National Workshop in Goa Empowers Faith Educators to Integrate AI in Ministry

BENAULIM, Goa, June 14, 2025: The Commission for Faith Formation of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) held a groundbreaking one-day workshop on June 12, 2025, at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, Goa, to train catechists in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for faith formation. The event, titled "Catechesis 2.0: Empowering Educators with AI Training and Tools," brought together Diocesan Catechetical Directors and Parish Catechism Collaborators from across India, to equip them with essential skills in AI-driven faith formation.

Organised under the leadership of Fr. Vijay Machado, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, the workshop formed part of the Intensive Course on the Organisation of Catechetical Ministry. It was conducted in collaboration with the CCBI Commission for Social Communication and Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore.

Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre and a Google-Certified AI Coach, along with Mr. Leo Victor Zalki, Director of Oxidane Enviro LLP and a certified AI professional, led the sessions during the workshop. Both facilitators brought expertise in AI’s practical application within pastoral and educational contexts.

The workshop featured practical, hands-on training sessions, introducing participants to a range of AI-powered tools designed to enhance catechetical engagement

The sessions during the workshop covered report writing, content creation for lessons and reflections, AI image generation for catechetical posters, and video production for faith-based storytelling. Participants actively interacted with various AI tools, experimenting with real-time applications to craft engaging and contextually relevant content.

During the workshop, Fr. Anil emphasised the role of technology in contemporary evangelisation, stating, “Catechesis today must speak the language of the digital generation. AI is not here to replace catechists, but to assist them in becoming better storytellers of the faith.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Leo noted, “Technology, especially AI, can help catechists simplify complex ideas, create inclusive content, and communicate the Gospel with greater clarity and creativity.”

The workshop empowered the participants to design more engaging, accessible, and contextually relevant catechetical content for digital platforms. It marked a significant step in the Church’s broader vision of digital evangelisation, reinforcing its commitment to equipping faith formators with the tools needed to integrate modern technology into their ministry.

By Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes