LISBON FALLS – The Blessed Margaret of Castello Dominican Laity Chapter will offer a 15-hour program, “Called and Gifted,” starting in early September, designed to help Catholics discover their spiritual gifts.

The program will be held during five Saturday mornings at Holy Trinity Church.

As local parishes begin to consolidate their resources, the program will help participants identify spiritual dimensions that can be offered for the growth of their respective church communities.

“Called and Gifted” is a nationally recognized program, available in a recorded format and recently designed to be used in small discussion groups.

The groups allow parishioners from a variety of area churches to meet and discuss their gifts.

The program begins with a written survey, which helps identify such areas as leadership, administration, teaching, music, hospitality, as well as many other potential ministries.

While many Catholics are under the impression that the only way to serve the church is during the Sunday liturgy, the program helps them discover other ways in which they are already blessed and able to serve others.

Many are relieved to find out that they can be of service without necessarily being scheduled for one of the more well-known ministries such as sacristan, Eucharistic minister or lector.

As parishioners come to recognize what they already do well, they become more willing to share their abilities with the greater community.

Members of pastoral councils and those involved in the clustering process are especially encouraged to attend, and all are welcome.

Program cost is $25 and registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 30.

For more information, call either Marlene Laurendeau in Brunswick at 725-4196 or Denise Mailhot in Lewiston at 786-3380.