FAQ

It is hoped that this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page will answer most of your questions.  (Click on the heading above which your question is asked)

The origins of Mobile Gabriel

  1. When did Mobile Gabriel come into existence, and why?
  2. Why is it called Mobile Gabriel?

Updating of Mobile Gabriel

  1. How do you determine what saints to include in the monthly calendar?
  2. How often is Mobile Gabriel updated?
  3. Who is responsible for Mobile Gabriel?

Technical questions concerning Mobile Gabriel

  1. How do I add Mobile Gabriel to my PDA?

    If you're perusing this site on a desktop computer and would like to have it available to you on your PDA, click here.  You'll be brought to the AvantGo website and, once you've entered your password (or become a member of AvantGo and installed the AvantGo software on your PDA), you'll be able to take Mobile Gabriel with you wherever you go!
    IN CASE you're wondering, AvantGo is a FREE service!

  1. How much space will I need for Mobile Gabriel on my PDA?

    This varies from month to month, depending on the amount of text and pictures included.  While the site is often under 200kb, it has been known to grow as large as 300kb  There should never be an occasion when Mobile Gabriel exceeds the 300kb size..

  1. Is a Spanish version of Mobile Gabriel available?

    If you visit www.evangelizacion.org.mx, this sites sends daily e-mails with Daily Readings, and a daily meditation in Spanish. You can also check out http://www.misas.org which provides the ability to download Mass Readings in Spanish to your PDA.

  1. Is there a website dedicated to Mobile Gabriel?

    All Mobile Gabriel files are available at http://www.mobilegabriel.com.  

  1. What liturgical calendar is used?

    The liturgical calendar is from the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church in the United States. However different countries use slightly different calendars. So feast days in a different country may be at odds with what is in Mobile Gabriel.

  1. What translation of the scriptures does Mobile Gabriel use?

    With the permission of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Mobile Gabriel uses the New American translation of the scriptures.  

  1. Syncing woes!  My PDA doesn't display the current readings and reflections.

A few Mobile Gabriel users have spoken of problems as they attempt to sync their PDA's with AvantGo.  Though the files are current on the website, the files on their PDA are out-of-date.

There are three different ways to get yourself back up and running.  Start with the first, and simplest, option; if that doesn't work, try option 2 ... and option 3 if nothing else works. 

OPTION 1

  1. Open AvantGo on your PDA and click along the top of the screen to bring up the various menus.  SELECT options.
  2. Under options select Server Preferences
  3. Under Server Preferences, click on Settings
  4. When you finally get to this settings screen, you'll see a box that says Refresh All Content.  Check this box, then click OK. 
  5. Close the various windows and sync your PDA.  The most current content should appear.  [It seems that AvantGo occasionally goes spastic and doesn't recall which pages need to be updated and which ones don't.  This is why old pages occasionally remain even after you've synced your PDA.  By refreshing all content, you reset AvantGo ... and all should be well.]

OPTION 2

  1. Log onto your AvantGo account

  2. DELETE the Mobile Gabriel channel from your AvantGo setup.

  3. Log out of AvantGo

  4. Sync your device (this should delete Mobile Gabriel from your device completely)

  5. Lag back into AvantGo

  6. Click on this link: http://my.avantgo.com/account/_add_sub.pl?cha_id=1661&type=import

  7. Sync your PDA ... and Mobile Gabriel will again be available to you on your PDA!

OPTION 3

If the above doesn't remedy the problem (it should, since it seems to have worked for those in similar situations), I recommend:

  1. Log onto your AvantGo account again

  2. Click the ACCOUNT heading

  3. When the next screen appears, look under the "software" heading for ADVANCED CONTROLS and click on Advanced Controls

  4. Clear each of the three items listed ... and then try syncing again. (For most, "clear channel cache" has been the problem ... for other's they've had to delete and recreate their MG account)

ADDITIONALLY, it's very helpful if (on your PDA) you tweak the AvantGo settings.  Under the options heading, select "server preferences."  When the next screen appears, select "settings" ... and make sure the "refresh all content" box is checked!

Support for Mobile Gabriel

  1. How can I support the efforts of Mobile Gabriel?

Other frequently asked questions:

  1. Can I download the Divine Office to my PDA?
  2. How large is the Mobile Gabriel community?
  3. Is there a Catholic version of the Bible for my PDA?
  4. May I use Mobile Gabriel on my PDA at Mass?
  5.  

I have a question, comment or suggestion not included in this FAQ. How can I get in touch with you?
    Please feel free to email me at frtrask (at) mobilegabriel.com. If your question is a common one, I will include it in this FAQ. I am always open to suggestions so please feel free to email. Thank you and know that all the users of Mobile Gabriel are in my prayers.

Fr. David Trask
Diocese of Cleveland
frtrask (at) mobilegabriel.com