Hamilton parishioners explore charisms at seminar

The Called and Gifted Seminar at St Mary Immaculate Church in Tauranga was facilitated by Hamilton Diocese formation manager Alison Carroll. It attracted 22 participants from across the region, including people from Huntly, Hamilton and Whakatane.

The Called and Gifted process, developed by the Catherine of Siena Institute and based on the work of Sherry Weddell, helps people explore the difference between talents, skills and charisms and discover how God may already be working through their lives in unexpected ways.

Throughout the day, participants explored the nature of charisms, reflected on their own experiences, prayed and shared stories of where they see that God is working in their lives.

Feedback from participants showed a strong appreciation for the workshop. Participants highlighted the clarity of the teaching, the welcoming hospitality and the opportunity to better understand how God has gifted them for mission. Every participant who completed the feedback survey said they would recommend Called and Gifted to others.

Participant Mary-Pat Kengmana discovered that discerning charisms is not simply about identifying things people are good at – it is about recognising the particular ways the Holy Spirit works through people for the sake of others.

Many participants are now looking forward to the next stage of the process – a one-to-one gifts interview where they can explore their results more deeply and continue discerning how God may be calling them to use their gifts.

FULL STORY

Gifts given and received (By Alison Carroll/Clearly/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)