<h3 id="054204f0-038a-4cad-a6c3-fa29850e8e3b" data-toc-id="054204f0-038a-4cad-a6c3-fa29850e8e3b">Catholic Women in Leadership: Embracing Charisms and Breaking Barriers</h3><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Welcome back to <em>Charisms for Catholics, </em>the podcast dedicated to helping individuals discern their spiritual gifts and use them to serve the Church and the world. I’m your host, Jill Simons, Executive Director at Many Parts Ministries. </span><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.fo/e/2595fc"><span style="color: #911818">In today’s episode</span></a><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">, I’m thrilled to welcome<strong> Jamie Rathjen, co-host of the Hormone Genius </strong>podcast and founder of the FIAT Institute and Guiding Star Cedar Valley. Together, we delve into the inspiring and multifaceted topic of <strong>Catholic women in leadership</strong>—their challenges, charisms, and transformative impact.</span></p><img src="https://f.ezycourse.net/3610/cm47bcvxf04kecr8z7fgy01v5.jpg" data-href="https://pod.fo/e/2595fc" onclick="window.open('https://pod.fo/e/2595fc', '_blank')" style="cursor: pointer; width: 100%; height: auto" alt="image" draggable="true"><hr><h4 id="97e0734a-bfe6-48b2-8ced-8bb59d4b3889" data-toc-id="97e0734a-bfe6-48b2-8ced-8bb59d4b3889"><strong>Embracing Leadership Despite Early Discomfort</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Jamie and I share the<strong> charism of leadership</strong>, but neither of us found it easy to embrace this gift early on. We struggled with discomfort around attention and leadership roles in our younger years. Jamie shared how her college experience, including a significant reversion to her Catholic faith, helped her recognize and embrace her charism. Similarly, I reflected on my struggles with identity and low self-esteem, which, while challenging, were integral to shaping my ability to lead. These challenges remind us that the path to leadership isn’t always straightforward—it’s a journey of self-discovery and trust in the Holy Spirit.</span></p><hr><h4 id="778795f5-b019-474f-9d91-645d2f8e212d" data-toc-id="778795f5-b019-474f-9d91-645d2f8e212d"><strong>Timing and Personal Growth in Leadership</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">One of the key themes we discussed is the importance of<strong> timing and personal growth </strong>in utilizing one’s charism of leadership. Jumping into leadership roles prematurely, without the necessary maturity or spiritual development, can lead to pitfalls such as pride or basing self-worth on external validation. Jamie emphasized how dangerous it could have been for her to step into leadership before she was spiritually and emotionally ready. This highlights a crucial lesson: <strong>growth is essential to effective leadership. </strong>Waiting for God’s timing allows leaders to develop the humility and strength needed to fulfill their roles successfully.</span></p><hr><h4 id="3e64f6c3-3f57-49fb-a936-af615f9996bc" data-toc-id="3e64f6c3-3f57-49fb-a936-af615f9996bc"><strong>Filling Gaps in Women’s Healthcare</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Another powerful part of our conversation revolved around the need for <strong>strong leadership in women’s healthcare. </strong>Jamie shared her journey of founding Guiding Star Cedar Valley, a healthcare center that provides holistic support for women. This center fills critical gaps in women’s healthcare by offering resources and care that integrate faith, science, and compassion. Jamie’s work exemplifies how<strong> Catholic women in leadership </strong>can transform communities by stepping into areas of need, advocating for change, and providing innovative solutions. Her dedication to creating systems that honor women’s dignity and meet their unique needs is a testament to her charism of leadership.</span></p><hr><h4 id="4d119ec3-7160-44b2-9a78-a7c09e1fd119" data-toc-id="4d119ec3-7160-44b2-9a78-a7c09e1fd119"><strong>Discerning a Charism of Leadership</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">For those discerning a <strong>charism of leadership, </strong>Jamie and I offered practical advice. Pay attention to external engagement—how others respond to your leadership—and be open to unexpected opportunities. Transitioning from discernment to active leadership isn’t always smooth, but struggles are part of the growth process. As leaders, we’re called to develop the “muscles” needed to lead effectively, which often involves trusting the Holy Spirit’s vision. Leadership is about seeing the bigger picture and placing people within that vision to create a collaborative and flourishing community.