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?
2. How much space will I need for Mobile Gabriel on my PDA?
3. Is a Spanish version of Mobile Gabriel available?
4. Is there a website dedicated to Mobile Gabriel?
5. What liturgical calendar is used?
6. What translation of the scriptures does Mobile Gabriel use?
7. Syncing woes!  My PDA doesn't display the current readings & reflections.

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?

    Yes! For those of you who would like to have the Liturgy of the Hours on your Palm or Pocket PC,  Universalis.com is providing this service via Avantgo. Just go to their website & click on the link in the upper right corner that says "NEW: version for handheld computers." You can then adjust the settings for your local calendar & current time & date. You can download either a daily or weekly calendar
    Another option is to download the (free) Adobe Acrobat Reader software for your Palm OS© or Pocket PC device and then use the mobile device format .pdf files which includes a week's worth of Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer. These are according to the English version of the Breviary or Divine Office as used in English-speaking countries. Go to http://www.ebreviary.org/ for more information.

2. How large is the Mobile Gabriel community?

    Each month, the Mobile Gabriel website receives nearly 500,000 hits from users.

3. Is there a Catholic version of the Bible for my PDA?

    Laridian Electronic Publishing (www.laridian.com) has a bible program for each of these mobile platforms. For the Pocket PC, the program is called PocketBible®. For the Palm OS, it is called "My Bible." Please be aware of this important note from their website: "Note that the New American Standard Bible is not to be confused with the New American Bible used by Catholics. Users who prefer a Catholic Bible might be interested in our New Revised Standard Version, which includes those books commonly known as the Apocryphal or Deuterocanonical books." (Note that this New Revised Standard Version is available only for the Pocket PC).
    A Catholic Bible Program is also now available from Olive Tree (www.olivetree.com) for both the Palm OS and Pocket PC devices. From their website:  "

    We are pleased to be able to offer the New American Bible - Catholic (NAB). This version will be a welcome addition to those who have been looking for a Catholic Bible. The text includes all prefaces, introductions, and notes. Available for both Palm OS® and Pocket PC platforms."
    "The text of the books contained in The New American Bible is a completely new translation throughout. From the original and the oldest available texts of the sacred books, it aims to convey as directly as possible the thought and individual style of the inspired writers. The better understanding of Hebrew and Greek, and the steady development of the science of textual criticism, the fruit of patient study since the time of St. Jerome, have allowed the translators and editors in their use of all available materials to approach more closely than ever before the sense of what the sacred authors actually wrote."

4. May I use Mobile Gabriel on my PDA at Mass?

    Several users have written to say they do this, and I don't see a problem with it, especially if your parish does not provide missalettes. However, it may be better to read the Scriptures before Mass and to simply listen to them being proclaimed during the liturgy. And be warned that you will probably get some strange looks from people around you who think you are playing games when you should be praying!

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