With more than 20 years’ experience in ministry at both a parish and diocesan level, Bartlett seeks to know Christ and make him known and to create opportunities where people can encounter Christ. He has been published by Our Sunday Visitor and was an architect in creating the YDisciple program.
Throughout the course of the day, Bartlett unpacked the theme, “A Church that Goes Forth!“ which was inspired by Pope Francis’ Evangellii Gaudium. “The Church which ‘goes forth’ is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice. An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast”(EG 24).
The first keynote session, led by Bartlett, was titled “The Power of Relational Ministry.” A number of his insights struck the group as he shared data from the Springtide Research study.
Bartlett said, “Ministry in this age is more about the ‘Road to Emmaus’ than the ‘Servant on the Mount.” Now we still need ‘Servant on the Mount’ moments ... but in the information age, real transformation in Christ occurs through authentic accompaniment. This typically does not take place on a large scale.” The research affirmed this statement tenfold and, as a guide for our ministers, proceeded to Bartlett unpacking the “5 Dimensions of Relational Authority:” Listening, Transparency, Integrity, Care, and Expertise.
Listening is being curious about, engaged in, and remembering what another person said. Transparency is sharing experiences, seeking commonalities, and being open with information that impacts others.
Integrity is following up, following through, being accountable, and being authentic.
Care is a commitment to the patient and careful work of supporting young people as they navigate questions of identity, community, and meaning.
Expertise is specialized wisdom and skill that, when combined with listening, transparency, integrity and care, is the foundation for meaningful relationships.
In sharing about this topic, Bartlett said, “Teens don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.” All individuals who seek to love young people, whether it be a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, niece or nephew, can take insight and practice these five dimensions; they are key to evangelization and to loving our young people.
The day continued with Mass, celebrated by Father Mike Tabernero, director of Catholic Identity at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, as well as a break for lunch.
Bartlett also shared on the topic of “Evangelizing with Joy: Sharing your story of God’s love,” encouraging attendees to contemplate the story that God has been writing in each of their lives; he referred to this as the “Gospel according to you.” The goal of sharing in this way is to help others encounter the living God that each minister has encountered in a personal way. Even if a youth minister is not leading a talk, this mindset helps them to see every conversation as an invitation to share God’s love through witness to the youth.
Bartlett then encouraged the group to reflect on the question: “Jesus, what aspect of your love for me do you want me to share with young people? Bring me a memory, an image, or a story where your love acted in my life.” After a brief time of reflection, youth ministers shared their stories with others in the room.
On March 9, Bartlett will return to the Diocese to facilitate another Youth Minister Meet-Up and Formation Day, building upon these topics. All who currently minister to and all who desire to minister to youth are welcome.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Registration for the March 9 event can be found here: https://www.diometuchen.org/ymtraining.
To learn more about Spring Tide Research Study visit https://www.spring tideresearch.org/research/the-state-of-religion-young-catholics.
Megan Callahan is the Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.