In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores how parents can approach their unique spiritual gifts—known as charisms—in the context of raising children.
Jill emphasizes the importance of parents both nurturing their own spiritual health and serving as examples of charism-driven living to their children. She discusses practical strategies, such as explaining decisions based on charisms, creating opportunities for kids to learn about their own gifts, and exposing them to others with different charisms, including the lives of saints. The episode also covers resources for parents and families, highlights the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in kids through charisms, and introduces tools from Many Parts Ministries that can help families and youth programs on this journey.
Ultimately, the focus is on building a foundation for children to discover their own place and purpose within the Church by witnessing their parents actively and intentionally living out their charisms!
01:15 – Jill discusses the importance of helping children expect that charisms are for them too, and when they're ready to discern their own.
03:24 – The reminder that parents can't give what they do not have—why nurturing your own spiritual life is essential before you can foster it in your children.
05:22 – How personal and spiritual health as a parent impacts your ability to fully engage in your vocation, especially regarding charisms.
06:52 – The importance of being accurate about your own gifts (charisms) for yourself and to model a rightly ordered vocation to your children.
10:47 – Explanation of how having or not having a specific charism affects your role and responsibilities in the faith community, using the charism of faith as an example.
14:45 – How understanding and using their charisms can help children feel a sense of belonging and engage more deeply in the Church as they mature.
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.
