The Holy Spirit is the heartbeat of the Church. From the day of Pentecost, He has filled believers with divine power and equipped them with spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ. Yet, many Catholics still wonder — What are these gifts? Are they still active today? How can I use mine?
This guide will help you understand the Charismatic gifts — both the ordinary and the extraordinary — and how they work in the life of every believer.
1. The Source of the Gifts: The Holy Spirit Himself
The Charismatic gifts are not human talents or natural skills; they are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit for the good of others and the growth of the Church.
St. Paul writes,
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4–5
These gifts are not given for personal glory, but to serve, to edify, and to manifest God’s presence in the world. Every believer, through baptism and confirmation, has received the Holy Spirit — and therefore has access to His gifts.
2. Ordinary Gifts vs. Extraordinary Gifts
In the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the gifts of the Spirit are often grouped into ordinary and extraordinary categories.
Ordinary Gifts
These are the graces and virtues that help us live the Christian life daily. They include:
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Wisdom – the ability to see things from God’s perspective.
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Understanding – grasping the truths of faith deeply.
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Counsel (Right Judgment) – making godly decisions.
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Fortitude (Courage) – standing firm in faith despite challenges.
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Knowledge – recognizing God’s purpose in all things.
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Piety – loving and worshiping God as our Father.
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Fear of the Lord – reverence and awe for God’s holiness.
These gifts shape our character and make us live as true children of God.
Extraordinary (Charismatic) Gifts
These are special manifestations of the Spirit’s power, often seen in the early Church and revived in the Charismatic Renewal. They include:
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Tongues – praying or speaking in a language inspired by the Spirit.
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Interpretation of Tongues – understanding and expressing the meaning of tongues for others.
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Prophecy – speaking a word of encouragement, correction, or guidance inspired by the Spirit.
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Healing – being used by God to bring physical or emotional healing.
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Miracles – extraordinary acts of divine intervention.
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Word of Knowledge – insight into hidden truths or facts revealed by the Spirit.
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Word of Wisdom – supernatural guidance for solving problems or making decisions.
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Faith – a divine confidence that produces remarkable results in prayer and ministry.
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Discernment of Spirits – the ability to distinguish between divine, human, and demonic influences.
3. Why the Charismatic Gifts Matter Today
The gifts of the Spirit are not relics of the past — they are alive and active in the Church today. The Holy Spirit has not retired!
When believers use these gifts with humility and love, the Church becomes alive again. Healing happens, faith is strengthened, and people encounter the living God in tangible ways.
The world is hungry for the supernatural power and love of God. And the Holy Spirit wants to use you to bring that experience to others.
4. How to Discover and Use Your Gifts
Here are simple steps to begin walking in your spiritual gifts:
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Ask the Holy Spirit to Reveal Them
Spend time in prayer and worship. Say, “Holy Spirit, show me how You want to use me.” -
Serve Faithfully in Small Things
Spiritual gifts often show up when you start serving — in your prayer group, parish, or community. -
Be Trained and Guided
The gifts must be exercised under spiritual guidance. Connect with mature believers or CCR leaders who can mentor you. -
Stay Rooted in Love
Gifts without love become noise (1 Corinthians 13:1–2). Love must always be the motivation behind every ministry. -
Be Bold and Trust God
Don’t be afraid to step out in faith. God works through willing hearts, not perfect people.
5. Using the Gifts for the Glory of God
Remember, the gifts are tools, not trophies. They are meant to serve others and glorify Jesus, not to draw attention to ourselves.
A prophetic word can comfort the brokenhearted.
A prayer of faith can heal the sick.
A word of knowledge can restore someone’s hope.
When the Church moves in these gifts, the world sees the love and power of Christ made real.
Conclusion: You Are Gifted!
The Holy Spirit has already equipped you. You don’t need to be a priest or religious to operate in His power — just a willing and obedient believer.
Open your heart, fan into flame the gifts you have received, and allow the Spirit to use you mightily in your parish, prayer group, and community.
As St. Paul encourages,
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you.” — 1 Timothy 4:14
Let this be the season where you rise in the power of the Spirit, using your gifts to renew the face of the earth!