Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We live in an age of remarkable technological progress. Smartphones connect us instantly, information is available at our fingertips, and social media allows us to communicate across the globe. The Catholic Church recognizes these tools as gifts of human creativity — but also warns that, like any powerful gift, they must be used wisely and responsibly.
The Church does not reject technology. On the contrary, she affirms that human intelligence, which makes technology possible, is itself a gift from God. Used well, modern tools can advance education, medicine, communication, and even evangelization. Technology can help families stay connected, allow the homebound to participate in the life of the Church, and spread the Gospel to places missionaries cannot physically reach.
However, the Church insists that technology must always serve the human person — never the other way around. Catholic social teaching places human dignity at the center of all ethical questions, including digital ones. When technology begins to isolate people, foster addiction, spread hatred, or replace authentic relationships, it ceases to serve its proper purpose.
Recent popes have spoken forcefully about this balance. Pope Francis repeatedly emphasized that technology should build communion, not division. In one message, he warned that something is wrong “if we spend more time on our cell phones than with people.” He urged that new technologies should not replace human relationships but instead respect the dignity of each person and help address the world’s crises.
The Church also addresses emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Papal teaching stresses that machines can process data but cannot replace the wisdom of the human heart. Technology becomes dangerous when it distorts our relationship with reality or with one another.
Our current Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has continued this teaching with particular urgency. He has warned that overreliance on digital tools can weaken creativity, critical thinking, and authentic communication. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement can trap people in “bubbles” of anger or false consensus, increasing polarization and diminishing the ability to listen to others.
Most importantly, the Pope reminds us that communication must remain truly human. Technology should amplify our voices, not silence them; foster encounter, not replace it; and deepen our humanity, not diminish it.
What does responsible use look like in everyday life?
It means practicing moderation — setting limits on screen time so that technology does not crowd out prayer, family life, or real friendships. It means using social media to encourage rather than to criticize or shame. It means verifying information before sharing it and refusing to participate in gossip, outrage, or dehumanizing speech online. And it means remembering that every person we encounter digitally is a child of God.
Technology can also be a powerful instrument for evangelization. The Church has always used the tools of each age — from Roman roads to the printing press to radio and television — to proclaim the Gospel. Today, digital platforms provide new opportunities to share faith, hope, and love.
For that reason, we invite you to stay connected with our parish online in ways that build community rather than replace it. Please consider joining the St. Matthias Facebook page and subscribing to our YouTube channel. There you will find livestreamed Masses, parish news, spiritual reflections, and resources to support your faith throughout the week. These platforms are meant not to substitute for gathering in person, but to keep us united when we cannot be together physically and to reach those who may be searching for hope. .
God bless,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School