Expert: Tom Schott - 11/2/2007

Question
Hello Tom,

I have been slowly contemplating the Catholic faith as my husband is Catholic; I am currently Baptist.  I however have been struggling with the fact that Catholics seem to ignore the importance of the gifts of the holy spirit.  Why are these gifts not exercised within open view of the church?  Are the church clergy not unlike the original saints in that God has bestowed on individuals the gift to heal, prophesy and speak in tongues?  If the church does indeed do this and I am just not witnessing it, please let me know.  Thank You.

Humbly Yours,
Sumiko

Answer
Hi Sumiko,

  Just as in other faiths, there's a wide range of expression in Catholicism. The more "charismatic" gifts--tongues, prophesy, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.--are indeed exercised in open view among the charismatic, "Spirit-filled" Catholics, but you are correct that it's not the norm. But the other gifts of the Spirit, such as teaching and preaching, are exercised openly. It depends on what particular group of Catholic Christians you're talking about.