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On Human Dignity

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical is titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). It was signed on May 15, 2026, on the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's landmark labor encyclical, Rerum Novarum, and published on May 25, 2026. The document provides the Catholic Church's guidance on artificial intelligence and digital technology.

Archbishop Coakley made the following statement:

“The Church in the United States welcomes the publication of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, with gratitude and praise. It is a powerful reminder that no technology can replace a child of God, and all technology should be placed at the service of helping humanity thrive.

As his predecessor Pope Leo XIII addressed the challenges of the Industrial Revolution in Rerum Novarum one hundred thirty-five years ago, our Holy Father shines the light of the Gospel and the tradition of the Church on the new opportunities and challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. The Pope calls us to never lose sight of the inherent dignity of all human life and the moral imperative for technology to support peace and the common good rather than the limited interest of a few.

Recognizing the importance of this issue to the Holy Father and to us all, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tasked the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to lead and coordinate our work regarding Artificial Intelligence. It reflects the Catholic belief that the dignity of the human person is inviolable.

We encourage all people of good will to reflect on this rich papal teaching and to seek ways in which to apply it in their lives.”

Key themes of Magnifica Humanitas include:

Human Dignity and Limits: The Pope emphasizes that artificial intelligence must serve humanity and never be allowed to dominate or replace human relationships, judgment, and wisdom.
Curbing Monopolies: He warns against the concentration of immense technological and economic power in the hands of a few monopolists, calling for strict transparency and accountability.
Protecting Vulnerable Workers: The encyclical draws parallels to the Industrial Revolution, advocating for the rights of those exploited by digital systems, such as workers in data-extraction industries and victims of new forms of digital colonialism and slavery.

Our Second Collection This Weekend is for the Holy Father (Peter’s Pence).

The Peter's Pence Collection (you may donate here) is an annual worldwide papal appeal. It gives Catholics a tangible way to stand in solidarity with the Pope and supports the Holy See's apostolic missions, while providing emergency disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and support to victims of war and oppression.

We invite those who have not joined the Eucharistic Adoration Devotion to participate, as it is not too late. There are still four more days left to take part in this wonderful devotion.

-- Fr. Augustine

Friday, June 26:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion: Special Invitation for CLW and Anchor & Vine 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Saturday, June 27:
Second Collection: Holy Father (Peter's Pence)
- Wedding 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Church)
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, June 28:
Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Second Collection: Holy Father (Peter's Pence)
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with Altar Server Recognition 9:30 a.m.(Church/Livestream)
- Altar Server Ice Cream Social 10:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Baptism 1:00 p.m. (Church)
Monday, June 29:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Offsite)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion:Special Invitation for Lectors 7:00 p.m. (Church)
- Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Tuesday, June 30:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- SET Team Meeting 9:30 a.m. (Oscar)
- Eucharistic Adoration Devotion: Special Invitation for Grief Support Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday, July 01:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Safety Team Meeting 6:00 p.m. (Pope)
- New Testament Bible Study 6:30 p.m. (Church)
Thursday, July 02:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Family Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Hall/Pope)
Friday, July 03:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)