Called & Gifted: Our Journey
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Called & Gifted Workshop: November 2025
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On November 8, 2025, 95 disciples from our parish, other parishes in the diocese, and even a few from out of state gathered in the Parish Hall for a grace-filled Called &Gifted Workshop, facilitated by representatives from the Catherine of Siena Institute.
While the workshop is only one step in a personal journey of exploration and discernment, it was offered with the hope of deepening our understanding and awareness of how the Lord, through Baptism, uniquely pours out upon each of us the grace of charisms. Through knowledge, prayer, and discernment, we can grow in alignment and fruitfulness with our Lord’s plan and purpose for our lives.
Unlike the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are given for our own sanctification, charisms are bestowed for the benefit of others — to build up the Church and advance theKingdom of God.
Click HERE to view more photos from this wonderful event and HERE to read more about this experience!
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Workshop Follow-Up
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Called & Gifted: Small Group Discernment
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Following the Called & Gifted Workshop held in November, three small groups continued their charism discernment journey using resources from the Catherine of Siena Institute. Over eight weeks, starting in January 2026, participants met for prayer, discussion, and discernment updates, while also committing between sessions to prayer, experimenting with their charisms, and remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Below, we share excerpts of insights from participants of the first group to complete this small-group discernment process.
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Called & Gifted Small Group Discernment: Group 1
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"It was such joy to facilitate and see the transformation in 7 people’s lives over the 8-week journeysessions. Our group quickly bonded and truly trusted one another. We began a text group, which has been supportive and helped us stay connected between sessions. It was useful for quick reminders and for sharing prayer requests or links related to charisms. Our plan is to stay connected via text and email going forward."Debby Kispert, Called & Gifted Small Group Facilitator
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"When I decided to discern my Charism of Leadership, I had no idea where the process would take me, but I was open to wherever the Holy Spirit led me. I believe that God put me in this process of discernment for a reason, as so much has come from it. I had already decided to be more intentional with my prayer life and to spend several minutes each day in prayer. I believed that small-group discernment would be another avenue to strengthen and deepen my prayer life. Meeting with the other members of my group and receiving Debby's guidance transformed the way I look at my Charism. I now feel called to lead others to pray with intention while finding companionship.
The Holy Spirit guided me to form a group to accompany one another on our faith journeys, with support, fun, and, most importantly, prayer. I have found support and encouragement from the members of my small Discernment group. They offer advice on further developing my Charism. We pray for one another and champion each other’s ideas. In a way, I feel transformed by what has taken place in our group. I now feel confident in what I am building together with others. I feel truly led by the Holy Spirit to use my gifts to help others."Ann Bono -
"I’m often reluctant to tell friends that I’m in the “Called and Gifted” program because it can sound as though I’m claiming to be uniquely chosen or specially endowed. In reality, anyone who has been baptized and confirmed is both called and gifted.
A more fitting name might be “The Discernment Lab,” since the program is designed to help participants recognize how they’ve been gifted and how they’re meant to use those gifts for the good of others.
I’m part of a group of seven participants who all take discernment seriously. At each meeting, we share a project we plan to undertake as a way of testing and confirming the authenticity of the charism we believe we’ve received. The other members then engage the presenter with thoughtful questions and practical suggestions. I feel fortunate to be part of a group filled with such intelligent and insightful people.
I’m confident that through this process of discernment, I’ll learn how to use my God-given gifts in ways that are both deeply meaningful and truly fruitful for others."Stan Rydz
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"My time with the Called & Gifted program led me to discover more about myself and the gifts God gave me. I was excited and curious as I took the inventory to see if I discovered anything new about myself. I enjoyed reflecting on the gifts I got the highest scores on and how I may have them as charisms before my 1-hour interview. Throughout my time in the program, I loved learning about the different kinds of charisms and wondering not only which charisms I may have but which charisms other people might have. This was especially the case once I attended the workshop and even more so during the eight weeks of meeting with and praying for people in my small group.
Every time I met with my small group, I felt safe and supported by the other members. Debby was an incredible facilitator and a great leader. She was very welcoming and made sure everyone had time to share their experiences as we discerned our charisms. Not only did she give everyone the space to be honest in their reflections, but she was also not afraid to share her own successes and struggles in discernment. The exercises and reflections in the resource guide helped me grow in peace, confidence, joy, and trust – all things that are necessary not only in using a charism, but also in maintaining meaningful relationships with others and God.
I am grateful for the new friendships and connections I made with the other members of my small group. They were all joyful, receptive, and understanding as we exchanged advice on discerning our charisms. I hope we can remain connected as we move forward, both through contacting each other and praying for each other.
