Catholic Futurist
For all those curious about the world of tomorrow and how to navigate the crucial choices presented by emerging technology, guided by the practical and timeless wisdom of the Catholic faith, join Benjamin Crockett on the Catholic Futurist Podcast.
Catholic Futurist
AI in Parish Life: What Every Catholic Needs to Know
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What should Catholic priests actually do with AI — right now? Ignore it? Fear it? Or use it strategically to amplify evangelization?
In this episode, Benjamin Crockett is joined by ministry innovators Edmundo Reyes and Edmund Mitchell. Together, they present a simple but transformative insight: AI can handle “Mission Support,” freeing pastors to focus on “Mission Direct”—the human, sacramental, irreplaceable heart of ministry.
They share real examples of AI supporting homilies, RCIA programs, and pastoral care — and explain why people are turning to AI instead of humans for emotional support, and what that means for the Church.
Timestamps:
- 0:40 - Tech and Evangelization
- 3:11 - Parish Ministry and Tech
- 6:52 - "Digital Continent" vs. "Digital Culture"
- 12:52 - Mission Support vs. Direct Explained
- 34:43 - AI: Tool vs. Thinking Partner
- 40:06 - Why People Confide in ChatGPT
- 42:43 - The Parish in 2035