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“Today one can read the Gospel also on so many technological instruments. You can carry the whole Bible on your mobile phone, on your tablet. It is important to read the Word of God, by any means . . . ” – Pope Francis

While we are often quick to point out the headaches caused by technology, it is undeniable that the Internet makes our lives easier in many ways. We can check the weather, read the headlines and stay in touch with friends with a single touch or click. 

We can also use the Internet to connect to our spirituality. However, it can be difficult to weed out which apps and websites offer credible information or deliver content that will truly prove helpful to our prayer lives. Following is a list of apps and websites to serve as your starting point for helpful digital Catholic resources.

Happy clicking!

• Catholicapptitude.org (website)

o      The ultimate starting place. This website is devoted to seeking out and sifting through Catholic apps and other digital Catholic resources to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. It separates Catholic apps into categories like “Bible Apps,” “Prayers Apps” and “Catholic Political Action Apps.” The site also lists where to go for Catholic eBooks, podcasts and recordings. 

o      Note: This site also offers “beginner’s guides” to things like downloading Catholic books on your tablet or phone, as well as other helpful how-tos.

• Laudate (app, free, Android and Apple devices)

o      Known as “The Number One Catholic App,” Laudate is a free and comprehensive source for Catholic prayers, resources and media outlets. The app offers the daily readings (both in print and audio), Liturgy of the Hours, a virtual or audio Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a (huge) list of popular Catholic prayers separated into categories, the Catechism, an easy-to-navigate virtual Bible and more. 

o      Note: listening to the daily readings is a great way to pray on the go!

• Divine Mercy (app, free, Android and Apple devices)

o      Created by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, this app offers a comprehensive set of resources concerning Divine Mercy, including a virtual Chaplet, the Divine Mercy novena, and the Divine Mercy image.  The app also contains information about St. Faustina, to whom the image and chaplet of Divine Mercy were revealed, as well as excerpts from her diary.

o      The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception have also created a free Mary app, which provides information about Marian titles and devotions, as well as dogmas surrounding her.

• Fulton Sheen Audio Library (app, free, Android and Apple devices)

o      Venerable Archbishop Fulton John Sheen is largely remembered for his compelling talks on radio and television.  Now, you can listen to a number of these talks any time. Separated into categories such as “Gospel Characters,” “Improving Your Life,” “Catholic Teachings” and “World History & Today,” these talks explore topics from “Why is work so boring?” to “Mary and the Mass.” Most talks are 20-25 minutes long.

o      Note: the free version of this app only features one or two talks from each category – a good start. You can download the full version, featuring almost 300 talks, for $8.99.

• The Pope App (app, free, Android and Apple devices)

o      Powered by the Official Vatican Network, this app makes it easy to keep up with Pope Francis and Vatican news.  It includes updates on the Pope’s whereabouts, texts of his recent speeches and homilies, posts to his social media accounts and even live streaming of events.  You can also access all Vatican media outlets through the app.

o      Note: Another fun feature? You can peek around the Vatican grounds via 6 different webcams.

• Honor Your Inner Monk (app, free, Android and Apple devices)

o      Developed by the monks at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, this app helps you make prayer a part of your daily routine. It offers a month-long cycle of short daily morning and afternoon prayers, and it keeps track of how many prayers you have said throughout the month. The app also offers translated sections of The Rule of Benedict, as well as a collection of Gregorian Chant recordings (recorded at Saint Meinrad) and traditional Catholic prayers.

• Liturgical Calendar (app, free, Android devices)

o      When you open this app, you’ll find a list that includes the current liturgical season and color, the saint of the day, and any holy days or feast days taking place.  The app also contains calendars for feast days, Holy Days and liturgical seasons throughout the year.

o      Note: a similar app called Catholic Calendar is available for Apple devices.

• Catholic’s Companion (app, $0.99, Windows devices)

o      Windows users, fear not! This app, created for Windows devices, is a comprehensive resource for Catholic materials.  The Catholic’s Companion features daily Mass readings, the Bible, Catholic news, a list of prayers and the Rosary.  The app also boasts less common features such as a “find churches” section, a breviary and a prayer journal where you can write and save prayers.

• Bulldog Catholic (website)

o      http://bulldogcatholic.org/homilies-archive/ 

o      Father Mike Schmitz is the chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He also knows how to deliver a killer homily. On the university Newman Center’s website, you can listen to his weekly homilies; plan on devoting at least 15 minutes to each one. They have punchy, engaging subtitles, such as “What would your life look like if you lived this week as if you had faith?” and “God doesn’t need you. God loves you.” Perfect for morning or afternoon commutes.

• FaithND (website)

o      Pray.nd.edu

o      FaithND is a website created and maintained by the University of Notre Dame. You can go to their website every day and read the Gospel reading, as well as a reflection written by a Notre Dame alumnus. You can take it a step further by signing up to receive their daily email—every morning you’ll receive the Gospel reading, a reflection, a prayer and information about the Saint of the Day.

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (website)

o      USCCB.org

o      Sign up on USCCB’s website to receive a daily email containing the readings for the day – it doesn’t get much more convenient! Also in the email is a recording of the readings and a video reflection. To sign up, log onto usccb.org, and click on any day on the calendar along the right side of the page.  Scroll down to find a yellow box in which you can simply enter your email address to subscribe.

o      Note: usccb.org is also a great place to find Catholic blogs, columns, new broadcasts and more.

• The Message Online!

o      You didn’t think we were going to leave this out, did you? The Message is available digitally as a supplement to or replacement for the print copy; it’s delivered to your inbox every Thursday in pdf form. 

o      To subscribe, head to themessageonline.org, and click on the SUBSCRIBE tab along the top menu.