Many people are disengaging from their smartphones and tablets. They're deleting apps and shutting down their social media profiles. So often, it seems that when something becomes such a big part of our lives as smartphones and social media have, the best way to fight their negative effects is to go cold turkey. We shout "Get behind me, Satan," and cut ourselves off from it completely. However, in the words of the great Saint Augustine, "Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation."
It's easier to cut ourselves off from temptation completely than moderate our behaviors.
A Smart Use for Smartphones
If you're like me, your goal is not to completely disengage, but to learn how to use these resources for our improvement. It seems odd to say that we can use our smartphones to bring us closer to God. But thanks to some computer-savvy Catholic companies out there, it is becoming a reality.
Awesome Catholic Apps
I want to share with you some of my favorite Catholic apps that might just be what you're looking for to assist your walk with God!
Blessed is She
Yes, Blessed is She has an app! It is the perfect place to read the Daily Devotions, to find women and friends in your area, to grow in holiness in an encouraging and safe space!
These are just a few of the amazing Catholic apps available. All of these are available for Apple and Android systems. There are countless others that can help you in your goals to pray more often, study the Bible, or just keep up to date on information relevant to you as a Catholic. Many of these apps have wonderful features that help you remember to take time for God in our busy world!
Hallow
Hallow is the #1 Catholic Prayer and Meditation app; think Headspace or Calm but for Catholics! With over 500 audio-guided prayers and meditations, Hallow provides a beautifully designed way to spend more time with God and meditating on His Word. Set reminders, create or join prayer groups, share prayer intentions with loved ones, and meditate from one minute to a Holy Hour.
Some of the amazing content on Hallow includes Daily Gospel reflections, Minute Meditations, the Daily Rosary, Litanies, Divine Mercy, a Daily Examen, and Praylists on important topics such as Discernment, Calm, and Love. Hallow even features some of your favorite Catholic speakers with Guest Sessions and Sleep Stories. Fall asleep to Jonathan Roumie reading from the Sermon on the Mount or Father Mike Schmitz reading The Gospel of John.
Hallow is for ladies in all walks of their faith journey, allowing you to go as deep as you’d like. There is so much content, with more always being added, that you will never cease to find a few moments to spend with God.
Pray As You Go
"Pray As You Go" is probably my favorite for any woman who struggles to find dedicated, quiet time in her life. The 15 minute (or less) segments are a perfect way to start my mornings as I drive to work. The music is always wonderful and the reflections are encouraging and thoughtful without being too deep for a 6:30 a.m. commute. "Pray As You Go" also offers audio prayers, Imaginative Contemplation Exercises, an audio Rosary & Stations of the Cross, and an audio Examen.
Reimagining the Examen
"Reimagining the Examen" is an interactive App that leads you through a series of Examens, encouraging you to sit in prayer with God each day. You can select an examen (relationships, habits, fears, etc.) and select your own background music. This would be the perfect app for someone needing guidance during evening prayer or reflection during Adoration.
Laudate
"Laudate" is the classic, all-encompassing Catholic app. It offers daily readings, the Liturgy of the Hours, a Confession app, prayers, links to the Catechism and other Church documents, and so much more. It is a useful tool for any Catholic wanting just about anything related to your Faith at your fingertips.
Formed.org
"Formed.org" is like Catholic Netflix. It offers studies, videos, audio recordings, ebooks, and a range of materials for kids. It is the perfect app for media-loving Catholics who really want to help their media consumption be more fulfilling and spiritual. While "Formed.org" does require a monthly fee for access to all the materials, check with your parish, as many offer their parishioners' free access to all the wonderful content.
Relevant Radio
"Relevant Radio" is essentially Catholic podcasting in an app. This is a free app that grants access to all the shows produced by Relevant Radio, available in live streaming or downloadable content. It also includes audio prayers, a Confession "helper," and Catholic news from around the world. It's perfect if you're looking for ways to fill long commutes or travel with something more uplifting.
Magnificat
"Magnificat" is the app from the same company that brings us the monthly Magnificat Missals. It gives you access to the daily readings along with various articles, Hymns for the Month, Lectio Divina, and resources for blessings and prayers. One of the great things about this app is that you can set alerts to remind you of morning, evening, and nighttime prayer. This is not a free app, but the low cost gives you access to a wide variety of materials. There is a free trial month when you first download the app!
Mass Times for Travel
"Mass Times for Travel" is the perfect app for any traveling Catholic. It allows you to find a Mass nearby, wherever you are. It often offers additional information on availabilities for Adoration and Confession. The app also provides directions to help you fulfill the Sunday obligation while on the road.
And if you're looking to use your smartphone wisely, check out this post on organizing your apps in order to keep your priorities straight.
How do you use your smartphone or tablet to further your faith? Is there an app we missed that we should know about? Drop us a line in the comments to share!
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