Jerome: Balancing Tech and Faith

Balancing Tech and Faith: A Conversation with Jerome Placido, Tabella's Head of Engineering

In our latest episode of Auxilium, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my colleague and friend, Jerome Placido, Tabella's Head of Engineering and Communities. Jerome’s expertise in technology and love for Holy Mother Church made for an insightful conversation on the role of tech in Catholic evangelization. Our chat touched on the challenges, blessings, and unique ways technology can help Catholics can navigate digital evangelization and technology according to a Catholic anthropology.

A Background in Both Tech and Ministry

Jerome has a unique perspective, having worked in youth ministry for over 20 years while dedicating his career to work in technology. His career spans both large corporations and startup environments, which gives him a sharp sense of all the innovations and movements of the tech world. His combined experience is invaluable for Tabella, where he has been a huge advocate and guide as we seek to use technology in accordance with the teachings and truths of the Church

The Church and Technology: Why Adoption Can Be Slow

We began our conversation discussing the unique pace at which the Church adopts new technologies. Coming into this interview, I held the mindset that Catholics at large tend to approach innovation with caution. Jerome helped form me in this regard, reminding me that “It’s not resistance, but prudence.” The Church, after all, must consider not just short-term impacts but the eternal impacts. At the end of the day, the Church takes great care to ensure that she stands on the side of salvation for all souls.

While individual parishes often lean on traditional methods like pen, paper, and spreadsheets, the new generation of “digital natives,” that have gained more authority in the Church after the COVID-19 pandemic, has helped accelerate a shift toward digital tools. These young Catholics bring their expertise in social media, digital design, and online community management, bridging the gap between older generations to find new solutions rooted in our Catholic faith.

The Importance of Balance in Digital Tools

Jerome is a passionate advocate for balance. He believes that while technology can help improve parish communication and reach, it’s crucial to retain the personal touch that is at the heart of humanity. With prudence in mind, Jerome reminds us that there is a time for everything. A time to use technology and a time for in person outreach. For instance, while a digital registration form for new parishioners are more efficient administration wise, it can’t replace the need for new parishioners to receive a proper warm welcome from their community members. “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Jerome urges parishes to use tech as a support, not a replacement for human connection, but to facilitate and eliminate barriers that keep us from deepening our personal connection with our neighbor.

This principle has shaped how Tabella approaches its design. Unlike many secular social platforms, which are built for addiction and prioritize user engagement for hours on end, Tabella is built to strengthen real-life community bonds. “We’re not here to keep you glued to the screen,” Jerome explained. Instead, Tabella aims to help users feel genuinely connected to their parish family, facilitating prayer, events, and group discussions in a way that enhances rather than replaces face-to-face connection.

Challenges with Mainstream Social Media

Jerome shared valuable insights on the potential pitfalls of mainstream social media, which can often draw users into a cycle of addiction and distraction. For Catholics, it’s especially important to evaluate the values behind the platforms we use. Jerome noted that several mainstream social networks have shifted focus toward individual rather than communal good. For parishes, this can mean unwittingly placing parishioners in environments that contradict the teachings of the Church and the Catholic understanding of human flourishing. He encourages parishes to consider whether they’re using these platforms to reach out to the wider community or primarily to engage with existing members. If it’s the latter, he believes there are better-suited options, like Tabella.

Tools for Flourishing in the Digital Age

During the interview, Jerome highlighted several Catholic tools that align with the Church’s values and support meaningful community building. One of those being, Magesterium AI, a new tool that helps Catholics find authoritative Church teachings by connecting users to magisterial documents. This research tool can help priests, catechists, and Catholic leaders ensure their content creation whether it be online or in-person, is aligned with the teachings of the Church.

Building Relationships

This interview was a beautiful reminder of why Tabella exists—to help Catholics feel connected, supported, and part of a community centered on Christ. Jerome’s thoughtful approach to digital evangelization reinforces that technology should serve our mission, not overshadow it. We’re grateful for his expertise and dedication, as well as the ongoing mission of Tabella to bring Catholics closer to the Sacraments. Let’s keep finding new ways to let technology help us bring people home to the heart of the Church.