This list of Catholic rules to maintain proper usage of computer technology was published by Pascua Florida Publications. Credit goes to the St. Thomas More Church and Priory.
Almighty and eternal God, Who created us in Thy image and bade to seek after all that is good, true and beautiful, especially in the divine person of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of Saint Isidore, bishop and doctor, while using technology we will direct our hands and eyes only to that which is pleasing to Thee and treat with charity and patience all those souls whom we encounter. Through Christ our Lord.
The 18 Rules:
- On sacred grounds and during sacred events, turn off your device.
- Half an hour after morning prayers and before night prayers, no technology.
- The neighbor you are with is always more important than the one on the device.
- No device at the dinner table.
Rules Over Children
- Do not give children any smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Without your presence and supervision, no technology for children.
- Always assume that children know more than you about technology.
- No internet connection without its report, and no device without its filter.
Our Relationship with Technology
- Except for business reasons, stay away from social media, video games and virtual reality.
- Do not take pictures of people without their consent.
- Never take selfies.
- Do not blame people for not responding, respect them and never harass them.
- Do not be a contact detail passer.
- While in public, avoid calling, surfing, and texting without necessity.
- Do not shout when talking on the phone.
- Do not multitask.
- Do not forward without necessity.
- Disconnect as much as you can, and contemplate this reality and its Creator.