Friday, August 13, 2010

Sharing New Media

In an effort to get the word out as to what's out there for Catholics who use computers, I have volunteered to supply one link per week for my parish bulletin, along with a short description. I'll be linking to podcasts, websites and apps. All of them will be previewed before I recommend them and I'm looking for a good sampling so that there's something for everyone.

Here are the first ones I have submitted.

8/22 Among Women Podcast

Features conversations with Catholic women from all walks of life; faith-sharing and faith-building. Each weekly podcast also includes information about a saint who brings inspiration to our lives. Podcasts are downloadable audio files; you can listen to them on your computer or mp3 player.

8/29 In Between Sundays Podcast

A podcast for young-adult Catholics, discussing how to live as a Catholic in the world outside of church. Their Facebook page allows listeners to connect with and support each other.

9/5 The Deacon's Bench

A permanent deacon in the diocese of Brooklyn, NY includes homilies, interviews, Catholic news items and inspirational stories along with some fun stuff in this blog. Updated often and always interesting.

9/12 Catholic Mom

Catholic author Lisa Hendey hosts this site, which includes a podcast, book reviews, Sunday gospel activities for children, and articles by a host of columnists and contributors. You'll also find reflections on the daily Mass readings, weekly fiction features, and giveaways of Catholic books and CDs.

9/19 Divine Office

Want to learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours without the confusion of a big prayer book? This free website provides the daily prayers in both written and audio versions. The Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer of the Church and is not just for priests and deacons; everyone can participate in these prayers. There's also a free app for your iPhone or iPod.

9/26 Faith & Family Live
This group blog is more than just a collection of essays; it's open for comments so it becomes a discussion. Topics include parenting, education, homemaking, working, book reviews, a weekly podcast and more. There's also a print magazine: Faith and Family.

10/03
Rosary Army
Learn how to make all-twine knotted Rosaries; download free mp3 files of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross and other topics. Hosted by a young family of seven.

10/10 Grace Before Meals
Join Father Leo as he presents recipes for delicious food and ideas on strengthening family life. Sign up for his free weekly newsletter or watch online videos of his program.

10/17 QuoteCatholic
"A collection of the best, coolest, inspiring, most thought-provoking and wise Catholic quotes on the world wide web," according to founder Matt Warner. Organized by topic. Sign up for a daily quote via email or Twitter.

10/24
Catholic Tech Tips
Catholic Tech Tips was created to help teens use new media technologies to share their faith and love of Christ with others — and to maybe learn some life skills at the same time. It's not just for kids; parents can learn too!

10/31 Saint of the Day
This site, hosted by the Franciscans and St. Anthony Messenger Press, features a daily mini-biography of the saint whose feast we celebrate on that date. There's also an iPhone app, including audio and a searchable calendar.

NOV. 7
iPadre

Podcast, a blog and more by a priest in the Diocese of Providence, RI.  This priest even has his own iPhone app!


NOV. 14
Summa This, Summa That

A group blog on Catholicism, culture, politics and more.  There's plenty to learn and plenty to consider.


NOV. 21
Catholic Foodie

“Where food meets faith”—this site includes recipes and highlights how good food can be a sign of God’s love for us and our families.  There’s a podcast you can download as well.


12/4
Father JC Maximilian

Father "JC Maximilian" is a priest of the Diocese of Trenton.  He posts his Sunday homilies on his blog as well as "Liturgical Footnotes" that cover different aspects of the Mass.  Updated about twice a week.

12/11
O Night Divine

Crafts, foods, and activities for parents and children to share during the season of Advent.

12/18
Advent and Christmas resources at Catholicmom.com

Prayers, projects, coloring pages, recipes, website links, and suggestions for books and music families can enjoy together during Advent and Christmas.


1/15
Catholic Culture

Gives faithful Catholics the information, encouragement, and perspective they need as they work to shape an authentically Christian culture in a secular world.


1/29
Catholic TV

This online TV site presents diocesan television programs from throughout the USA, including the Diocese of Trenton. Watch videos online or on your iPod--no cable TV required.

2/5
Pray as You Go

Daily downloadable prayer podcasts, with music, for your MP3 player. You can also listen from your computer. Lasting 10 to 13 minutes, each podcast contains music, questions for reflection and Scripture.

2/12
Exceptional Marriages

Features resources religiously-committed Catholics need to live more faithful and abundant marriage, family, and personal lives. Links to radio programs, blogs, book suggestions, quizzes and more.

2/19
Daily With DeSales

Visit this site at the beginning of each day! Consider how St. Francis de Sales can help you to pursue a practical path to holiness precisely in the state and stage of life in which you find yourself.

2/26
Catholic News Agency

On the web, facebook, and twitter, reporting news from the Vatican as well as news of interest to Catholics in the USA and abroad. Links to daily Mass readings, saint of the day, and more.

3/5
Digital Resources for Lent

Free printable Stations of the Cross, examination of conscience, guides to understanding the Mass readings, and devotional materials.



If you have ideas for others that I can recommend to my parish, I'd appreciate your input.

6 comments:

Sarah Reinhard said...

Barb, what a great service you're providing your parish!

And you know, I have a SPREADSHEET of links I've used in past bulletins...I'm our bulletin editor and have long been including two links per week (I don't know if anyone else uses them or not...). If you ever need any, let me know... :)

Michelle said...

Barb,

Our Sunday Visitor just posted a list of good Catholic sites on the net...recommended by their readers.
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/6762/OSVs-Catholic-Guide-to-the-Internet--Readers-ch.aspx

I like Pray As You Go - meditations on one of the daily readings (5 days a week). http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/
This one is directed at college age and young adults, but even at a half century and a bit, there's much to be had here.

It's a great idea, my parish should give it a try, too!

Pat Gohn said...

Hi Barb!

Thanks for the link about Among Women! Don't forget about all the good shows over at SQPN.com, and then there are great sites like Catholic Exchange, Inside Catholic, First Things, and Catholic Answers, etc.

Jeanne said...

Thanks for the link to the Divine Office. And what a great service you are doing!

Aimee said...

Love this, Barb, thanks! Rob just got an iPod touch, so apps here we come! :)

Unknown said...

Awesome, thanks for sharing this with us.=) Catholic Art