If you’re like me…okay if you’re me…then you’re glued to your electronic devices all the time.  Unfortunately for me, I really have a hard time unplugging because it’s my job to be plugged-in.

So what can I do to stay grounded in the middle of a (sometimes) stressful day or week? Well it turns our there’s an app (or two) for that. In fact, I found several that I use on my iPhone and iPad that I wanted to pass along to you.

1. Mary App – FREE and Powered by the Marian Fathers – This app is designed and developed by the Marion Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge, Mass. How did I find it? Well, I was looking to say a rosary during a long drive (I wasn’t driving, my husband was) but I didn’t have a rosary AND I’m really bad at remembering what parts we pray at what bead. This app not only has resources and prayers but it has a virtual rosary that moves as you pray and provides the prayers for you. You can add audio too (in case you are driving). I found it useful beyond that impulse download and now try to use it during the day to pray.image1

2. Magnificat – This is FREE initially but requires a subscription to the magazine for more details. What I like most about this app is that you can set reminders to pray. I get one at 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. While I’m not always able to stop and read the readings, I am able to pause for a moment and lift up that moment to the lord. It’s a powerful way to pull you away from your work, while using the very device you may be working with.MagnifcatAPP

3. Mass Times – FREE Yes there’s an app for that too. This is helpful for anyone who travels frequently. It uses your location to tell you what churches are nearby and when they schedule mass. It can also link you to their websites to check for holy day mass times.

4. Catholic Bible App – FREE – This one is helpful for bible study or reference and allows you to download (for a small fee) bible studies and audio tracks.LighthouseApp

5. EWTN – FREE – This app gives you up-to-date catholic news, audio and video streaming on demand. I love this because I can watch the Pope’s audience or hear a mass homily. It also has a bible app add on. These are neat to download and listen to on a drive to work or a long road trip.EWTNapp

Here’s my take on this: if we live in a connected world, we might as well use those connections to help us connect to God. For as much time as we spend on Facebook, Twitter, NetFlix or YouTube let use take a few moments of our day to use these devices to help our prayer life.

I know what you’re thinking. “JUST PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN!” Yes – that’s always a good way to connect with God. Look up, look around, unplug. But in the daily grind, I hope these apps help you find ways to better incorporate your faith life daily.

RESOURCES:
And if that’s not enough for you here are some links to other helpful apps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmLVg0cGLxU
http://www.focus.org/blog/posts/5-great-free-catholic-apps.html
http://www.pinterest.com/hitechcatholic2/catholic-apps/