values.

12:01 - Emphasizing that there are no fundamentally incompatible charism combinations in the body of Christ—differences may require more discernment, but can exist and work together.

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