Like four leaf clovers, or perfect diamonds, Catholic Charismatics do exist, but they are hard to find because this type of worship is currently “underground”.
Holding your hands up while singing seems weird to most Catholics due to the reverence required during the Mass. Charisms are not openly spoken about in the Catholic Church, like they are in the Protestant Churches, so they are often misunderstood and thought of as “Protestant” beliefs. Unfortunately, many Catholics are not exposed to Charismatic worship so they see it as hokum. Their views come from the misinformation that none of it is real.
“My mission is to teach about the Holy Spirit through Scripture and the Catechism”. ~Ivonne Sherman
It may surprise some Catholics to know that through the Sacrament of Baptism, because we are Baptized in the Spirit just like Protestants, we all received the fruits of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fear of the Lord, piety, and fortitude also known as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The gifts of the Holy spirit are also received and include: Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Faith, Gifts of healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Distinguishing between spirits, Tongues.
I spoke with Ivonne Sherman, a Catholic in Palm Beach County, who embraces her Charisms, and most of all supports other Catholics who receive gifts but aren’t sure if they are real. Sherman shared that Catholics are reaching out to her for answers about a Prophecy, Dream, Healing, or Words of Knowledge they may have received.
“My mission” said Sherman, “is to teach about the Holy Spirit through Scripture and the Catechism”. (The Catechism is a summary of doctrine of what Catholics believe and explains the beliefs and Traditions of the Catholic Church so that these beliefs are universally accepted and applied to the Catholic faith).
Catholics are leaving the Church and heading over to the Protestant Churches to get that warm and fuzzy Holy Spirit buzz that they believe they aren’t getting in the Catholic Mass.
The concern, according to Sherman, is that Catholics should not be operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit separately from Jesus and for that to happen you need the Eucharist, which is consecrated during a Mass.
“People are hungry for a movement of God” said Sherman. Sherman said that she gets phone calls all the time from women who are having extraordinary experiences and are looking for spiritual guidance. Sherman is able to help them by bringing them in on a Bible study, or other group event where they can share their experiences with others.
A person of strong faith, one can often find Sherman praying at the beach for our safety during Hurricane Season. You can visit her website at www.nomoredrybones.com or follow her on Instagram @nomoredrybones
