The Difference Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Charisms
- Renée Marazon
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Throughout the history of the Church, the Holy Spirit has continually blessed the faithful with unique gifts — known as charisms — to help build and strengthen the Body of Christ.While all charisms share the same divine source, not all serve the same purpose.Understanding the difference between hierarchical and charismatic charisms helps us recognize how God’s grace works both through ordained ministries and through the active participation of lay believers.
What Are Hierarchical Charisms?
Hierarchical charisms are gifts of the Spirit that flow through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, given to bishops, priests, and deacons.Their purpose is to guide, teach, and sanctify the Church. Through these gifts, ordained ministers act in the name of Christ to preserve unity and lead the faithful toward holiness.
Some examples include:
The authority to proclaim the Gospel faithfully.
The grace to celebrate the sacraments.
The wisdom to shepherd and unify the Church.
These gifts are not meant for personal recognition, but for service — the bishop who teaches, the priest who celebrates the Eucharist, and the deacon who serves the community all share in this sacred grace.
What Are Charismatic Charisms?
Charismatic charisms, on the other hand, are gifts given to all baptized believers.They are diverse and freely distributed by the Holy Spirit, empowering the faithful to contribute to the Church’s mission in daily life — within families, parishes, ministries, and communities.
Saint Paul describes these gifts in 1 Corinthians 12: prophecy, teaching, healing, discernment of spirits, wisdom, faith, and many others.Each gift has a specific role in building up the Church and helping others encounter the living Christ.
Unlike hierarchical charisms, these gifts are not tied to ordination. Instead, they are manifestations of the Spirit that bring life, creativity, and compassion into the world through ordinary believers.
How Do These Charisms Work Together?
The Church is most alive when both types of charisms work in harmony.Hierarchical gifts preserve unity, doctrine, and structure, while charismatic gifts bring renewal, enthusiasm, and personal witness. Together, they ensure that the Church remains grounded in truth and alive in the Spirit.
When both dimensions cooperate, the Church becomes a living expression of God’s love — steady yet dynamic, rooted yet growing, guided yet free.
Discovering and Living Your Charisms
Every believer has been given unique charisms — special ways in which the Holy Spirit desires to work in and through them. Discerning your charisms isn’t about personal achievement; it’s about listening and responding to God’s call for your life.
You can explore practical tools to identify and nurture your charisms through our available resources:
If you’d like to go deeper into understanding your spiritual gifts or participate in one of our formation retreats, please reach out through our Shop page.
We would be honored to accompany you on your journey of faith and discovery.
Final Reflection: The Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Charisms and Christian Mission
Whether lived through ordained leadership or lay ministry, every charism — hierarchical or charismatic — reflects the same Holy Spirit moving through the Church in unique and powerful ways.
Each spiritual gift is a vital part of God’s plan for the Catholic community, strengthening faith, deepening unity, and inspiring the mission of love and service that Christ calls us to live.
When we recognize and use our charisms with humility and joy, we allow the Spirit to renew the Church and transform the world through our everyday witness.
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