David McGovern's 10 Commandments for 2009
(published in the Catholic Leader 8.2.09 and here with David's permission)

Get fitter spiritually in 2009
Brisbane director of Catholic Mission DAVID McGOVERN
pondering spiritual renewal for the New Year has come up with a novel
"Ten Commandments" for 2009

THE New Year is an ideal time to take on a new spiritual challenge and grow your faith. Just as we resolve to get fit, save more or spend less, and give up certain vices, so too we can also make a resolution to work on our faith and deepen our relationship with God.

It's all about growing in our ability to express what we believe, understand why we believe it and be stronger in our conviction of why we need to share such beliefs. In my new role at Catholic Mission, I realise that we can call this "mission".

There are many unique and varied ways we, as Catholics can live out this "mission". Many of these can be in addition to our regular weekend participation at Mass.

For instance, there are numerous prayer groups operating across Brisbane archdiocese, including in individual parishes. At my home parish of St Rita's, in Victoria Point, a devout couple have started a Christian meditation group. Joining with other Christians, to pray and praise, is a wonderfully uplifting experience. Find a group that suits your temperament and gifts and see where the encounter leads you.

In an attempt to spark some inspiration and help other Church members with their mission to grow in relationship with God, I've compiled a potential "Ten Commandments" to enable us to keep fit, spiritually, in 2009.

These are by no means exhaustive, nor prescriptive, and they certainly have to be considered against the backdrop of existing circumstances.

For instance, while preparing this material, I was challenged by a mentor to consider my first and foremost "mission" as husband and father: it made me realise that, just as going to the gym should be factored in, and around, all our other commitments, so activities such as those listed below need to be weighed against our other priorities.

1. Thou shalt take up a course of study in an area such as theology or ministry - whether it be through a theological college or a university, such courses can be undertaken for personal or professional purposes.
2. Thou shalt spend time in serving others - having previously worked at Vinnies, and seen many of my fellow parishioners contribute in different ways to the local community, I have seen what impact volunteering has on both the volunteer, and the beneficiaries of such service. God assures us that when we give - whether it be time or money - we will receive so much more in return! Join your local St Vincent de Paul Conference, give some time to Rosies or consider heading abroad as part of a missionary outreach, or immersion program.
3. Thou shalt subscribe to an on-line newsletter or e-journal - there is a plethora of electronic "publications" offered by different groups, organisations or individuals across the Church. For those in the 18-35 year age bracket, check out www.bustedhalo.com Other worthwhile websites, offering newsletters you can subscribe to, include CathNews (http://www.cathnews.com/) with its concise summary of current news items relevant to the wider Church and www.fides.org (the official website for the Congregation of the Evangelisation of Peoples).
4. Thou shalt go on a retreat - if it's good enough for our parish priests to spend a week away each year, the least we can do is follow their example. Even Jesus sought to escape the crowds at different times of his ministry. Of course, the type and length of retreat will vary according to your circumstances and interests but, as the name implies, there is immense value in "getting away from it all" for a while. If you think taking an extended break is beyond reason, due to children, work etc, tune out to some reflective music or just light a candle in your local church, and sit in the silence (also see Commandment number 9 for further ideas). For the guys, I'd also recommend attending a Men Alive weekend (there's one coming up in February - see www.menalive.org.au for details).
5. Thou shalt read your Bible - divinely inspired, this book does more than any other self-help or personal development publication to show us the way forward or discern lessons from what's happened in the past. Grab a study guide (there are many available from Christian bookstores) and you can really grow in your knowledge, insight and love of God;
6. Thou shalt visit a house of prayer or place of worship, from another religion - it's the ecumenical thing to do ... and it can only lead to greater insight about the world's different belief systems. It's a lot harder to reject or condemn something when you at least understand it.
7. Thou shalt attend an event that you wouldn't otherwise give a second thought to - walking past St Stephen's Cathedral, after seeing a movie, my wife and I were delighted to hear the beautiful sounds of a choral ensemble performing. It was for the opening night of the Festival of Sacred Music. Sometimes, God's in the most random and unlikely of places or circumstances - but we don't discover that unless we expose ourselves to them.
8. Thou shalt write a letter ... to the editor of The Catholic Leader, or a Member of Parliament - a newspaper is only as strong as its readers! Any journalist will tell you that they would rather at least get a negative letter than not get any letter at all. And politicians also need to know what you are thinking about certain issues, as well as being kept accountable. Go on, make their day!
9. hou shalt go to a beach, hike in the bush, catch a ball, do the dishes, give someone special a shoulder rub - when the woman poured the expensive oil on Jesus, she was showing us all the value of just simply "being" - being present, being attentive, being there. Stephen Curtis Chapman sings on his new album about the Miracle of the Moment.
10. Thou shalt make a donation - well, it goes without saying that I'd be recommending this course of action. Setting aside my job description, the value of helping someone in more difficult circumstances than yourself, cannot be underestimated. So many of those who contribute to Catholic Mission speak often of the sense of satisfaction and fulfilment they get, after making a donation. To make a contribution, go to www.catholic mission.org.au or ring toll-free 1800 257 296.