by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Can people deepen their relationship with God through an app?
“The answer’s absolutely, yes,” said Lee McMahon, consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization.
“People are starving for meaning,” he said. “They’re starving for purpose. They’re starving to find their way in the world.
“More and more, people are spending time on their phones.”
That combination is why many Catholic organizations are creating apps so people have access to faith-based content from their phones.
“There’s an app for every desire of the human heart,” said McMahon.
And the desire for a relationship with Jesus is no exception.
The office of evangelization is one of many Catholic organizations that’s bringing app users closer to Christ.
It created a Eucharistic Revival app this fall to provide resources surrounding the Eucharist to Catholics during the three-year National Eucharistic Revival.
“This is just another means for people to access the truth, goodness and beauty of our faith,” said McMahon.
The idea came from Catholic Faith Technologies, a national company based in Overland Park, which worked with McMahon to design the app.
“The app is full of support and ideas for individuals and families to stay close to Jesus,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, “or maybe get close to Jesus again or for the first time.”
Deacon Nearmyer, director of evangelization for the archdiocese, said the office was eager to launch the app.
“Our phones are super powerful,” he said. “We want our phones to be powerful for good spiritual growth.”
The app is an extension of the Eucharistic Revival website, which can be found online at: archkck.org/eucharistic-revival.
“It makes a lot of the resources that are available already for free on our website available to the public at large in a different format,” said McMahon.
The app offers information about the Eucharistic Revival; a eucharistic adoration directory for churches across northeast Kansas; preaching resources for priests and deacons; a plethora of prayer and formation resources for all Catholics; and details about Eucharistic Revival events.
McMahon, who hosts the “New Manna” podcast, said it’s critical for the Catholic Church to reach people through the modes of communication they frequently use, like apps and podcasts.
“It’s no surprise that people are spending an insane amount of time on their phones for pleasure and for business and for keeping in touch with family,” he said.
“I really want them to be surrounded by [faith-based] resources so they have everything they need to do the Lord’s work and to continue to deepen their own faith,” he added.
And when it comes to those resources, he said, the church isn’t lacking.
“The treasure trove of our faith’s knowledge and understanding and spirituality is just a couple clicks away,” said McMahon, “not just on your computer but in your pocket.”
Watch future issues of The Leaven for a Catholic app series, offering information about a different app each week.
“Can an app change someone’s life?” asked McMahon. “Can an app bring about conversion in the heart of somebody who might be on the fence with respect to the Eucharist?
“I would say absolutely.”
