Surprisingly, you’ll find plenty of smartphone apps to help you become a better Catholic. Simply type “Catholic” in your phone’s app store search index, and you’ll find a long list of apps including prayers, Catholic radio stations, Confession guides, Bibles, etc. Instead of texting or checking email during idle time, make use of those apps to learn more about your faith.

Peggy Bowes is a former Air Force pilot and the author of

and Tending the Temple. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.