Magnifica Humanitas Resources

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Did you hear that Pope Leo XIV recently released his first Papal letter about the protection of human dignity in the age of Artificial Intelligence?

Links to the Encyclical and other Resources:

Magnifica Humanitas: On the Protection of Human Dignity

in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. encyclical:

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html?shem=rimspwouoe

Hear about this letter from Pope Leo XIV himself:

In this presentation, Pope Leo XIV delivers his full address at the Vatican launch of his first encyclical. Speaking from the Synod Hall, the pope personally presents this social encyclical highlighting how AI and the digital revolution carry “even greater consequences” than past technological shifts. He situates Magnifica Humanitas in continuity with Catholic social teaching, responding to a growing “culture of power” fueled by emerging technologies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_mUHi2mpIQ

From the Word on Fire Website:

Magnifica Humanitas is Pope Leo XIV’s bold and timely first encyclical, a sweeping meditation on artificial intelligence, human dignity, technology, war, labor, truth, and the future of civilization itself. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching, Magnifica Humanitas offers a compelling Christian vision of the human person in an age increasingly shaped by machines.

Chris Stefanic

(Real Life Catholic and EWTN)

For the first time in history, a pope has quoted Gandalf in an official Church document—and warned the world about the possibility of AI-driven autonomous weapons. This encyclical isn't just about technology. It's about how to see yourself, your world, and your calling through the lens of the Jesus message—in an AI-saturated age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPlrXbWuyVI

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Arthur Brooks

(Ascension Press and Dr. Arthur Brooks)

For a little over an hour, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Arthur Brooks discuss Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, the direction of our culture, and how Christians can prepare for the age of AI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFFZM6kL3bY

Congratulations Mimi McGlauchlin!

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She Finished her Masters in Pastoral Studies this Spring!

“Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of participating in the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization while earning a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. This program provided me with

a strong foundation in Catholic theology, evangelization, and pastoral ministry. Through academic study, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience, I have deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith and developed the skills needed to lead, teach, and accompany others in their relationship with Christ.

This experience has strengthened my commitment to parish leadership, discipleship, and building vibrant faith communities within the Church. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our parish and look forward to applying what I have learned to support our Religious Education Ministry and the broader mission of our parish community. Through this ministry, I hope to help others encounter Christ, grow in faith, and become active disciples in the life of the Church.” -Mimi McGlauchlin

Mimi, we are so proud of all your hard work to help this ministry grow in relationship with Christ. Our community is so blessed to have your heart leading our children and Communicants in their discipleship. May His blessings continue to guide and enrich these programs!

Pray for the Newly Ordained 2026

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Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, ordained candidates from Mundelein Seminary to the Priesthood at Holy Name Cathedral on June 20th, 2026.

“The new priests join a brotherhood which enhances their ability to bring renewal, joy and comfort to those in need of guidance, healing and mercy.” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

Men become priests through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a celebration rich in symbolism and tradition. At the center of ordination is the moment when Cardinal Cupich imposes his hands on the candidates’ heads and prays over them, asking that God grant them an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the ministry that they will undertake as priests. After the new priests are clothed in their vestments, Cardinal Cupich anoints their hands with oil, hand them the chalice and paten for the celebration of the Eucharist, and gives to each one the sign of peace.

By ordination, priests receive a wide variety of responsibilities, particularly celebrating the Mass and granting forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests also preach the Gospel, and celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. Diocesan priests make promises of life-long celibacy, prayer for the People of God, and obedience to their bishop at their ordination.

May the Lord guide them in their faithful service to our local Church.

Consecration of our Country to the Sacred Heart

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Our U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The consecration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 11, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday, June 12).

Watch the Livestream of the Consecration, which will take place in the context of a Votive Mass on June 11, in Orlando, with all the bishops gathered in Plenary Assembly. https://www.youtube.com/@UsccbOrg/streams

  • Read the reflection on why: https://www.usccb.org/reflection-consecration-sacred-heart

  • Watch the video on why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIr884JEjx4

  • Read and reflect upon Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/20241024-enciclica-dilexit-nos.html, on the human and divine love in the Heart of Jesus Christ, and Delixi Te (I Have Loved You) https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20251004-dilexi-te.html, which follows and continues on love for the poor.

Welcome Father Gerald Walsh

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He will join us September 1st, 2026

Father Gerald G. Walsh, 56, was born in Chicago and attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and Quigley North Preparatory Seminary. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy at Niles College of Loyola University and a doctorate in ministry at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was associate pastor of St. James, Arlington Heights (1995-1996); St. George, Tinley Park (1996-2001); and St. Francis Borgia (2001-2005) before joining the faculty at Quigley Preparatory Seminary (2005-2007) and then serving as director of recruitment and formation at St. Joseph College Seminary (2007-2011). He was associate pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview (2011-2014) before being named pastor of Prince of Peace, Lake Villa (2014-2026). He will join us as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales, Lake Zurich in September 2026.

Bio shared from May 20, 2020 Chicago Catholic article “Chicagoland Archdiocesan priests celebrate ordination anniversaries”

Reflect Weekend 2026

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Mid-life Singles (mid-30s to 50s): Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose & belonging? Register today for a life-changing REFLECT weekend retreat at the Joseph and Mary Retreat House (formerly Cardinal Stritch Retreat House) in Mundelein, IL (in the northern suburbs), on March 3-5, 2023. Take a chance and get involved... you won't regret it! Cost is $285 for meals and a single room. Visit www.ReflectRetreat.com, e-mail reflect.chicagoland@gmail.com, or call (630) 222-8303 for details.

