Charisms for Catholics

In this episode of "Charisms for Catholics," Jill centers the conversation on the question, "What is my passion?" One concept discussed is how passion, particularly when aligned with individual charisms, helps clarify where and how a person is called to serve within the Church. We also explore our uniqueness, how individuals with similar charisms can express them through vastly different passions...

This episode of "Charisms for Catholics," focuses on the essential question, "What are my charisms?" as part of a series exploring five foundational questions for Catholics discerning their spiritual gifts. Host Jill Simons delves into the importance of understanding the big categories of charisms as a starting point for recognizing how the Holy Spirit is active in one's life and where He is invit...

In today's episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill emphasizes the importance of the foundational question of identity for Catholics, exploring why understanding one's identity is vital for living with purpose and peace. Jill explores how often people build their lives on unexamined assumptions about their identity, sourced from relationships, achievements, and struggles, as well as practical tools...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, we focus on the five essential questions that guide the process of charism discernment for Catholics! We discuss how these questions move beyond simply identifying spiritual gifts to include deeper reflection on identity, passion, life season, and the unique mission God is calling each person to. A key theme in this episode is the importance of specificit...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, jill focuses on the different ways Catholics can receive prophetic communication and how to discern whether a word is truly from the Holy Spirit! One concept discussed was the categorization of prophetic experiences into visions and locutions, each with three forms: corporeal, imaginative, and intellectual. Jill also discusses how God can use any of the s...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill dives deep into the charism of prophecy, unpacking its different types and how they function within the Catholic tradition. Learn all about the distinctions between prophecy, words of knowledge, and words of wisdom, while also discovering why discernment is essential in understanding prophetic gifts. Drawing from Thomas Aquinas and practical ministry...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons explores the topic of rediscerning your charisms—how to approach reassessment, when it might be necessary, and what to do with new or unchanged results. As life circumstances shift or time passes, it's important to periodically reflect on how the Holy Spirit is working in and through you! Jill shares practical guidelines for when to retake you...

In this episode for Fire50, Jill Simons welcomes Heather Khym from the Abiding Together podcast to discuss the theme of victory in the Christian life. The conversation explores what true spiritual victory looks like—rooted in dependence on God rather than self-reliance—and how personal healing, vulnerability, and detachment from old beliefs lead to deeper union with Christ. Jill and Heather share...

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons welcomes Rachel Herbeck, Director of Young Adult Ministry at Renewal Ministries, to discuss what it truly means to live a bold life empowered by the Holy Spirit! Rachel Herbeck shares her personal journey of faith, the transformative power of repentance, and how Renewal Ministries encourages Catholics to step into radical discipleship. Together, they ex...

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons welcomes Eric Dooley, CTO of Exodus 90, for a compelling conversation about risk, faith, and entrepreneurship. Eric Dooley shares his journey from a childhood love of building to founding Catholic tech projects like Catholify and Vineyard, and ultimately joining Exodus 90. Together with his wife, Jenny, he navigates the challenges and rewards of serving...

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons welcomes Renzo Ortega and Monica Ortega, the husband-and-wife team behind Two Become Family, to discuss the transformative role of obedience within marriage and ministry. Together, they share the story of how their ministry evolved from a humble blog for former youth group students to a multifaceted mission helping couples restore confidence in marriage...

In this episode fpr Fire50, host Jill Simons sits down with Sister Elfie, also known as the "Happy Nun," to explore the virtue of humility and its place in spiritual growth and vocation! Sister Elfie shares her personal journey from aspiring to motherhood to answering God's call as a Salesian Sister, embracing spiritual motherhood and finding fulfillment in serving young people. The conversation d...

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons welcomes Dan Burke, president and founder of the Avila Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on the foundations of Catholic prayer. Dan Burke shares his personal conversion story and unpacks his practical approach to deepening your prayer life with the concepts of sacred space, sacred time, and sacred attention. Together, they discuss how to cultivat...

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons sits down with Kevin Monette, Director of Operations and Events at Encounter School of Ministry, to discuss the tangible reality of God's power in everyday life. Kevin shares his personal journey of discovering and cooperating with God's supernatural power, from growing up in a Catholic family to experiencing inner healing, physical miracles, and a tran...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill invites listeners to enter deeply into the Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday—by reflecting on their personal charisms and how they can be courageously offered back to God, even when faced with difficulty or fear. Jill encourages contemplation and honest self-assessment, challenging listeners to consider if they are willing to foll...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill introduces the FIRE 50 program, a 50-day journey from Easter to Pentecost designed to help Catholics build on their Lenten experiences and become an "Easter people." The episode explains the structure of FIRE 50, which includes daily commitments and weekly catechesis on themes like power, prayer, humility, and victory, all aimed at deepening our coop...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons dives into how charisms—our spiritual gifts—fit into the lives of those who are retired or in their "golden years." She explores the common mindset challenges that come with aging, such as the fear of not having much to offer or feeling like your days of meaningful contribution are behind you. Drawing from her experiences working with retirees...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons challenges the common approach to the sacrament of Confirmation, especially in parishes where it's treated like a "Catholic graduation" for high schoolers. Drawing on the historical context of Confirmation's timing and its shift over the years, Jill Simons argues for restoring Confirmation to its traditional place prior to First Communion and...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores the challenges many young adults face during vocational discernment, especially when called to marriage but still waiting for their vocation to materialize. Drawing from her own experiences and the pitfalls of over-formalizing spiritual journeys, Jill Simons encourages listeners to embrace charism discernment as a practical, empo...

In this throwback episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons highlights the essential importance of simply showing up in our spiritual lives. Drawing from personal anecdotes and wisdom passed down from her father, Jill emphasizes that the majority of the battle in living out our charisms is being present and intentionally bringing our spiritual gifts—and Jesus—into every situation. Whethe...

In this "From the Archives" episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons addresses the profound question: How do we come to love ourselves as Christ loves us, and thereby build a healthy identity? Drawing from personal experiences and practical insights, Jill Simons explores the journey of understanding God's view of us through scripture, identifying areas where we struggle to internalize t...

In this "From the Archives" episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons shares insights on the importance of discussing charisms—spiritual gifts—before marriage. Drawing from personal experience and wisdom, Jill Simons explores how couples can intentionally discern their unique charisms, appreciate each other's gifts, and build a foundation of mutual dependence rooted in faith. The episode...

In this special throwback episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores how our spiritual gifts—charisms—can be powerful vehicles for loving others, especially during life's toughest moments. Drawing on biblical wisdom and practical insights, Jill Simons explains how grace is most present in the here and now, and how we can best support those in need by leaning into the unique ways...

In this heartfelt episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons opens up about the challenges and blessings of working behind the scenes in charism discernment—especially when much of the ministry is digital and remote. Reflecting on her own recent feelings of isolation and burnout, Jill Simons explores the importance of staying truly connected to the Church and community, not just through s...

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores the unique journey of discerning charisms during college. She shares exciting updates about Many Parts Ministries' new resources and expanded content—especially on YouTube—and explains how charisms (spiritual gifts) can provide clarity and direction in the midst of college life's uncertainty and transitions. Jill Simons unpacks t...