Hi, Gerard —
Thanks for your question.
The Church recognizes that the Holy
Spirit gives various members of the
Church different gifts and charisms.
Some (emphasis on some) of those
gifts include the gifts listed by
St. Paul in first Corinthians 12.
The word Charismatic simply means gifted so on one level, the Church itself
is Charismatic by definition. The
Church could not function without
the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit
that acts in the Sacraments. It is
only by the power of the Holy Spirit
that we can say Jesus is Lord and
believe it with the supernatural
faith that saves.
On another level, some Catholics
call themselves Charismatics because
they have received and make use of
the more phenomenal manifestations
such as:
- tongues
- prophecy
- word of knowledge
- and healing
The Church embraces these Catholics
just as She embraces Catholics that
follow other spiritualities. These gifts are still for today and
shall not cease until the Lord returns.
That said, Charismatics (and I consider
myself Charismatic) must be careful
that (the pursuit and use of the extraordinary gifts) doesn't become a form
of idolatry. St. Paul makes it clear
that there is a time and place for
the use of these gifts.
The Mass, for example, is not structured
for the use of these particular gifts.
A prayer meeting and praise service
on the other hand is a perfect place
for these gifts to operate and serve
the community.
John
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