THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF BUNDABERG welcomes you to

Transcription

1 1 THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF BUNDABERG welcomes you to STEWARDSHIP of Time and Talents DISCOVERING MY GIFTS FOR MINISTRY Volume One

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3 MISSION STATEMENT In relationship with Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit, we serve joyfully as a people beloved and called by God. PASTORAL FOCUS We are a stewardship parish gifted by God, grateful of heart, using our gifts and talents to serve. STEWARDSHIP PRAYER Heavenly Father we thank you for the gifts you have given us. You ask us to develop these gifts and share them with others. Help us also to recognise the gifts of others, so that, together we may respond to the call of Jesus to spread the Good News in our communities. May your spirit of Love guide us on our journey. Amen. 3

4 May 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ We give thanks that you are part of our parish and trust you will enjoy being active members of our diverse and energetic community. Could you imagine what our Catholic Parish of Bundaberg would look like if all members discerned what gifts they have been given, developed these gifts and offered them to our parish and wider community? We pray our Stewardship Prayer giving thanks to God for the abundance and variety of gifts our parish has been given and we take on the responsibility to develop and share these gifts for the good of all the people of our region. We trust the Holy Spirit will guide us in spreading the Good News of God s Kingdom. Stewardship is a way of life. We must be a caring faith community that is responsible in managing our God-given resources of time, talent and treasure. In this way we enhance our relationship with God and each other. We take seriously our Parish Mission Statement: In relationship with Christ, Empowered by the Holy Spirit, We serve joyfully as people Beloved and called by God. Today our ever-increasing secular society needs the true expression of a spiritual and pastoral approach to life. We need to reclaim the dignity and respect of all people and the beauty of and responsibility towards, God s creation. Take the opportunity to reflect on the great gift of life each one of us has been given. How good is God! Listen to God calling 4

5 you by name. Raise your gifts for his Blessing and then let these gifts be broken open and shared. Let us recognise that God is the origin of all life, the giver of all gifts and the source of who we are. We have been created in God s image to be God s icons for the world. We have been called to be the stewards of creation so that it may flourish, blessing us with creativity, colour, beauty, wonder and awe. Do not delay. Let us discern our gifts today and then come together in praise and thanksgiving ensuring our Parish community is alive and active. Peter Tonti Rev. Father Peter Tonti Parish Priest of The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg 5

6 INTRODUCTION Do you want to be part of a more active Church? The Guide for Parish Ministry resource is for everybody in the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg, young and old, to help you understand your gifts and calling to ministry. Volume One: Discover my Gifts for Ministry is about helping you understand and explore your gifts for ministry. Volume Two: Ministry Directory is about helping you understand what is entailed in the various ministries in the Church, and how they fit together within our Parish. Ministry: What s it all about? Ministry is a public activity in the Christian community that helps to proclaim, serve and build up the reign of God. There are many gifts and many ministries in the Church. Though diverse, these ministries serve the unity of the Church. While particular to each person, they serve the needs of the community rather than the needs of the individual. Indeed the consent and support of the community is integral to the exercise of ministry. Ministry is a form of service in the Church that reflects a particular calling in the Church, because all of us have been given in Baptism and Confirmation spiritual gifts or charisms. Ministry is done on behalf of the community as well as in the community. Ideally, the community helps us discern our gifts and commissions us to undertake our ministry. Ministries flow from the nature of the Church itself serving God s mission throughout the ages. Our involvement in ministry varies depending on the changing circumstances of our lives. The invitation to explore and use our gifts in ministry is always open and this resource provides a wide variety of possibilities to explore. 6

7 What are Spiritual Gifts? Every baptised Christian has been gifted by the Holy Spirit, especially with the gifts of faith, hope and love. Along with these gifts arise gifts for the building up of the Church. Examples of these gifts include teaching, helping, artistry, administration, and skilled craftsmanship, to name a few. These gifts are used out of love for one another, and in service to one another. Spiritual gifts are more than human talents, though the two are connected. Spiritual gifts sometimes called charisms are given to us so that we can serve others and produce growth in the Church. Once we see our talents as gifts for others, we can then see them as spiritual gifts. Just as the Holy Spirit gathers and guides the Church as a whole, so also the Holy Spirit works in and through each of us to serve and build up the Body of Christ present in our local Church community. Vocation, Discipleship and Ministry Although words like vocation, ministry and discipleship have some overlapping significance, each has a unique meaning: The word vocation is usually used to describe the holy state of life that God calls us to live: as diocesan priest or deacon or religious priest, sister or brother or married or single. Part of our journey of faith includes discerning our vocation and hearing God s call for us. The word discipleship is usually used to describe following Jesus as master or teacher. We learn by listening to him, hearing his particular call, following his way, following his teachings and following his example. We exercise our discipleship in everything we do or say, whether at home, work, school or church. Ministry is a specific service that grows out of our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church. It is a public way of living out our vocation and our discipleship. 7

