AI, the Church, and the Human Person: A Catholic Reflection on Artificial Intelligence

How should Catholics respond to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence? What ethical, spiritual, and human questions does AI pose for the Church, for society, and for each of us?

Join the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary and St. Mary’s University for a thought-provoking, two-day conference exploring the intersection of faith, technology, and humanity. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, this event brings together theologians, ethicists, tech experts, and Church leaders to reflect on the promises and perils of AI.

With keynote addresses, panel discussions, and practical workshops, the conference will examine:

• The ethical use of AI in light of human dignity
• The impact of AI on education, work, and community
• AI’s implications for pastoral care, evangelization, and Catholic ministry
• How the Church can guide and lead in the age of artificial intelligence

Who should attend?
Clergy, religious, educators, students, tech professionals, and anyone interested in the future of faith in an AI-driven world.

Let’s discern together how we can responsibly shape — and be shaped by — the digital age.

Friday

7:30 a.m. Mass - His Excellency, Bishop William McGrattan

 

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

 

8:30 a.m. Welcome to Campus - Lisa Laskowski and John Deausy -VP’s,

                 St. Mary’s Opening Prayer – His Excellency, Bishop William McGrattan

                 Greetings from Bishop of Calgary  - Bishop McGrattan

 

8:45 a.m. Session One: The Essence of AI

                  Part 1: What AI Is—and What It Will Never Be (40 min)-Steven Umbrello

                  Part 2: What is Catholic AI - and What it Will Never Be (40 min) - Matthew Harvey Sanders

 

10:05 a.m. Dyad Discussions on Session One: Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

10:40 a.m. Break and Refreshments

 

11:00 a.m. Session Two: AI from the Perspective of Catholic Doctrine, Natural Law, and Human Rights (45 min) -                                                  Louisa Lodevole

 

11:45 a.m. Synodal Listening on Session Two: Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

12:30 p.m. Lunch

 

1:15 p.m. Session Three: AI Complexities Related to Education, Parenting, Family Ministry, and Religious Freedom (45mins) -                          Dr. Ed Tse

 

2:00 p.m. Synodal listening on Session Three: Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

2:35 p.m. Break

 

2:50 p.m. Session Four: There are Two Divergent Roads — The Golden Path or the Dark Path (45 min) - Matthew Harvey Sanders

 

3:35 p.m. Synodal Listening on Session Four: Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

4:15 p.m. Closing Prayer - His Excellency, Bishop William McGrattan

 

Saturday

8:00 a.m. Mass - His Excellency, Bishop William McGrattan

 

8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

 

9:00 a.m. Session Five: Can AI Ever Be Human? Consciousness, Personhood, and the Limits of Machine Intelligence (45 min) -                        Steven Umbrello

 

9:45 a.m. Synodal Listening on Session Five: Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

10:15 a.m. Break

 

10:30 a.m. Session Six: Call to Action for AI and Catholic Works: Key Considerations (45 min) - His Excellency,

                    Bishop William McGrattan

 

11:15 a.m. Synodal Listening on Session Six- Facilitated by VP’s Laskowski and Deausy

 

11:45 a.m. Session Eight: Panel Discussion – Facilitated by Bishop McGrattan Tables Generate One Question Each (5min)                                  Panel – (25 min) Steven Umbrello, Matthew Harvey Sanders, Louise Lodevole, Dr. Edward Tse

 

12:15 p.m. Closing Prayer - His Excellency, Bishop William McGrattan

 

Sunday: Optional trip to Banf and Lake Louise. Own transportation will be needed, but recommend carpools.