In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons welcomes Dan Burke, president and founder of the Avila Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on the foundations of Catholic prayer.

Dan Burke shares his personal conversion story and unpacks his practical approach to deepening your prayer life with the concepts of sacred space, sacred time, and sacred attention. Together, they discuss how to cultivate a routine of prayer, navigate common distractions, and recognize the stages of spiritual growth. The episode also explores the Carmelite tradition of contemplative prayer and offers encouragement for those experiencing transitions in their spiritual journey.

Resources and further learning opportunities are mentioned throughput the episode, making this an inspiring guide for anyone seeking to grow closer to God through intentional and transformative prayer!

01:24 - Dan Burke's Faith Journey and Entry into Ministry

02:54 - Three Pillars of Catholic Prayer: Sacred Space, Time, and Attention

03:33 - Practical Examples of Creating Sacred Space and Time

06:52 - Sacred Attention and the Challenges of Distraction

12:17 - Transitioning from Method to Contemplative Prayer

22:04 - Carmelite Spirituality and Stages of the Interior Life

Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode for Fire50, host Jill Simons sits down with Kevin Monette, Director of Operations and Events at Encounter School of Ministry, to discuss the tangible reality of God's power in everyday life.

Kevin shares his personal journey of discovering and cooperating with God's supernatural power, from growing up in a Catholic family to experiencing inner healing, physical miracles, and a transformed marriage. Together, they explore how the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive within believers today, the importance of surrender and expectation, overcoming fears about the supernatural, and practical insights for Catholics to embrace their anointing as ambassadors of God's kingdom.

Whether you're curious about spiritual gifts or seeking a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for living a life empowered by God!

01:46 - Kevin's Upbringing & Faith Journey

05:20 - Marriage Crisis & Inner Healing

08:44 - Miraculous Healing Experience

12:05 - Encounter Ministries & Embracing God's Power

13:28 - Bringing the Supernatural into the Catholic Context

32:20 - Creating Space for God's Power in Communities

Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill invites listeners to enter deeply into the Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday—by reflecting on their personal charisms and how they can be courageously offered back to God, even when faced with difficulty or fear.

Jill encourages contemplation and honest self-assessment, challenging listeners to consider if they are willing to follow Christ all the way to the Cross with the gifts they've received. She shares her own plans for reflection during these holy days and reminds listeners about the upcoming Fire50 program beginning on Easter Sunday.

This episode is a heartfelt call to embrace courage and openness during the holiest days of the year!

00:28 - Encouragement to Enter Into the Triduum

01:32 - Reflecting on Your Charisms Like Physical Gifts

02:12 - Carrying Your Gifts Through the Paschal Mystery

03:02 - Bringing Fear and Weakness to the Lord

03:53 - Invitation to Grow in Courage

05:15 - Fire 50 Announcement & Final Blessing

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

Enroll in our Fire 50 program at https://www.manypartsministries.com/fire-50

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill introduces the FIRE 50 program, a 50-day journey from Easter to Pentecost designed to help Catholics build on their Lenten experiences and become an "Easter people."

The episode explains the structure of FIRE 50, which includes daily commitments and weekly catechesis on themes like power, prayer, humility, and victory, all aimed at deepening our cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Everyone is invited to join the challenge for FREE, with optional opportunities to support the ministry, join a vibrant community through a dedicated app, and even become intercessors for the mission!

There are resources for both individuals and groups, making it easy for parishes and small communities to take part.

Jill wraps up with encouragement to share the program, pray for the ministry, and prepare for a grace-filled Holy Week and Easter season!

01:08 - What is Fire 50? An Overview of the Challenge

02:34 - How Fire 50 Builds on Lent and Leads to Easter

04:37 - Upgrades, Speakers, and Catechesis in Fire 50

06:34 - Invitation to Support, Donate, or Pray for the Ministry

08:45 - Community, Mobile App, and Treasure Shop Details

11:23 - Resources for Parishes and Groups & Mission of Many Parts Ministries

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons dives into how charisms—our spiritual gifts—fit into the lives of those who are retired or in their "golden years."

