Spiritual Gifts

01-14-2024Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,

Your participation in the life of our parish is an important way to live the Catholic faith as well as use your gifts and talents with and for others. Being a good disciple includes loving, serving, and giving to build the Kingdom of God, especially within your parish. The underlying motive for the good steward is Jesus’ love for us. When a person accepts that everything has been given to you by God out of His love for you, the only response is to generously give everything back to Our Lord and His Church.

You and I are called by God to love Our Lord with all our heart. To keep this commandment, we must spend time in prayer, talking to the Person we love most. In spending time with Our Lord, especially in Adoration and receiving Our Lord in Holy Mass, you discover who God created you to be. Meeting someone who is living the life God created them to live is truly a blessing.

Loving Our Lord naturally leads you to love your neighbor as yourself. Love requires that we act in the best interests of others. We know from Sacred Scripture, that “whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” In serving our brothers and sisters, we serve Our Lord. Again, as you serve others, you discover who God created you to be and those who are blessed to live such a life for others know God’s love in beautiful and life-giving ways.

If you are not sure where Our Lord is calling you to serve, I invite you to take our Spiritual Gifts Inventory and consider joining a ministry based on your spiritual gifts. The information on how to take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory can be found on our website at www.saintbernadette.com/gifts-assessment or in the brochure located in the pew. You can also scan this code with your camera on your phone.

This inventory will give you an introductory evaluation of your gifts and possible ministry categories for you to share your gifts in love of God and neighbor. It can help you pinpoint the best places to begin, but discerning our charisms is a process. If after taking this inventory you would like to further discern your charisms and gifts, consider contacting our staff to learn more.

It will take approximately 15-20 minutes to take the inventory. There are 126 questions that assess your gifts in 18 different areas. Once you have totaled your scores for each of the gifts using the self-scoring sheet. This personal inventory will help you identify your top charisms and ministries that will best suit your charisms.

Read each statement then rate it in terms of how true this is for you, not how you think you should behave or feel. Be as honest as possible. In most cases, your first thought on the answer will be the most accurate.

Stewardship is the grateful response of a Christian disciple who recognizes and receives God’s gifts and shares these gifts in love of God and neighbor.

A Disciple’s Prayer

“Lord, I stand in awe of the many gifts you have given me. I want to use them to serve you. Please guide and direct me in the discovery of my gifts. Help me find a place of joyful service that brings honor and glory to You.

God our Father, in Baptism You called me by name, as I begin this journey to discern your will for my life, help me to respond to these questions on the Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Lord, as I prepare for this Spiritual Gifts Inventory, let your strength and your wisdom be my guide. May you, the author and creator of all things, enlighten me and open my mind and heart.”

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline, V.F.