By Melissa Shreiner
Called and Gifted
Our God is a God of surprises. He blesses us with special gifts that we are to share with others so that they can experience God’s love. Isn’t that cool? Did you know that most people never tap into their gifts, or charisms? I heard motivational speaker Matthew Kelly say this at a Christ our Life Conference in Des Moines in 2010, which sparked my curiosity and I never forgot it.
When my adoration buddy shared that St. John Vianney Parish in Bettendorf was offering Called & Gifted last September, I knew I had to be there. God was calling me, it was his perfect time for me. I was so excited to go to every class to learn about all of the charisms and talked about what I was learning with anyone who would listen. People’s lives would change if they were aware of their gifts! I was so excited that I ordered multiple copies of the Catholic Spiritual Gifts resource guide for all of my family members for Christmas.
Through the class, I discovered what charisms I have, might have and don’t have. I learned that sometimes I block my gifts without realizing it. It brought me so much peace to learn that we all have unique gifts. That filled me with relief because I would often compare myself with others and feel guilty for not doing something that someone else did so easily. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Called & Gifted leaders encourage the class to discern their gifts through action. I received the suggestion to take the Eucharist to people who are homebound in order to discern my gifts. It filled me with joy! It was a good sign that mercy, evangelism and encouragement are a few of my charisms. I am eternally grateful for the Called & Gifted class at St. John Vianney.
As I reflect, my life would be a lot different if I had not received gifts from others sharing God’s love with me. Ever since I attended a Cursillo in March of 2010 and encountered Jesus’ love for me personally, I have been on fire. It was the best gift that I have received in my life. I am so thankful for the people whom God called to share their gifts, which allowed me to encounter Jesus face-to-face, eyelash-to-eyelash.
God is definitely in all the details of our lives but sometimes we don’t see those details clearly. We know that all things work for good for those who love God and respond to his call, according to his purpose. Can you imagine what our world would look like if more people started sharing their charisms? Come and learn. God needs you. Our world desperately needs God. We are the salt of the earth.
A recent Gospel we heard spoke of the kingdom of heaven being like a treasure buried in a field. What if we can experience the kingdom of heaven on earth by living out God’s will for our lives? Is Jesus knocking on your heart? Is he calling you? Is he inviting you to something greater? Our God is a God of surprises. Come and experience Called & Gifted. May Jesus’ love encounter your heart and soul in a new way!
Sign up for Called and Gifted
Learn about the special charisms or gifts the Holy Spirit has given each person to serve others and be empowered to use them! The next Called and Gifted session will meet Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 23; Nov. 6, 20 and Dec. 4 (2023) from 6:30-8:30/9 p.m. at St. John Vianney Parish in Bettendorf. The $50 cost will cover all course materials as well as a personal gifts interview. For more information or to sign up, contact Maureen Conrad at iowaconrads@yahoo.com. Please register by Aug. 31.
(Melissa Schreiner is a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Silvis, Illinois.)
