The Holy Spirit pours out spiritual gifts through the sacraments and ministries of the Church.

The Holy Spirit also gives special graces, called Charisms, directly to individuals as he chooses. They are given to fulfill a particular role in the church. The Early Church believed all the baptized were given charisms and were encouraged to use them. St. Paul provides four different lists of charisms (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,Romans 12;6-8). These lists include eye-catching charisms such as healing, miracles, and words of knowledge and less dramatic gifts such as helps, encouragement, service, mercy, and administration.

Believers have always recognised charisms in the lives of the saints.​ In Mother Teresa we see the charism of mercy; in Padre Pio we see charisms of healing and prophecy; and in Mary McKillop we see charisms of mercy, teaching, and administration. For the times we live in the Church declares, “these charisms are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation for they are perfectly suited and useful to the needs of the Church” (Lumen Gentium 12).​