Using Your Gifts to Serve in the Church
By Krystal Montgomery & Roland Flasch
Each of us is uniquely gifted by God with talents, skills, and charisms—special graces given through the Holy Spirit not for our own benefit, but to build up the Body of Christ and serve others. As St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, though we are many parts, we are one body. And every part has a vital role to play.
In the Catholic Church, charisms are more than natural talents; they are Spirit-given abilities meant for mission. Whether it’s the gift of teaching, hospitality, music, leadership, service, intercessory prayer, or encouragement, each charism is a channel of God’s love for others. When we use these gifts with humility and love, we reflect Christ to the world and help bring His light into dark places.
Serving others through our charisms doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes it’s the quiet volunteer who sets up for Mass, the catechist who gently guides a child in faith, or the parishioner who faithfully prays for the sick. These acts, though small in appearance, have eternal significance when offered with love.
God calls each of us to discern how we are meant to serve. This involves prayer, reflection, and sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones. You may already be using your gifts without realizing it. The Church flourishes when every member offers their gifts generously and joyfully.
If you’ve ever felt the tug to get involved, don’t ignore it. Your parish needs you. Your community needs you. More importantly, God is inviting you. Ask Him to show you your gifts and where you can serve. When we give what we have, no matter how small, God multiplies it in ways we could never imagine.
Let us be a Church alive in the Spirit—each of us serving with the gifts we’ve been given.