160. What are charisms
(Comp 160) Charisms are special gifts of the Holy Spirit which are bestowed on individuals for the good of others, the needs of the world, and in particular for the building up of the Church. The discernment of charisms is the responsibility of the Magisterium.
“In brief”
(CCC 799) Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 800) Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person who receives them and by all members of the Church as well. They are a wonderfully rich grace for the apostolic vitality and for the holiness of the entire Body of Christ, provided they really are genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit and are used in full conformity with authentic promptings of this same Spirit, that is, in keeping with charity, the true measure of all charisms (Cf. 1 Cor 13).
On reflection
(CCC 801) It is in this sense that discernment of charisms is always necessary. No charism is exempt from being referred and submitted to the Church's shepherds. "Their office [is[ not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things and hold fast to what is good" (LG 12; cf. 30; 1 Thess 5:12, 19-21; John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, 24), so that all the diverse and complementary charisms work together "for the common good" (1 Cor 12:7).
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