Ep 144 - Does My Spouse Have to Have Voluntary Poverty if I Do?
Description
In this episode of Charisms for Catholics, host Jill Simons tackles a unique listener question about the charism of voluntary poverty within marriage.
Can one spouse live out this spiritual gift if the other doesn't share it? Jill explores how charisms work within sacramental marriages and "charism-mixed" households, sharing practical advice and personal examples of how different spiritual gifts can harmoniously coexist. She also previews the upcoming "Opt Out October" series, focused on creating space in all areas of life to say better yeses to our charisms.
If you're discerning your gifts or wondering how they play out in family life, this thoughtful episode offers encouragement and insight for integrating your spiritual strengths with those of your loved ones.
00:51 - Jill introduces the Charism Coaching Certification Program for coaches and spiritual directors.
2:12 - Announcement of "Opt Out October," a new annual series focused on making space—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—to say better "yeses" to our charisms.
4:58 - Mailbag question: If one spouse has voluntary poverty, does the other have to as well? Jill begins addressing the dynamics of "charism mixed marriages."
6:34 - Explaining how voluntary poverty can be expressed individually within a marriage, using the example of a wife embracing minimalism without forcing it on the family.
9:25 - Jill shares a personal example of growing up in a family influenced by the charism of giving, and how that shaped financial priorities and values.
12:01 - Emphasizing that there are no fundamentally incompatible charism combinations in the body of Christ—differences may require more discernment, but can exist and work together.
Learn more about charisms and charism discernment at https://manypartsministries.com.



