Parish Administrator’s Notes

Phil Grant, Pastoral Administrator and Safe Environment Coordinator

August 16, 2026‍ ‍

Watch This Guy‍ ‍

Pope Leo has written his first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"): On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. According to the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, the encyclical addresses “human dignity and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This encyclical invites us to consider the profound impacts that rapid technological advancement has on human work, social relations, and the common good of all people.”‍‍ ‍

Commonweal magazine recently published six Catholic responses to Magnifica Humanitas. Five of the responses discussed artificial intelligence (AI), which is what most of the general public is discussing. The response our monthly Commonweal group studied, “Mild and Bold”, took a different approach. In it, writer Kevin Gallagher discerned three themes in Magnifica Humanitas: (1) the relationship between church social teaching and history; (2) the omission of anything related to sexuality or gender identity; and (3) synodality, the idea that all baptized persons should have a genuine say in our church’s decision-making bodies.‍ ‍

That last point—synodality—has particular relevance in our parish and Archdiocese. While Pope Leo didn’t outline specific changes to church governance, he nonetheless signaled how he’s thinking about it. I look forward to watching his next steps.‍ ‍

Here at St. Matt’s Catholic Community’s, our decision making (governance) is largely a volunteer function. That’s our culture, combined with the fact that we do not have a resident pastor. We are not an ordinary parish.‍ ‍

We are, however, part of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. As part of the Arch, we are participating in a capital campaign called Lord, Renew Your Church (LRYC). Over the next few months, many of you will be asked to contribute to the campaign. If you can, all well and good. Thank you for your support!‍ ‍

If you cannot contribute financially, please consider volunteering your time and talent. Our ministries depend on you. Thank you for your support!‍ ‍

Have a great week!

Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
pgrant@st-matts.org
651-224-9793