Adult Confirmation Program for Vicariate 1 Parishioners

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 Are you an adult who missed receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation? 

Preparation for Confirmation for Vicariate I parishioners will be offered weekly on Mondays beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, 7–9 p.m. 

St. Edna Parish, Door #22525 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights 

Confirmation Mass at St. Edna Parish on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. 

Registration closes on Monday, May 11, 2026. Cost: $70/person. 

Contact Lorie Crepeau for information and registration: lcrepeau@stedna.org 847.398.3362, ext. 325.

New Pastor Appointment

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We are filled with joy to share the wonderful news that Cardinal Blase J. Cupich has appointed Fr. Christian Shiu as the new Pastor of St. Francis de Sales, effective July 1, 2026.

Fr. Christian comes to us with a vibrant heart for ministry and a diverse background in both parish life and education. He is a Chicago native from the Chinatown neighborhood. He was ordained in 2018 and brings a rich background in parish ministry and youth leadership to our community.

Fr. Christian is known for his energy, his dedication to Catholic identity, and his ability to connect with people of all ages.

As the months go by, Fr. Steve Lanza (administrator) and the staff will be working to effect a smooth transition.

A Prayer for Our New Pastor

Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of Fr. Christian Shiu. As he prepares to lead our parish family, we ask that you fill him with the spirit of wisdom, patience, and love. Strengthen him in his ministry, protect him in his travels, and help us to welcome him with open hearts. May we grow together in faith and service under his leadership. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Parish Consultation at St Francis de Sales Parish

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We Need Your Wisdom!

Please take some time in the next week to respond to this Priest Placement Board survey. You may choose to answer online through the link below or use the paper surveys available in the Church and Ministry Center. Completed paper surveys can be dropped off at the Ministry Center where we will enter them for you.

All responses are due by March 10th, 2026

PARISH CONSULTATION AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Upon the retirement of Fr. David Ryan in February of 2026, Cardinal Cupich will be appointing a new pastor to St. Francis de Sales Parish. The process of selecting that priest involves a great deal of prayer, research, discernment and discussion. One of the important groups in this process is the Priest Placement Board (PPB). This group advises Cardinal Cupich on candidates for pastor based on the talents and skills of the priest-candidates in light of the strengths and challenges of the parishes in the pastor pool. The PPB is composed of nine priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago who serve full-time as pastors or associate pastors, one of the members is retired. The work of the PPB is directed by Fr. Michael Knotek, the Vicar for the Professional and Pastoral Development of Priests who does this work full-time along with the ongoing formation for priests.

In order to gain wisdom from parish staff and parish leaders about the skills and talents needed in your next pastor, the PPB will be conducting a Parish Consultation at St. Francis de Sales on February 26, 2026. Two members of the PPB will facilitate two meetings, one with the staff and the other with the Parish Council Members and Finance Committee. These discussions are very important to give the Priests Placement Board insight about St. Francis de Sales and the capabilities needed in your next pastor.

The wisdom from the parishioners is also extremely important in the pastor selection process. To gather that wisdom, a form will be made available to parishioners to answer the following questions which the staff and lay leadership will also address in their discussions:

  • What are the strengths of your parish? What is working very well presently?

  • What are the specific challenges your parish is currently facing?

  • What current ministries and programs in your parish are vitally important and must continue in order for the parish to remain vibrant and grow?

  • What programs for parish renewal and evangelization are currently in place at your parish?

  • What are the specific and unique skills, talents and capabilities needed in your next pastor?

These parishioner input forms will continue to be gathered until March 10, 2026. The discernment process leads up to a two day meeting in March of 2026 whereby Cardinal Cupich gathers all of the input from the Parish Consultations and meets with the Vicar General, all the Auxiliary Bishops, the Priests Placement Board members, and other key personnel at the Archdiocese to make his decision about who he will appoint to be the next pastor of St. Francis de Sales as well as pastors for the other parishes in the pastor pool this year. Please pray for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to help identify the next pastoral leader of St. Francis de Sales.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Paper forms available at the Ministry Center & Church

Fr Ryan Announcement

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To our fellow St. Francis de Sales community,

Today has been difficult for all of us. We ask for your prayers for Fr. Ryan and everyone at our parish.  

We would like to assure our community that the parish staff is united and working together to continue the important ministries of the parish that serve your needs. As disciples of Christ, we will strive to place our trust in God and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

As we move forward, please know that:

  • Fr. Steven Lanza has been assigned as administrator of the parish until we have a final outcome. He will work with the parish staff and Deacons to ensure Masses and other sacraments continue without interruption.

  • During this time, there will likely be different priests who make themselves available to serve our parish. Please welcome them and show your appreciation for their service. 

  • As stated in the letter from Cardinal Cupich, “...the Archdiocese has begun its investigation, with the presumption that one is innocent until proven otherwise." 

  • We know that prayer is extremely important, and in the near future, we hope to make plans to gather and pray for Fr. Ryan, our parish, and for every person affected by this situation.

  • If you would like to reach out to Father Ryan, cards and letters can be dropped at the Ministry Center or at church during the collection at Sunday Masses.

Please know that we will share additional details as they become available. During this time, the parish staff and Deacons remain available to help. Please call the Parish Office (847) 438-6622, and we will do our best to help you. 

The St Francis de Sales Parish Staff