September 15, 2014
Father Larry Rice, CSP
There was a time not too long ago when the phrase “there’s an app for that” was something of a punchline. Today there are literally millions of apps – mobile computer programs – available for nearly every need and situation. Whether you’re controlling the Internet-connected lights and locks in your home, identifying a song playing on the radio or depositing a check with a click of your phone camera, mobile apps have changed the way we live, interact and access information of all kinds.
It shouldn’t be surprising, then, to learn that the Paulist Fathers have a smart phone app for vocations. Newly released in the Google Play and Apple iTunes app stores, this new app is designed to give prospective Paulist vocations (and other people!) a window into the life, mission and spirituality of the Paulist Fathers.
A screenshot from the iPhone app
Developed by Father Larry Rice, CSP, the Paulist vocations director, the app pulls together Paulist information and resources from multiple sources.
“Paulist content is available from many online sources and social networks,” Father Rice said. “The challenge was to find a system that gathers that information and presents it through a single portal. Our app collects postings from our Facebook pages, our Twitter feeds, YouTube videos and podcasts.”
In addition to this regularly updated content, the app also gives vocations prospects a one-click means of contacting Father Rice. After looking over the information on the Paulist Fathers, an email or phone call is just a single click away, from within the app.
“One more great feature,” said Father Rice, “is the ability to send push notifications to people who have the app. That will allow me to occasionally notify users of the app of breaking news and upcoming events.”
Of course, the app isn’t just for vocations prospects. Paulist Associates and anyone interested in the Paulist Fathers and their ministries will find the app a handy tool for keeping up with the latest Paulist news.
Want to keep up with the Paulists? There’s an app for that.
The app is available for both Android and iOS (Apple) smart phones. To download your free copy, go to the iTunes App Store or the Google Play store, and search for “Paulist.” Or, if your phone has a QR-Code scanner, just scan the block to the right.