She explores the common mindset challenges that come with aging, such as the fear of not having much to offer or feeling like your days of meaningful contribution are behind you. Drawing from her experiences working with retirees, Jill encourages listeners to see this season as an opportunity for new spiritual gifts to emerge, especially in areas like intercession, wisdom, and discernment.

The episode also challenges younger listeners to value and create space for the wisdom of older generations within the Church. Whether you're discerning your charisms for the first time or wondering how your gifts may be changing, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical ideas for living out your vocation at any age!

00:43 – Charisms in Retirement

02:46 – Discounting the Value for Older Adults

04:13 – Transitioning to a New Season

05:51 – Scarcity Mindset in Old Age

08:05 – Charisms That Grow With Age

09:47 – Valuing Intergenerational Wisdom

16:07 – Closing the Generational Gap

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, Jill Simons challenges the common approach to the sacrament of Confirmation, especially in parishes where it's treated like a "Catholic graduation" for high schoolers.

Drawing on the historical context of Confirmation's timing and its shift over the years, Jill Simons argues for restoring Confirmation to its traditional place prior to First Communion and replacing the graduation-style milestone with charism discernment for teens. She discusses how this shift empowers young people to clearly understand their spiritual gifts and their role in building the Church.

The episode also introduces the Spirit Rising program, designed to guide teens and adults through charism discernment and help recapture the true intent behind Confirmation. If you want insight into forming engaged, mission-driven Catholic youth, this episode is a must-listen.

00:32 – The Case for Rethinking Confirmation
01:19 – Historical Reasons Confirmation Was Moved
02:15 – Confirmation as a Catholic Graduation?
03:08 – Why the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Should Come Earlier
04:31 – Charism Discernment as the Graduation Capstone
05:51 – The Clarity Charism Discernment Brings
07:03 – A Call to Detach Graduation Mentality from Confirmation

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons explores the challenges many young adults face during vocational discernment, especially when called to marriage but still waiting for their vocation to materialize.

Drawing from her own experiences and the pitfalls of over-formalizing spiritual journeys, Jill Simons encourages listeners to embrace charism discernment as a practical, empowering way to find purpose and clarity in this transitional season. The episode offers actionable steps for identifying and testing one's charisms, highlighting how these spiritual gifts can bring meaning, direction, and even potential opportunities—regardless of where you are in your vocational journey.

You will discover how charisms are not only relevant for active churchgoers, but also serve as a unique, fruitful bridge for those feeling aimless or disconnected from their faith community!

00:29 – Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection

02:12 – The Young Adult "Waiting Room"

04:21 – Why Charism Discernment is Key

05:18 – The Difference Between Vocation and Charism Discernment

06:16 – Everyone Has Charisms—Yes, Even You

09:19 – How to Begin Charism Discernment

15:28 – You're Not in the Waiting Room—You're on Active Duty

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.

In this throwback episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons highlights the essential importance of simply showing up in our spiritual lives.

Drawing from personal anecdotes and wisdom passed down from her father, Jill emphasizes that the majority of the battle in living out our charisms is being present and intentionally bringing our spiritual gifts—and Jesus—into every situation. Whether you're just starting to discern your charisms or looking for the next step, this episode is a helpful reminder that combining the act of showing up, bringing Christ with you, and understanding your gifts leads to true transformation and effortless cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

We are also inviting you to submit questions for upcoming mailbag episodes, fostering a sense of community growth and shared learning!

00:01 - Taking a Break: February Update and Exciting New Projects
01:01 - Welcome to Charisms for Catholics and Charism Discernment
01:33 - Wrapping Up the Charisms Series: What's Next?
02:25 - The Essential Lesson: Just Showing Up
03:51 - How to Show Up With Your Charism
06:29 - Combining Showing Up, Bringing Jesus, and Knowing Your Charisms
09:41 - Announcing the First Mailbag Episode and How to Submit Questions

Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.