Pokémon Go takes players to churches? Plan your response.

We are hearing on social media that some players are entering churches to find virtual Pokémon at the prompting of their Pokémon Go smartphone game. What are you hearing? How shall we respond, church people? Game on.

Here’s an idea…Be welcoming. Encourage reverence by asking for MERCY for the object they seek to destroy. You have votive candles, right? Encourage them to light a candle, say a prayer and gain graces to enhance supernatural power in your REAL life to attack REAL villains and get to level 7–Heaven!


UPDATE A German cathedral is taking legal action to force the game manufacturer to exclude the ancient building. “The cathedral isn’t a playground.”


pokemon-realThis free smartphone game for iOS and Android [download instructions for iOS outside the U.S. here] which now simulates real Pokémon in our real world is hugely popular, in case  you haven’t heard.  Pokémon Go uses your phone’s ability to track the time and your location and creates around your body a world in which Pokémon are roaming around you at all times, ready to be caught and collected. It encourages users to get out in the world because that’s where it works. Bikes are the ideal transportation. You need internet connection, of course. Back in the 90s this game was popular, so given the nostalgia generated in its adult fans, this Pokémon version with enhanced technology results in mega popularity. Churches are not exempt from the game, so let’s start planning our response!

Categories: Blog for Catholic Apptitude

Author:Jennifer Kane

Content Evangelist, Jennifer Kane, is a secular Carmelite (OCDS), wife, mother, grandmother who worked for more than 30 years in marketing/communications which included 20 years in radio broadcasting including news director. She holds degrees in Journalism/Communication (BA) and English (MA) from St. Bonaventure University. In 2016 she authored the Vatican application for minor basilica status for The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, New York. Pope Francis granted that title in 2017. Research on the basilica formed the basis of her history book, A Place Set Apart. She previously authored the book, A Worthy and Capable Clergyman, the second part of the history book in a slightly different format. She is founder and editor of the website, CatholicAPPtitude.org, the #1 English language website cataloging/reviewing Catholic apps for mobile devices.

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