Course Offerings

In a world saturated with information, what does it mean to truly communicate? This course moves beyond the mechanics of message delivery to explore the profound human act of connection. We will examine communication not as a mere transfer of data, but as an invitation to encounter, empathy, and shared understanding.

Drawing from philosophy and Catholic theology—from Aristotle to St. John Paul II—we will consider how every act of speech is an ethical event. Our central reflection will be on the ultimate model of communication: the *Logos*, the Word made flesh. We will explore how our human words can, and must, participate in this divine call to speak truth in love, fostering communion rather than division.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges for ministry. This course is a practical and theological guide for pastors seeking to navigate this new landscape with wisdom and discernment. We will explore how AI can serve as a tool for administration, research, and even outreach.

However, our primary focus will be on what AI *cannot* do. An algorithm cannot offer the sacrament of reconciliation, anoint the sick, or provide the genuine pastoral presence that flows from a human heart moved by grace. This course is designed to equip church leaders to use technology prudently, without ever losing sight of the irreplaceable, incarnational nature of pastoral care and the dignity of the human person, created *imago Dei*.

The digital world we inhabit is governed by invisible forces. Algorithms on social media, search engines, and news sites curate our reality, shaping what we see, what we believe, and how we interact. This course peels back the curtain on these complex systems, not just from a technical standpoint, but from a deeply human and theological one.

We will ask critical questions: When an algorithm is designed to maximize engagement, does it favor truth or outrage? How do we practice the virtue of discernment when our information diet is personalized to confirm our biases? This course is an exercise in developing a "digital wisdom," learning to navigate the online world with a critical mind and a compassionate heart, always seeking the person behind the profile and the truth beyond the trend.