What does charism mean?
The word charism may not be a familiar word to most people. It has been used within religious circles and faith traditions to express the gifts given to individuals (or a group) for the sake of the community (For more information, see “Finding the Treasure” by Sandra Schneiders, IHM). Charism is not always easy to define or name. It may be said that it is like a spiritual energy or a breath of the Spirit that draws people to be in relationship with a particular group because they identify with the unique spirit of that community. A charism is meant to be shared and it is given to further the mission of the congregation in the church/world. In the case of the Sisters of Providence, the charism is recognized first in the life of the foundress. The charism continues to live on in the present-day members. Mother Theodore Guerin’s charism was her indomitable trust in God’s Providence. Our understanding of charism is that this spiritual energy or breath of spirit manifests itself in many way
