From Tools to Transformation: using AI with purpose

Following the resounding success of the God @ Work Conference on June 28, The Catholic News hosted a follow-up workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on October 4, in the Atrium of the RC Belmont Pastoral Campus.

The session was facilitated by Simone Pasmore, CEO and Founder of Webstylze Ltd, a web, mobile development, and digital marketing company, and carried the theme From Tools to Transformation: Using AI with Purpose.

The workshop began with a presentation by Fr Robert Christo, Vicar of Communications, which introduced participants to the Theology of Work, in his inimitable style. He invited them to reflect on how all labour—whether teaching, fishing, or selling doubles—takes on meaning when understood as part of God’s greater plan.

From this foundation, he moved to consider how technology, particularly AI, can be integrated into our vision of work. The challenge, he noted, lies in ensuring that AI remains a tool guided by ethics and faith, rather than becoming a master that diminishes human dignity.

Drawing on Scripture and the encyclicals—Laborem Exercens (Pope John Paul II, 1981), on human work and the dignity of labour; Rerum Novarum (Pope Leo XIII, 1891), on capital and labour, including justice, fair wages, and workers’ rights; Lumen Gentium (Second Vatican Council, 1964) emphasising the sanctification of daily life and work; Gaudium et Spes (Second Vatican Council, 1965), on the role of the Church in the modern world, including Christian witness in daily life—Fr Christo reminded participants that work is not punishment but worship, expressed in the Hebrew word avodah which means both “work” and “worship.”

He described AI as being like a machete or a steelpan: powerful tools that can cut down or create beauty depending on how wisely they are used. The underlying call was to use AI with discernment, always keeping the person at the centre.

Following this, Pasmore introduced attendees to a variety of AI applications that could assist in their everyday tasks—ranging from writing and design tools to platforms that streamline research and workflow.

Her practical demonstrations highlighted how AI, when used responsibly, can support productivity and creativity without replacing the uniquely human elements of empathy, imagination, and critical judgement.

The discussion was lively, with questions raised on the authenticity of AI-generated information, the risk of machines replacing humans in the workforce, and the potential impact on critical thinking skills.

These concerns were met with thoughtful responses, reinforcing the workshop’s theme of using AI with purpose, rooted in ethical and spiritual awareness as well as truthful answers on limitations, and the need for constant human oversight in any work produced.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the session, noting its relevance to their own professional contexts. There was a strong sense of anticipation for future events in the God @ Work series, as the conversation on faith, and work continues to grow. More from this workshop can be seen on Altos which can be seen Fridays on Trinity TV at 8 p.m., and Sundays on TTT at noon. —SD