St. Thomas More University Parish & Newman Center

05/27/2026

The release of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: on Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence”, offers the Church and the world an important moment of reflection during a time of rapid technological change. While the Holy Father addresses the growing influence of artificial intelligence, this encyclical is, above all, a profound affirmation of the dignity of the human person. Pope Leo reminds us that every person possesses an intrinsic dignity that can never be replaced, measured, or diminished by technological advancement. In a culture increasingly shaped by efficiency, algorithms, and digital interaction, the Holy Father calls us to ensure that technology always remains at the service of the human person, never the other way around.

Standing firmly within the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, Magnifica Humanitas echoes the Church’s long-standing mission to accompany humanity through periods of great social transformation with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Pope Leo writes that his desire is to help people “rediscover their duty” to live these principles within family life, work, and society. As shared in my March 2025 Leading the Flock column, these technologies should be approached as tools that can support authentic human flourishing, while never replacing those capacities and relationships that are distinctly human in nature.

The Holy Father encourages the Church not to withdraw from conversations regarding technological advances, but instead to engage the modern world through the eyes of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, with attentive listening, respectful dialogue, and faithful witness to the truth of the Gospel. Pope Leo invites us all to discernment during this “change of era” where crucial questions impose themselves on our conscience: “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?”

As we continue navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, we remain committed to safeguarding the God-given dignity of every human person and ensuring that our use of technology always reflects the truth that each person is created in the image and likeness of God. The dignity of the person must be the criterion of all progress.

The text of Pope Leo’s Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas; Magnificent Humanity, may be found here: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas’ Leading the Flock Column (March, 2025), AI: A Catholic Perspective, may be found here: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/ai-a-catholic-perspective

05/18/2026

The Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council #6373 are teaming up to give the Romero Room at St. Thomas More University Parish a much-needed upgrade—and we need your help to make it happen!

The Romero Room is a vital hub for community, student ministry, and parish events. To better serve everyone, our goal is to completely refresh and modernize the space.

🛠️ Planned Improvements Include:

Fresh Aesthetics: Beautiful new wallcoverings and updated flooring.

Modern Technology: Fully upgraded lighting and state-of-the-art A/V capabilities for meetings, presentations, and events.

We are running this fundraiser from now until July 13th. Every dollar brings us closer to creating a modern, welcoming environment for our parish family and campus ministry.

👉 Click the link to donate today and share this post to help spread the word! https://www.letsfundraisetogether.com/fundraisers-details/235162337566

05/01/2026

04/24/2026

Last day of school picnic!!

03/16/2026

On behalf of our parishioners and staff, St. Thomas More University Parish offers our deepest prayers and condolences to the loved ones of Francis Joseph Brahier.

Francis "Frank" Joseph Brahier, age 91, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2026. Frank's life was marked by a commitment to God, family, country, and community.

Born on April 13, 1934 to Joseph and Helen (Eckel) Brahier, Frank lived with his four siblings on a humble farm where he learned the values of faith, hard work, and perseverance that would guide the rest of his life. He graduated from Saint Rose School and Perrysburg High School.

Shortly after high school, Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While training at Fort Knox, he fell in love with Joyce Metzger, whom he married in 1957 after his honorable discharge from the Army. They built many memories together in Perrysburg while raising two sons, Stephen and Daniel. After the passing of Stephen in 1981 and Joyce in 1997, he was blessed again in marriage to Linda Ruetz in 2002.

During a distinguished career with the Perrysburg Police Department, Frank earned the respect and gratitude of countless residents through his steady presence, fairness, and commitment to public service. He served on the Kip Boulis Foundation Board and coordinated the annual 5K run. In addition, he was a devoted member of the American Legion.

Frank's Catholic faith was the guiding force throughout his life. He was an active member of Saint Rose Parish, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society, and served as a funeral acolyte. He also volunteered on numerous committees and boards, including Pastoral Council, parish credit union, and Perrysburg Christians United.

Frank enjoyed working outdoors in the yard and vegetable garden, spending time in the workshop on carpentry projects ranging from Pinewood Derby cars to grandfather clocks, telling stories and jokes, and closely following the Detroit Tigers and all of his grandsons' teams.

In addition to Joyce and Stephen, Frank was preceded in death by siblings Angela, Marvin, and Norman. He is survived by Linda; sister Shirley; Daniel (Anne); grandsons John (Annie), Mark (Elizabeth), and Luke (Hannah); and great-grandchildren Stephen, Matthew, Mary, Peter, and Paul. He is also survived by Linda's children Matthew (Leslie) Ruetz, Emily (Randy) Routhe, Gretl (Scott) Wilson, and granddaughter Emma.

Visitation will be held at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home in Perrysburg on Thursday, March 19, from 3:00-7:00 PM, beginning with praying the rosary at 3:00 PM and concluding with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Rose Church in Perrysburg on Friday, March 20, at 10:30 AM. The Committal will follow immediately at Saint Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory either to Saint Rose Catholic School Endowment Fund or to the Stephen F. Brahier '76 Memorial Scholarship at Saint John's Jesuit High School. Condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

03/11/2026

If you feel like you’re not “doing Lent well” because your house isn’t peaceful and your prayer time is interrupted. Remember: your vocation is your path to holiness.

Packing lunches. Driving to practice. Saying bedtime prayers. Offered to God — that’s penance. That’s love.

02/19/2026

It was a beautiful Ash Wednesday for outdoor Bible studies