by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Have you ever wondered if God is calling you to a work of love that only you can do, with God-given gifts for that unique purpose?
Wouldn’t you like to find out?
Now you can, thanks to a partnership that began in August between the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Catherine of Siena Institute in Colorado Springs.
The institute is offering its Called and Gifted discernment process to anyone in the archdiocese for a discounted price.
The process can be done as individual self-study online, or through in-person workshops at parishes and with small groups. The parish option also offers online and telephone interaction.
The discernment process is being offered through the archdiocesan office of adult evangelization as part of the archdiocesan Enflame Our Hearts, Homes and Communities initiative, which was launched in October 2019.
“We would like as many people as possible to have access to formation that can teach them how to discern God’s will in their lives and God’s unique spiritual gifts,” said Kimberly Zubillaga, consultant for evangelization.
Many Catholics in the archdiocese have gone through the Called and Gifted process, said Zubillaga. In fact, several were beginning or planning to begin the process — before the partnership was established — when the COVID-19 pandemic forced lock downs, and subsequent cancellations this spring.
It was because of the pandemic that the Catherine of Siena Institute modified their program so individuals could participate using, in whole or in part, video conferencing and the telephone.
The Called and Gifted discernment process has three steps, which can be completed in two months.
The first step is a daylong workshop consisting of talks and a spiritual gifts inventory. With the modified approach, the workshop and inventory can be done online or with parish sponsorship at an in-person workshop.
The second step is individual interviews examining the inventory. This can be done in person, or by telephone or video conferencing with a trained interviewer.
The third step is discernment in depth with a small group. This, too, can be done in person, by telephone or video conferencing.
Seventeen people attended the Called and Gifted workshop on Sept. 12 at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.
“We decided to do it because there are a lot of people out there who don’t know what their gifts and talents are,” said Larissa Smith, parish director of adult formation and evangelization. “Helping them discern what those are can help them live their lives to their fullest potential.”
The workshop portion was done in person, but participants could complete the three-part process using the telephone or by online video conferencing.
Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee will conduct a Called and Gifted process for parish staff this fall and another one for parishioners in the first quarter of next year.
“We think it will be an extraordinary benefit for parishes across the archdiocese, and we are very grateful for this gift,” said Kathleen Whalen, director of ministry at the parish.
For information about the Called and Gifted discernment process, contact the archdiocesan office of evangelization by calling (913) 647-0373, or by email at: jhaganey@archkck.org.
