Blog

Author Archives: Mark Hart

Blog

One Smart Shepherd: B16′s first 5 years

By | April 20, 2010

Put simply, in these past five years, Pope Benedict XVI has been nothing less than brilliant. He has shattered pre-papal misconceptions about his doctrinal “bulldog” attitude. His scope and vision have been no less breathtaking than Pope John Paul II’s, only subtler. Pope Benedict is a true Shepherd, capably leading a flock through morally corrupt and challenging times. Witnessing the Holy Spirit unleash his theological brilliance in such a pastoral way has been a true gift.

Blog

Spiritual Heartburn: What to Avoid When Leading Teens in Prayer

By | April 13, 2010

In our personal prayer we’d be wise to remember that God doesn’t grade us on diction. Words matter little if our intention is pure. Likewise, when leading prayer with our teens or Core it’s vital to remember that less is often more. Simplicity is a direct route to sanctity.

Blog

The Nominees for Outstanding Performance in a Catholic Youth Ministry Setting are…

By | February 17, 2010

The Oscars are right around the corner. Hollywood’s best and brightest will hoist their little gold trophies and celebrate the highest award their craft has to offer. The earth will applaud, but will heaven?

Blog

Teens bored by the Bible? 10 questions to ask yourself

By | February 12, 2010

Over the past almost 20 years I’ve had enjoyed countless glorious failures (and some graced successes) when opening God’s Word with young people and the one thing I know for a fact is this: teens do care about the Bible. Teens actually love the Scriptures when they are unpacked and taught well.

Blog

Do you really want to change a teen’s life?

By | February 2, 2010

If you want to change a teenager’s life than don’t just pray for them…pray with them.

Blog

A Prescription for Good Core Team Health: Vitamin (Cycle) C

By | January 11, 2010

Recently during Mass my eldest daughter noticed something during the gospel proclamation – specifically, that St. Luke was not one of the original twelve apostles. I later tried to explain that St. Luke was a traveling companion of St. Paul and a convert to the faith, but not one of the original twelve men that Christ “sent forth” (apostle). “So, St. Luke didn’t really know Jesus?” my daughter insightfully asked. Little did I know that on this particular evening I would introduce my 7

Blog

Life Teen’s 2010 Theme: “Behold the Mystery”

By | December 22, 2009

In this blog, Life Teen VP Mark Hart shares the story behind this year’s spiritual theme. Scroll down for links to resources to help you parish unpack this theme. – Editor The Acts of the Apostles is one of the great gems of the Bible. Nestled – almost hidden – between the Gospels and St. Paul’s “guide to Christian living” (the epistles), St. Luke’s Acts not only offers insights into where the Church came from, but often where She is going. One particular scene in the Acts of the Apostles

Blog

Christmas for Your Core Team

By | November 10, 2009

It is that time of year again… lists, shopping, wrapping, trying to figure out the perfect gift for every person in your life. For youth ministers, here’s the million-dollar question: What do you get the most dedicated Core Team on the planet on a youth ministry budget? How do you honor those who give up their Sunday nights, their weekends and their evenings so teens can be led closer to Christ? With your limited time (and even more limited budget), you want to make it a meaningful and useful

Blog

Teens Distracted at Mass? Reverence Begins with Relevance

By | August 27, 2009

My first year in Youth Ministry was painful. I had a few solid Core Members and our Life Nights were going well. I had a supportive priest and a decent budget. I had a talented music ministry and parents who would do anything for me. I developed strong relationships with teens; saw an increase in the number of teens coming to Mass and a heightened interest in potential Core Members. All this…and I was really frustrated. “Frustrated?” some of you reading this might say. “How could you be

Blog

5 Ways that Talks Fail Before We Open Our Mouths

By | May 19, 2009

In the past seventeen years, I’ve given more talks than I can count in more states than I can seem to remember (senility is setting in) and in many dioceses and cities I can scarcely spell. Truthfully, I think I still have yet to ever give a “great talk”. I’ve gotten close at times…certain occasions when I really felt the Spirit moving unimpededly. Most of the time, it’s a tug-of-war within my self, trying not to get in the way of God’s Spirit. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is