8 Identifying our Call to Ministry To identify our call to ministry, we need first to understand the spiritual gifts that we have been given to help build up the Church as the Body of Christ. This first volume, Discovering my Gifts of Ministry, provides an inventory to help identify spiritual gifts. This first volume provides options for involvement arising out of each spiritual gift based on already existing ministries in the Parish. The inventory is designed to help us identify our unique gifts and calling, and provide encouragement to use these gifts in ministry within our parishes, clusters or regions as we are able. Volume Two: Ministry Directory offers more details on each of these ministries. Using this Inventory to Find Your Spiritual Gifts Why do we need a spiritual gift inventory? An inventory helps us to become more aware of the specific spiritual gifts given to us by God. It is a way of matching spiritual gifts to the many and varied possible roles and services through which parish, schools and the Diocese work in building up God s reign. This inventory has many possible uses within parish life. Keep in mind that the inventory is not a specific instrument. It is designed to assist your journey of developing your spiritual gifts. Your perceptions will be validated by others and confirmed through prayer and by their use over time. Similarly, over time these gifts may grow and change. This volume will help you explore and begin to open and use your spiritual gifts by guiding you through the following activities: The Self-Assessment Inventory is a list of 54 questions that will help you identify which gifts you have received in greatest measure. Learning about the Spiritual Gifts provides some definitions and references from both scripture and Church teaching that highlight the nature and purpose of each of the spiritual gifts. 8

9 SELF-ASSESSMENT INVENTORY How to do this self-assessment For each of the 54 questions that follow, fill in the numbered box that corresponds with the response that most closely matches how you perceive yourself. 0. Rarely true 1. Infrequently true 2. Occasionally true 3. Frequently true 4. Consistently true You might also ask friends who are close to you to score the inventory with, and for, you. Their perception of your strengths may be useful in identifying the gifts with which you have been truly blessed. When you have answered all questions, please refer to the scoring grid on page 17 to help identify your particular gifts. Before you begin Prayerful and personal reflection is the first step. It is only through a relationship with Jesus, a relationship that one seeks to deepen over time that our acts of love and service will flow from the love of God through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Through the humility of acknowledging God as the source of our giftedness, we come to realise our gifts are meant to be used and shared with others. They are not primarily for us but are meant to be given to those we serve. Therefore, before you begin the inventory, seek the Holy Spirit s assistance. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit who bestowed them upon you. Begin by praying for guidance and help in discovering your spiritual gifts. Ask God: Guide me and direct me in the discovery of my gifts? What do you want me to do with the gifts you have given me? How might I use the special gifts which you have entrusted to me? 9

10 Inventory 1. When presented with a goal, I immediately think of steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the desired results. 2. I express myself through artistic means. 3. My faith requires me to seek out God s will and purpose in all circumstances that arise in my life. 4. I am able to convey the Gospel message to non-believers in ways that they are easily able to understand. 5. I am blessed by God each day and gladly respond to these blessings by giving generously of my time and money. 6. I enjoy meeting new people and becoming acquainted with them. 7. I know that God hears and responds to my daily prayers. 8. I feel compelled to learn as much as I can about the Scriptures and Church teachings in order to grow in faith. 9. I enjoy being in charge of a project. When leading others I am able to empower, enthuse and motivate them to complete the task. 10. When I see persons in need, I am moved to assist them. 11. I love to sing and I know that I inspire others through song. 12. I find joy and express myself by playing a musical instrument. 13. I am motivated to provide pastoral leadership to those who are on a faith journey. 14. I like working behind the scenes to ensure projects are successful. 10

11 15. I enjoy working with my hands in a trade or technical skill requiring considerable effort to develop. 16. My great joy is to communicate the truths found in Scripture and Church teaching in such a way that it becomes real and understood by others. 17. When a challenge is presented, I am usually able to identify an appropriate solution. 18. I am able to take a thought or idea and put it into a clear and inspiring written form. 19. I enjoy organising thoughts, ideas, hope and dreams into a specific plan of action. 20. I can translate into artistic form what I first see in my imagination. 21. I have assisted fellow Christians as they sought to discern whether or not their personal decisions were helpful and in accord with God s will for their lives. 22. I enjoy being with non-believers and like having the opportunity to encourage others to faith and commitment. 23. I manage all my goods so that I am able to give much of them to the work of the Church or other organisations. 24. I am often asked and enjoy opening my home for small group gatherings or social occasions. 25. I often become so absorbed in my prayer life that the doorbell or phone can ring and I will not hear it. 26. Not one day would be complete without reflecting on a Scripture reading or piece of Church teaching. 27. When I am in a group, others will often look to me for direction. 28. I feel an urgency to provide housing for the homeless, food for the starving, comfort for those in distress. 11

