Last week, we talked about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete, Helper, Counselor, Comforter, and Advisor. We discussed how He acts as our guide to help us discern what is right. We should be led by the Holy Spirit, especially when we are sharing our faith with others! This week, our small groups at Queen of All Saints and St. Mary Immaculate Conception are gathering to talk about our gifts and strengths, and how we can use those gifts for Christ!

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7)

Pope Francis said that, “In the Church, there is a variety, a diversity of tasks and functions. There is no dull uniformity, but the richness of the gifts that the Holy Spirit distributes.” We may have different gifts, but they can all be used to serve the greater good of our community! Discerning what our gifts are can help us understand how we can best serve others. Learning about your gifts and how to use them is a very beautiful and important part of our Catholic faith!

Depending on your gifts, maybe you’re being called to join the hospitality ministry or the music ministry at your parish. Perhaps you’re being called to join a nursing home ministry. Maybe you’re called to join a prayer team! Your individuality and unique gifts are greatly needed in the Church, and there are so many opportunities to use them!

What are our God-given gifts and how can we cultivate them to build up the Body of Christ? How are we called to use our gifts and abilities for others? These are important questions to discern and bring to prayer! When we are determining how we can use our gifts, it can be helpful to talk to those in your small group, friends at your parish, or a priest/spiritual director!

Have you taken the Living Your Strengths Assessment? This can be a helpful tool in determining some of your innate gifts and how to use them for others! Here is the link to find out more about the Living Your Strengths book and assessment: Living Your Strengths Link. Interested in learning about how you can get involved the ministries at QAS? See our ministries in action page: Ministries in Action

Here’s some action steps you can take:

1. Reflect on your God-given gifts in prayer. Writing in a spiritual journal might be a helpful tool for you!

2. Talk to a parish staff member about how you can use your gifts for the greater good of the parish by volunteering or getting involved in a certain ministry.

3. Thank the people in your parish that use their gifts for Christ by volunteering!

I hope that you can take some time to reflect on your gifts and how you can use them for others!