Find My Charism
At home
You gather a few friends to read Scripture, making room for questions and helping each other understand.
Teaching
Helping a learner understand the faith and put it into practice.
Wondering how this gift may show up in your life? Discover your charisms →
Understanding Teaching
Teaching helps another person understand and put what they learn into practice. The Holy Spirit can work through a patient conversation, a clear explanation, or a demonstration shaped by the learner’s questions. Its particular attention is to the learner’s growing understanding; Knowledge emphasizes seeking and connecting the insight being shared. Teaching the Catholic faith serves a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Preparation, continuing learning, and faithfulness to Church teaching are part of that care.
Where you may recognize it
Look back at the people and conversations already part of your life.
With a friend
You talk through a question about the faith until something begins to make sense to them.
Sharing a skill
You patiently show someone how to do something new, adapting your explanation until they can try it for themselves.
Teaching from Simon’s boat
The image at the top of this page shows Jesus teaching beside the Lake of Gennesaret. With people gathering to hear the word of God, he gets into Simon’s boat and asks him to put out a little from shore.
…the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God… Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
The crowd is pressing close to hear the word of God, and Jesus asks Simon to put the boat a short distance from shore. He makes room for the people to listen. Teaching can share in that service by attending to the people before us, finding a way they can hear and understand, and directing their attention toward Christ.
More Scripture & Church teaching
Romans 12:6–8
Paul includes teaching among the gifts shared by the members of one body.
Catechism 799–801
Charisms are gifts of the Holy Spirit for building up the Church and serving others. Love is their measure, and their discernment includes the guidance of the Church’s pastors.
Catechism 2003
The Spirit gives charisms for the common good of the Church.
Catechism 426–427
Catechesis—helping people learn and live the Catholic faith—has Jesus Christ at its center. Its aim is a living relationship with him, not simply passing on information.
Catechism 904–906
Laypeople share the faith in everyday life. Those who are capable and trained can also serve in catechetical formation.
Teaching in service of others
These ministries and programs may offer ways to serve through Teaching. Speak with parish staff about where help is needed, how to prepare and the parish’s volunteer process.
Children’s religious education
Work alongside the parish’s catechists—people prepared to teach the Catholic faith—to help children understand the faith, ask questions, and prepare for the sacraments.
Adult faith formation
Serve with the parish formation team, helping adults connect Catholic teaching with their lives through studies, parish courses and discussion groups.
Scripture study
Help a parish Scripture group welcome participants, use its chosen Catholic study materials and connect what people learn with living the Gospel.
Resources for learning and preparation
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FORMED — Augustine Institute
Catholic studies, films and talks for individuals and groups. The Search introduces the faith, while Symbolon explores Catholic belief and life. Ask whether your parish provides access.
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The Great Adventure — Ascension
Catholic Bible studies for personal and group use. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible offers an introduction to the story of salvation and how its parts fit together.
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Franciscan at Home
Ministry-formation workshops from Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute for catechists, parish teams and other people serving the Church. Ask your parish or diocese about available formation and access.
As you discern
Bring these experiences to prayer, Mass and the sacraments, and conversation with a priest or trusted guide in the faith. Look over time for love of God and neighbor, faithfulness to Church teaching, and the good of those you serve. Joy, difficulty, and others’ feedback can help you recognize patterns. Look for a learner’s growing understanding and response, together with your willingness to learn from their questions. If no example comes to mind, begin with the experience suggested below.
Recall someone who understood something more clearly through your teaching. How did that understanding affect their faith or practice?
When a learner remains confused or questions your explanation, how do you respond and find another way to help them understand?
Something to try: Choose someone who welcomes a conversation about the faith. Listen to their question and prepare carefully. Over a few conversations, ask what became clearer and what remains confusing. Adapt what you offer and notice how their questions shape your own learning and willingness to serve.
Bring this to prayer
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Come, Holy Spirit. Help me listen with patience and share the faith with humility and care.
Show me whom I can serve. May what I teach help others know Christ and live his Gospel.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for me.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A priest from Reims, France, John Baptist de La Salle helped make education available to children who were poor. He formed the Brothers of the Christian Schools and prepared teachers to serve their students well. Their work joined everyday learning with growth in faith. His example connects teaching with careful preparation, attention to the learner, and the desire to help others grow.
More about his life ↗