Thank you for installing our new My Catholic Life! app! We hope you like it. First, we’d like to share some instructions for use and also keep you up to date on all technical aspects regarding this new app.
Instructions:
Most aspects of the app should be straight forward. However, there are a few things we offer here by way of instructions.
The second and third link of the app are very similar: “Reflections / Mass (in-app)” and “Reflections / Mass (external).” The reason for two links offering very similar content is that not every mobile device and tablet work the same. Ideally, you will be able to use the first link without problems (in-app). However, if you find that any link is not working or if you find it difficult to share content with others through social media, texting, email, etc., please use the (external) link instead. The (external) link opens the content on your device browser, allowing for full functionality of all features offered by your device.
The “Daily Liturgy Calendar” uses Google Calendar to share links to the readings and reflections for each day based on the United States Bishops calendar. The reason this calendar opens on your device is to offer you the option to add it to your own calendar for easier access (for those who use Google Calendar already). Further instructions are embedded in that link.
The “Bible” link has its own instruction embedded. However, if you are looking for what many consider the best translation of the Bible, click the second icon called RSV-CE and use that.
Feedback:
Creating and maintaining an app is no small task, and we want to serve our users as best we can. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions through this form. If you need assistance, just include your email in that form.
Technical Updates on New App:
Thank you for the feedback you have offered to date. Here are some of the changes we have made as a result, as well as some explanations to help you navigate the new app with ease:
- Added a couple of “External” options. Some users of the previous app liked how it opened up in their web browser so that they could use the full functionality of their device sharing options. Some of that sharing functionality is limited when viewing content within the app. Therefore, the external links we added offers this same functionality as our previous app.
- Added a “chain icon” next to the social media icons that allow for users to copy the external URL of the page they’re viewing so that they can text or email the link to friends.
- Added landscape view.
- Added audio reading link to the USCCB readings.
- Added iBreviary link. This link opens in an external window because it does not use an SSL certificate which is required for a secure connection within our app.
- Created an HTML5 version of the app for those wishing more functionality such as printing of posts. Try that version by going to app.mycatholic.life in your device browser. This is the newest technology for web-based apps and may be preferred by some users.
- Added Kindle version on the Amazon app store.
- Some users have requested that the app be made available offline. We regret to inform you that this is not possible. Some apps are able to function offline with a limited number of prayers and other embedded content, but the wealth of content our app offers and the kind of content (such as audio and video), as well as the daily updates of this content, makes it impossible to make it an “offline” app.
- Some users have requested that the Gospel reflection be made available further in advance. This is now possible by visiting the Calendar of the Saints page: click here. When you click a day on the calendar, a pop-up window offers links to the readings for the day as well as a preview of the Gospel reflection. This is especially helpful for priests and deacons preparing for next weeks homily. Additionally, this calendar is powered by Google Calendar which means you can add our calendar to your own Google Calendar. Just click the “+Google Calendar” icon on the lower right corner to optionally add the four liturgical color calendars by Google.