</span></p><hr><h4 id="fc35d46f-10ad-498e-a6e1-1c32d054d772" data-toc-id="fc35d46f-10ad-498e-a6e1-1c32d054d772"><strong>Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Church Leadership</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">We also addressed the topic of<strong> gender stereotypes </strong>in Church leadership. It’s vital to let the Holy Spirit guide the assignment of charisms rather than adhering to traditional gender roles. Jamie shared how she initially felt unqualified for leadership but trusted the Spirit’s call despite her lack of experience. The supernatural gift of leadership transcends gender, empowering both women and men to serve in roles where they can glorify God. <strong>Stereotypes do not limit Catholic women in leadership</strong> but are instead guided by the Spirit to step into roles that reflect their unique charisms.</span></p><hr><h4 id="e48ccfbd-38ae-4963-b65a-04520f3c9a86" data-toc-id="e48ccfbd-38ae-4963-b65a-04520f3c9a86"><strong>The Global Reach of the FIAT Institute</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Jamie introduced the FIAT Institute, a global initiative that integrates health coaching and cycle charting with the concept of the <strong>feminine genius. </strong>This innovative program empowers women to understand and embrace their natural biological rhythms while providing holistic health and wellness tools. The hormone coaching program offered through the FIAT Institute has had a profound impact, enabling women worldwide to take ownership of their health and live in alignment with their God-given design. This is a powerful example of Catholic women using their leadership to create meaningful change on a global scale.</span></p><hr><h4 id="48919d31-557d-48cd-8c77-763fc4c018de" data-toc-id="48919d31-557d-48cd-8c77-763fc4c018de"><strong>Community and Support Among Catholic Women in Leadership</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Throughout our conversation, Jamie and I emphasized the importance of<strong> community and support among female leaders. Women in leadership often face unique challenges, and finding mutual understanding among peers can be a source of strength and encouragement. We both find solace in connecting with other leaders, mainly through organizations like the SENT Network, </strong>a professional group for Catholic founders and professionals. These communities foster collaboration and provide a space for Catholic women in leadership to share ideas, challenges, and successes.</span></p><hr><h4 id="199218dd-711b-49ff-bfce-e78aa6de19f2" data-toc-id="199218dd-711b-49ff-bfce-e78aa6de19f2"><strong>Final Thoughts: Embracing the Call to Leadership</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">The journey of<strong> Catholic women in leadership </strong>is both challenging and rewarding. By discerning and embracing our charisms, we can fulfill the roles the Holy Spirit has envisioned for us and bring about meaningful change in the Church and the world. Jamie’s story of founding Guiding Star Cedar Valley, her work with the FIAT Institute, and her dedication to filling gaps in women’s healthcare all reflect the profound impact of Catholic women stepping up as leaders. Her example reminds us that leadership is not about power or recognition—it’s about service, collaboration, and glorifying God through our gifts. If you’re discerning your charisms or want to understand how to use them better, Many Parts Ministries offers free resources, including a charism assessment and guide. Visit our website today to take the first step in discovering your spiritual gifts and how they can transform your life and community.</span></p><hr><h4 id="faada798-fb46-44c2-9afb-c4149c0756f7" data-toc-id="faada798-fb46-44c2-9afb-c4149c0756f7"><strong>Stay Connected!</strong></h4><p><span style="color: rgb(46, 47, 48)">Thank you for tuning in to this inspiring discussion on<strong> Catholic women in leadership. Join us next time as we explore saints with the charism of leadership. Until then, trust in the spiritual gifts God has given you</strong> and let the Holy Spirit guide you on your journey. For more resources and guides, visit Many Parts Ministries. Let’s continue to empower Catholic women to lead with faith, courage, and purpose.</span></p><p></p><img src="https://f.ezycourse.net/3610/cm4hxlpl10fyhg38z8akb6d35.jpg" data-href="https://a.co/d/8jdpk6Z " onclick="window.open('https://a.co/d/8jdpk6Z ', '_blank')" style="cursor: pointer; width: 100%; height: auto" alt="image" draggable="true">

Charisms for Catholic - Catholic Women in Leadership

Women and the Charism of Leadership

Catholic Women in Leadership: Embracing Charisms and Breaking Barriers

Embracing Leadership Despite Early Discomfort

Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Church Leadership

Community and Support Among Catholic Women in Leadership

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Call to Leadership

Explore Catholic teaching on charisms and spiritual gifts. Articles on discernment, identity, the Holy Spirit, and living your gifts in everyday life.

Part & Parcel Blog — Catholic Teaching on Charisms

Articles on Catholic charism discernment — what charisms are, how to discover yours, and how to live them out in the Church and everyday life.



Women and the Charism of Leadership

Women and the Charism of Leadership

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