12 29. I have sung before groups and felt a real sense of God s presence. 30. By my playing a musical instrument, inspiration has been provided for both myself and others. 31. I have responsibility for providing pastoral guidance to individuals or groups. 32. People tell me that without my willingness to do the unnoticed jobs, their work would be more difficult. 33. I am good at building, repairing, creating, and restoring things and find satisfaction in doing so. 34. I want to express my faith by assisting others to discover the truths contained in Scripture and Church teaching. 35. People come to me for help in applying Church faith and values to personal situations. 36. I often feel moved to write about my thoughts and feelings so others may benefit from them. 37. I have been successful in organising, coordinating and motivating people to achieve a goal. 38. My artistic work has given spiritual strength to believers and nonbelievers alike. 39. In the parish, school or community, I am often asked if a direction being discussed is in accord with God s will and purpose. 40. I do not find it difficult to share what Jesus means to me with believers and non-believers alike. 41. When I receive money unexpectedly, one of my first thoughts is to share this gift through the Church. 42. I enjoy welcoming guests and helping them to feel at ease. 12

13 43. Christians have asked me to pray for healing in their lives, and have felt God s healing power. 44. My study of Scripture and Church teaching has proven helpful to others in their faith journey. 45. People have said they like to work with me because the task will be successfully completed. 46. People have been surprised by how at ease I am while working with those who are suffering in mind, body or spirit. 47. I am grateful and humbled that my singing has provided inspiration and hope for others on their faith journey. 48. Others have told me they were strengthened in spirit by my playing a musical instrument. 49. People have come to me for pastoral help and it has developed into a long-term relationship. 50. When I turn out the lights, take tables down, work in the kitchen or put chairs away, I feel that I have served the Lord. 51. My knowledge of building, handicrafts, technology, maintenance or repair has been a special value to the church and others. 52. Students have told me I can take the most difficult idea or concept and make it understandable. 53. When direction is needed at work or in the parish, school or community, I am generally asked for my opinion. 54. My written work has helped believers and non-believers gain a greater understanding of life s truths, or Scripture and Church teaching. 13

14 Scoring Grid For each set of three questions below, fill in the number on the first three lines (either 1, 2, 3, 4 or 0 that you answered for each) then add them together and fill in that number after the = sign. For example, for the gift of Administration, if you circled 2, 4 and 3 for questions 1, 19 and 37, write those numbers on the lines and then add totalling 9; write 9 after the = sign. Administration Questions 1, 19, 37 Artistry Questions 2, 20, 38 Compassion Questions 10, 28, 46 Discernment Questions 3, 21, 39 Evangelisation Questions 4, 22, 40 Generosity Questions 5, 23, 41 Hospitality Questions 6, 24, 42 Intercession Questions 7, 25, 43 Knowledge Questions 8, 26, 44 Leadership Questions 9, 27, 45 Music Instrumental Questions 12, 30, 48 Music Vocal Questions 11, 29, 47 14

15 Pastoral Care Questions 13, 31, 49 Service Questions 14, 32, 50 Skilled Craftsmanship Questions 15, 33, 51 Teaching Questions 16, 34, 52 Wisdom Questions 17, 35, 53 Writing Questions 18, 36, 54 Now circle the top five totals above (those with a total score of 7 or more). List these selected spiritual gifts on the lines below, listing the gifts with higher totals first. In the event of a tie, select the gift you feel you have used effectively in the past, or the one with which you think you might be most effective This group of gifts is your gift cluster. The strongest gifts will generally have a total score of 7 or more. If you have more than one gift with a total of seven or more, then all of these gifts can be referred to as your gift cluster. Notice how each gift within the cluster has the potential to complement and support the other four gifts in the cluster. The gifts within the cluster will need to be further explored to determine which ones you have truly been blessed with. 15

