Discipleship in the Digital Age

Pope Leo XIV’s Address to the Representatives
of the Media, 12 May, 2025

“Today, one of the most important challenges is to promote communication that can bring us out of the “Tower of Babel” in which we sometimes find ourselves, out of the confusion of loveless languages that are often ideological or partisan. Therefore, your service, with the words you use and the style you adopt, is crucial. As you know, communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion. In looking at how technology is developing, this mission becomes ever more necessary. I am thinking in particular of artificial intelligence, with its immense potential, which nevertheless requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity. This responsibility concerns everyone in proportion to his or her age and role in society.”

Pope Francis’ Message for the 59th World Day of Communications, 24 January 2025

“Dear brothers and sisters, in the face of the astonishing achievements of technology, I encourage you to care for your heart, your interior life. What does that mean? Let me offer you a few thoughts: Be meek and never forget the faces of other people; speak to the hearts of the women and men whom you serve in carrying out your work. Do not allow instinctive reactions to guide your communication. Always spread hope, even when it is difficult, even when it costs, even when it seems not to bear fruit. Try to promote a communication that can heal the wounds of our humanity..”

The digital age has yielded many tools that help us connect and communicate like never before. But without proper training and self-mastery, these same tools can wreak havoc on the human experience in a number of ways: In our interior lives, professional lives, romantic relationships, mental health, and family dynamics, to name a few. Technology is a powerful means of connection and productivity when used properly, but can become an equally powerful agent of temptation, distraction, and isolation. Consider the following implications for the “interior life,” and what they mean for us as disciples and disciple-makers:

If there’s no time for silence or stillness in our day, there’s no time for prayer.
Advertising and short-form videos are wrecking our attention span, making it harder to be fully present to the Lord and to those people closest to us.
Pornography has become more affordable, more accessible, and more anonymous than any other time in human history, destroying our understanding of the beauty and purpose of human sexuality.
We are living in a time of unprecedented mental health crises, especially in children and teens.
People are looking for the answers to life’s questions in books, podcasts, and influencers, instead of maintaining the primacy of prayer and drawing close to the Lord through his Word.

The goal of our Tech Safety Series and related gatherings at OLPH is to help attendees develop a healthy relationship with technology, and ensure that it remains a positive and edifying force in their lives. Keeping tech in check allows us to strengthen family life, prioritize in-person connection, maintain a proper work-life balance, and exercise self-awareness and self-mastery with the devices we bring into our lives. All of these are essential practices for Christian discipleship in the digital age.

“We’re training and conditioning a whole new generation of people that when we are uncomfortable or lonely or uncertain or afraid, we have a digital pacifier for ourselves that is atrophying our own ability to deal with that.”

Tristan Harris, Former design ethicist at Google and co-founder of Centre for Humane Technologies

OLPH Tech Safety Seminars: Summer 2025

The Anxious Generation Summer Study

Thursdays, 7:00–8:00 pm | Beginning June 11, 2026

Parish Office Living Room

The internet, smartphones, and social media have reshaped how we live, connect, and raise our children. The benefits are real — but so are the costs. Anxiety is rising. Relationships are strained. Something important has shifted.

This summer, join us Thursday evenings for a guided discussion of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — one of the most consequential books of our time. We’ll explore what the sweeping technological changes of the past two decades mean for childhood, personal relationships, and the life of faith.

Purchase The Anxious Generation at Amazon.com or follow our audiobook listening schedule.

All are welcome.

The Anxious Generation Summer Study at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, featuring book covers by Jonathan Haidt, beginning June 11, 2026, Thursdays 7:00–8:30 pm in the Parish Office Living Room.

Scam-Proof Your Loved Ones

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 PM

Scam calls, phishing emails, fraudulent text messages, and online impersonation schemes are becoming increasingly common. Criminals are targeting people of all ages, often using sophisticated tactics designed to steal personal information, money, and peace of mind.

Join us for an informative evening with OLPH parishioner and cybersecurity specialist Nick Lowe as we explore practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones in today’s digital world.

Topics will include digital hygiene, phishing scams, online safety, password security, and common warning signs that can help you recognize and avoid fraud before it happens.

Learn how to stay safe online and help protect those you love. at Amazon.com or follow our audiobook listening schedule.

All are welcome.

Treading Boldly Through a Pornographic World

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Parish Center

Moms and dads today are the first generation to raise kids in a digitally connected, pornography-saturated world — one producing unprecedented challenges and uncharted difficulties for families everywhere.
Join us Saturday, August 8, as we welcome Josh Glaser, founder of Regeneration Ministries and co-author of Treading Boldly Through a Pornographic World: A Field Guide for Parents. Drawing on solid research, biblical truth, and Christlike compassion, Josh will offer practical and spiritual guidance to help your kids navigate today’s digital landscape — and your family to truly thrive.

Register for the Conference