Artificial Intelligence has rapidly become a defining force across nearly every sector—education, medicine, hospitality, and beyond. Recognizing the importance of faith-informed dialogue in this fast-evolving field, the Diocese of Calgary hosted the Artificial Intelligence Symposium: Are Catholics Ready?—a sold-out, two-day event held here at St. Mary’s University and supported by God Squad Canada.
The first of its kind in the Diocese, the symposium brought together faith, technology, and ethics in a rich exchange of ideas. Experts and attendees from across the country explored what it means to be Catholic in an age increasingly shaped by AI.
Speakers included Steven Umbrello, Matthew Harvey Sanders, Louisa Lodevole, and Dr. Ed Tse, each offering unique insights into AI’s promises and limitations. Topics ranged from “What is AI – and What It Will Never Be” to the role of artificial intelligence in education, parenting, family ministry, and religious freedom. Each session concluded with synodal listening circles, where participants shared reflections and wrestled with key ethical and theological questions raised throughout the day. The event culminated in a panel discussion with Bishop William McGrattan and the guest speakers. (Read more about Bishop McGrattan’s reflections in Faithfully.)
Attendees represented diverse professions—from educators to clergy to tech professionals—and some even traveled from as far as Ottawa to participate. Lindsay Charland, Director of Philanthropy at the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, shared what drew her to the event:
“The line-up of top-notch speakers and the conversations went far beyond how AI functions as a tool—it delved into the ethics behind it.”
She reflected on one of her key takeaways:
“A foundational point was the ontological difference between human consciousness and artificial intelligence. Grounded in Catholic teaching, Steven Umbrello clarified that no matter how ‘intelligent’ AI becomes, it is not made in the Imago Dei—it does not possess a soul.”
Charland added that she looks forward to exploring both the ministerial and administrative implications of AI in diocesan work:
“One perspective I appreciated from the Symposium is viewing AI tools as a kind of ‘front porch.’ With the lens of the New Evangelization, we must adapt our mediums and methods—but not the Gospel message—to reach emerging generations where they are. Cyberspace is where many young people now gather, so it’s vital for the Church to have a strong presence there. Still, those digital connections must ultimately lead people toward the communal and liturgical life of the Church—one can never replace the other.”
The AI Symposium reflects St. Mary’s University’s commitment to being a gathering place for dialogue, discovery and a shared appreciation for the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in alignment with the Celebrating Our Identity pillar of the Strategic Plan. The conversation continues on Thursday, November 20 in McGivney Hall with Dr. Nathan Murray’s presentation, “The Last Word: The ‘Death’ of the Essay in the Age of A.I.”—an evening exploring how AI is reshaping the very act of writing and reflection. Save your seat and register on our Eventbrite.