16 LEARNING ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND POSSIBLE ROLES All our gifts work together for the building up of the Body of Christ and bearing Christ s love in the world. Our gifts make us better prepared and equipped to perform in some areas of ministry rather than others. A person working within a role for which he or she is gifted will find greater joy and be more effective in that role than in one for which he or she is not gifted. The following descriptions explain a little more about the spiritual gifts mentioned in the above inventory. The descriptions of each gift include: A brief definition of the gift; A quote from either Scripture or Church teaching about the gift. Administration This gift enables a Christian to formulate, coordinate, facilitate and carry out plans necessary to fulfil a purpose. And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe. (Acts 14:23). Other references: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Catechism of the Catholic Church #911. Artistry This gift gives a Christian the skills of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Created in the image of God, human beings also express the truth of their relationship with God the Creator by the beauty of their artistic works Arising from their talent given by the Creator and from one s own effort, art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and 16

17 skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2501). Other references: Exodus 31:1-11; Psalm 149:3a. Compassion This gift inspires a Christian to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, If you choose, you can make me clean. 41Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, I do chose. Be made clean! (Mark 1:40-41). Other references: Luke 7:12-15; Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 25: Discernment This gift motivates a Christian to seek God s will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and group situations. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:13). Other references: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2826. Evangelisation This gift moves a Christian to reach out to non-christians in such a way that they are baptised and become active members of the Christian community. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that they have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20). Other references: Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 2:36-40; Vatican ii-apostolate of the Laity, #6. 17

18 Generosity This gift enables a Christian to recognise God s blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one s resources. The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Other references: 2 Corinthians 9:9-15; Luke 21:1-4: Galatians 5: Hospitality This gift motivates a Christian to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and shelter. Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you have me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25:34-36). Other references: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a; Luke 10:38. Intercession This gift enables a Christian to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you 10For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10). Other references: Matthew 6:6-15; Luke 11:1-10; Ephesians 6:18; Catechism of the Catholic Church, #

19 Knowledge This gift moves a Christian to learn, analyse and uncover new insights with regard to faith, Scripture and Church teaching. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2). Other references: 1 Corinthians 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:6). Leadership This gift gives a Christian the confidence to step forward, to empower, motivate and coordinate others to fulfil a dream or complete a task. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11) Other references: Romans 12:8; Timothy 4:1-5. Music - Instrumental This gift inspires a Christian to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with flute and harp! 4Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! (Psalm 150:3-5). Other references: Psalm 33:1-5; 1 Samuel 16:14-23; Vatican II Sacred Liturgy, # Music Vocal This gift gives a Christian the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. (Psalm 149:1). Other references: Psalm 96:1-9; Psalm 100:1-2; Psalm 149:1-2) General Instruction on the Roman Missal #

20 Pastoral Care This gift gives a Christian the confidence, capability and empathy to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my lambs. 16A second time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Tend my sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep (John 21:15-17). Other references: 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 2Timothy 4:1-2. Service (Helps) This gift enables a Christian to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God s work is fulfilled. Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. (Luke 23:50-54). Other references: Romans 16:1-16; Philippians 2: Skilled Craftsmanship This gift enables a Christian to create, build, maintain or repair items used by the church community. Of their nature, the arts are directed toward expressing in some way the infinite beauty of God in works made by human hands. They are dedicated to God, they praise him and extend his glory to the extent that their only purpose is to turn people s spirits devoutly towards God. (Vatican II sacred Liturgy, #122).Other references: Exodus 30:1-6; Exodus 31:3-5; Ezekiel 27:

21 Teaching This gift enables a Christian to communicate a sound understanding of the faith, Scripture and Church teaching, so that it is clear and understood by others. Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education. This vocation demands special qualities of mind and heart, very careful preparation, and continuing readiness to renew and to adapt. (Vatican II Declaration on Christian Education, #5). Other references: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Psalm 71:17; Acts 18: Wisdom This gift enables a Christian to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to discern what solution would be best for the individual believer or the faith community. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (James 3:13-18). Other references: 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 1 Chronicles 1:7-11. Writing The gift giving a Christian the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the faith community. I too decided, after investigation everything carefully from the very first, * to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus. 4so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. (Luke 1:3-4). Other references: 1 John 2:1-6, 12-14; 1 Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3. 21

22 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong who gave us permission to utilise the structure for this Spiritual Gift Discernment and Inventory. We would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have participated in reviewing and testing the material. 22

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24 Our Church locations within The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg: Holy Rosary Church Corner Barolin and Woongarra Streets St James Church 38 See Street Bargara St Mary s Church Corner Barolin and Boston Streets St Patrick s Church 16 Powers Street Office hours 8.30am 3.30pm Monday to Friday Rossolini Place Level 1/66 Woongarra Street PO Box 79 Bundaberg Queensland 4670 Telephone Facsimile bundaberg@rok.catholic.net.au Website 24