I am grateful that this program encouraged me to explore the different ways that my writing can help others and bring God’s light and love into the world. I hope that Notre Dame continues to have the Called & Gifted program because I believe it will continue to make a difference in people’s lives, just like it made a difference in mine."Victoria Rossi -
"This small group meeting from the Called and Gifted Workshop was an opportunity to study, reflect, pray, and put a possible Charism into action. I appreciated the feedback and suggestions from my small group and enjoyed reflecting, praying, and vocalizing on the group's charisms. Inviting the Holy Spirit in to work with us was amazing. We reached a different level of awareness and guidance with the help of the Spirit. I feel I can move forward in my daily life to continue to test this charism and another one that I was made aware of, hoping to continue to do our Lord's work with more intention, guidance, prayer, and joy."
- Helen Krisiewicz -
"The Called and Gifted Discernment Process was truly enlightening. It helped me see my gifts and put me on the path to figuring out how to use them in the service of others. Beyond the initial discernment, the four small-group meetings that followed prompted me to put this knowledge into action. Knowing I was accountable to the team ensured I took the actions I committed to after each meeting. Plus, the group cared about and supported one another along the way. In this way, I accomplished much more than I would have done on my own. It was a privilege and joy to be part of this endeavor." -Maureen Swan
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Called & Gifted Small Group Discernment: Group 2
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“I started my charism discernment process with some doubts and uncertainty, but the light of the Holy Spirit dispelled all doubts and uncertainty. Having the accompaniment of other wonderful and intelligent people also helped me to see things from a different perspective. The small-group meetings gave me the opportunity to share this experience in an environment in which I felt welcomed, loved, respected, and accepted. Knowing that I was being heard respectfully allowed me to speak confidently about my doubts and fears. Thanks to the four weeks of discernment, I was certain that the charism I was discerning is truly a charism and a very beautiful gift from God. Most importantly, during our meetings, I could see how the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among us and touched our hearts to help and guide one another. This process has been transformative for my spiritual life, and I am forever thankful for the opportunity to participate in the Called and Gifted workshop at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel.” Karen Fajardo
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"When I first took the spiritual gifts inventory, I found it genuinely interesting - but it was the personal interview that changed everything. A charism I hadn’t even considered surfaced during that conversation, and it became the one I committed to discerning. The small group that followed gave me something I didn’t expect: a space where I could be vulnerable about my questions and uncertainties, and where I could witness others doing the same. Listening
to my fellow participants share their own journeys was one of the real gifts of the experience.
The program has concluded, but the real work is just beginning - and I’m grateful for the new trajectory it has opened up in my life. If you’ve been curious about Called and Gifted, I’d encourage you to take the step. You may be surprised by what emerges." Jennifer Chianta -
"The Called & Gifted small group was a fruitful and inspiring experience for me. Meeting with the members, praying together, and receiving their support and encouragement helped me to discern the charism I’m exploring. Having the pre-work and structure was an invaluable tool for the first 8 weeks of my discernment process, and I now feel confident that I can continue the experimentation process individually. At our last meeting, we each had the opportunity to pray over each other, which was extremely moving and beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! I believe this should be offered again for those who missed it the first time." Laura Balogh
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Called & Gifted Small Group Discernment: Group 3
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"The group members and I connected quickly, thanks in large part to meeting in someone’s home. The relaxed atmosphere fostered open discussion, guided by the Holy Spirit. Each group member discerned a different charism, and each person’s experience helped me overcome challenges I faced in my experimentation. I admired the faithfulness I witnessed. Each person was passionate about using his or her charism, even if he or she was unsure why that charism appeared in his or her top six. I was inspired to discern the charisms I had discounted before the group began. Called and Gifted reminded me that my gifts point others to God." Christa Cottone
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"Our Called and Gifted discernment group focus was a truly a beautiful experience for me. Meeting in our home created a space that felt safe, welcoming, and deeply personal—perfect for honest reflection and spiritual growth. Through prayer, Scripture, and meaningful conversation, I began to recognize how uniquely God has gifted each of us. It was powerful to witness how the Holy Spirit moved within the group, gently revealing charisms not only in myself but in each person present.
This experience renewed my sense of purpose. I walked away with greater confidence in how God is calling me to serve, as well as a deeper appreciation for the beauty of community. Discerning charisms in this small group setting wasn’t just an exercise—it was an encounter with God’s love and a reminder that we are each intentionally equipped to build up the Church and serve others." Cathy Piccoli, Facilitator -
"We had a terrific, faithful group that we hosted in our home. The program really helped us better understand how God may be working through the unique gifts and desires He has placed in my life. Through prayer, reflection, and group discussion, I think we all gained clarity about how we might serve the Church and others more intentionally.
The program combines spiritual discernment with very practical guidance. The conversations and follow-up reflection made the discernment feel both personal and grounded in faith. Called and Gifted is a powerful way to discover how the Holy Spirit may be calling you to use your gifts for the good of others." Bob Flynn -
"My experience in the small group was exceptional. God truly led me to just the right people. Then, I needed to help myself. The experience encouraged me in my walk with Christ. I am happy to have participated with this beautiful group and look forward to seeing how friendships will continue to blossom. I am grateful for the guidance that I received through God while in this group." Alicia Bozza
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