Speaker on the Dangers of AI Use by Children

September 1, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

While the summer months have passed all-too-quickly, we have been busy with many things at our parish and school. Today, I wish to draw your attention to an important presentation on the dangers of artificial intelligence with respect to companionship and our children.

Last May, at our annual priest convocation, a priest of the Legionaries of Christ presented on this topic. His information touched me deeply. He described a middle school boy’s emotional attachment to an AI-generated character with which he would discuss various things as if to a real person. This “relationship” ended in great tragedy as the boy eventually committed suicide at the prompting of the AI-generated character. The boy’s parents were devastated.

I came away from the convocation with two important goals. First, our parish needed a middle school youth group. Happily, our director of youth ministry, Mr. Edwin Ramirez, with the assistance of volunteers, launched our middle school youth group this past month.

Secondly, our parents, guardians, and all concerned with caring for children need to be informed regarding the dangers of artificial intelligence. Consequently, Dr. Joshua Hochschild, philosophy professor at Mount St. Mary’s University, will be here on Friday, September 11 th , at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall to speak about “Computer Companionship? AI, its Dangers, and the Future of Personal Relationships.” I strongly urge parents of young children to attend.

I respectfully ask that you join with me in praying both for the success of our parish youth ministry programs and that many Catholic adults may take an interest in knowing the dangers threatening our children on-line.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Killian