Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning

I was a Confirmation sponser for my nephew in 2007. One of the requirements was that we meet together once a month for a number of months. While his CCD class provided some outlines for the meetings, there really wasn't enough material for an hour of talk, especially between guys who don't want to particularly "share". I ordered this book from Amazon, and we used a chapter or two each month as the primarly basis for the meetings. There is plenty of material that speaks to way youth and adults live their life, many scriptural references, and mention of other similar books that you can check into later.I don't think that there is enough theology in this book to make it a primarly source for a year of CCD study, but it could be used as I described for Confirmation meetings or in a class as part of a series of books to be studied, if it is backed up with the Cathechism of the Catholic Church or the Bible. It is an exhortation for Catholics young and old to live the Christian life.One last comment. If the emphasis of Confirmation - and perhaps even earlier years of religion classes - would be on living the Christian life ( as described in this book ) and on knowledge of the faith, and not on so much on the touchy-feely stuff that seems to be very present, maybe there would be more young adults knowing and living their faith. Perhaps there would be fewer young Catholics coasting through the years of religion classes - ending in Confirmation - without really learning anything substantial (as the author described of himself).

75% old experienced convert talks straight to teens/ young adults; 25% real appeal for everyone.

I bought this for my teenage niece and wanted to read it before I gave it to her. I'm so glad I did. It is wonderfully written and a super fast read. I love that the author is a cradle-Catholic because it makes his perspective and experience speak even more to those in that category who maybe feel like they're just going through the motions. I'm even considering buying a bunch of copies to hand out to my fellow cradle-Catholic friends who may feel inspired by it as well. Glad to add this to my home library!

I tore through Mark Hart's book in about a day or two(I know the book isn't that long but I am a slow reader and thus quite an accomplishment). I couldn't put it down because of his honesty and getting real about his own experience in the Catholic church. He tells it like it is but he also challenges the believer to take a deeper look at the faith that maybe we didn't learn and understand from our parents, ccd teachers, priests, nuns, etc. I am a coordinator of Youth Ministry at a Catholic parish and I have handed out copies to teens and adults. Believers of any age can get a lot out of Mark's honesty and deep love for Jesus Christ and His Church.

I just finished reading Blessed Are The Bored in Spirit. What an awesome book this is. Anyone who scratches their head and asks why do we do what we do as Catholics should read this. Some clarification.... some questioning.... but most importantly some Aha moments.... I learned things as a cradle catholic in my 30's and I pray my students can learn some things as they start their journey to confirmation.Thank you for taking the time to write this.. Your words and messages are beyond moving and it is refreshing to have someone put the teen spin on things so the young church of today can feel HIS love and work through you. Keep up your amazing work. God Bless You, you wife and your awesome daughters.

This book will give you some very good ways to reconnect with God and hopefully change your life. It gave me new perspectives on who God is.

Although my teens years are well behind me I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Hart's book and found it very relevant to the current state of my Catholic Journey. I bought the physical book so that it will be there on my bookshelf for my kids to discover one day when they're old enough to start on their own journey of faith. Mark always gets right to the "heart" of things (sorry, didn't know that was going to happen until I started typing it) and he's not afraid to question and challenge - and that's where I feel the Catholic Church needs to go these days in order to make as all better followers of Christ.

Enjoy the humorous ride through Mark's childhood stories, and get hit hard with the reality of the Gospel truth!As a 20 somethings youth minister I found myself relating to this book not only for myself but also the cradle Catholic teens to whom I minister. I've read and reread this book to the point where the pages are falling out. Mart Harts stories make the faith relatable, and come alive in a new light. I've used analogies, anecdotes, and quotes in dozens of talks.I often give this as a "thank you" gift to my adult volunteers who work with teens, as well as teens going off to college.

An amazing read full of humour and practical guidance to deepen our relationship with God. It helped me s much to rediscover my faith and understand the Church.

Very pleased with Mark Hart's books. He has a simple yet effective style that speaks to young people. I would definitely recommend!

Love it.