Find out more about the second Mission Lab session
Source: Diocese of Nottingham
A fresh and exciting evangelistic initiative in the Diocese of Nottingham recently launched its second talk, on the theme of ‘intertwining vocations.’
The second instalment of the ‘Mission Lab’ series took place on June 16 and participants heard from two lay people, who reflected on the trialling of the highly reputed, Called and Gifted Discernment Process, in their respective parishes.
The plan to trial the process in certain parishes throughout the Diocese of Nottingham, was inspired by the diocesan Mission Enabling Team.
The talk was hosted by Caritas co-ordinator, Paul Bodenham who began by reflecting on our baptismal call to discover and help one another discern our God-given gifts.
In his introduction, Paul quoted the Vatican document, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,’ which states: “We can live the communion that saves by walking in a synodal way, in the intertwining of our vocations, charisms and ministries, by going forth to meet everyone in order to bring the joy of the Gospel: communion with God, with the entire humanity and all of creation. In this way, thanks to this sharing, we have already begun to experience the banquet of life that God offers to all peoples.”
Paul went on to outline the stages of Called and Gifted which begins with teaching on charisms online or in person; followed by a one-to-one discernment conversation on the results of a ‘spiritual gifts inventory’ and finally an experimentation on a chosen charism, across four meetings.
Participants then heard from parishioner Andrew Elliott, from All Saints parish in Glossop who said that the process was instrumental in helping people to discern the difference between talents and charisms, because a charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit and should be ‘rooted in prayer.’ He went on to explain that correct discernment of a charism, provides a sense that “I am doing the right thing, in the right place, at the right time.”
Andrew said that to discern our charisms, we have to say to the Lord; “here I am Lord, I come to do your will.”
The second speaker was Hilari Chetwood from St Mary’s parish in Wigston who gave examples of parish initiatives they had tried, to encourage people to discover their charisms.
For instance, every year the parish takes a ‘skills audit’ inviting parishioners to reflect on their gifts and offer them for roles in the parish. One Sunday Mass is organised entirely by First Holy Communion candidates who take on all responsibilities including, welcoming, reading, the bidding prayers and the offertory collection -
Hilari explained how this helps whole families to get involved and enables people to reflect on what it is they are good at. So, if for example you are sociable and happy, then volunteering as a welcomer is a good idea.
The architect of the Called and Gifted Programme is US speaker and writer, Sherry Weddell.
Sherry Weddell, co-founder of the Catherine of Siena Institute (CSI), brought the Called and Gifted Programme to the UK in June 2014.
Since this time, an increasing number of people and parishes across the UK, have benefited from the programme.
Latest news from
