Recognizing the contemporary relevance of artificial intelligence, NBCLC, Bengaluru, partnered with BOSCOSOFT Technologies, Yelagiri, to deliver a comprehensive course on "Digital AI for Apostolic & Pastoral Care for Secretaries of Bishops & Provincials." The program, expertly facilitated by Rev. Fr. (Dr.) S. Thaddeus SDB, CEO of Bosco soft Technologies, and other proficient resource personnel, effectively conveyed their in-depth understanding of diverse AI tools. The engaging theoretical and practical sessions saw active participation from around 54 priests and religious representing various congregations from across India.

Introduction to AI & its Tools
In an increasingly digitalized world, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools a revolutionizing our pastoral care and apostolic work. These tools help us to enhance communication, productivity, and community engagement. This course made us explore various tools, including Google Workspace, digital AI tools, ChatGPT, AI video editing software, AI-powered presentation tools, and writing assistance tools. We also discussed the ethical and pastoral implications of using AI in our ministry.

Google Workspace
Google Workspace provides a suite of cloud-based productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, and Meet. By learning these tools, we learned how to facilitate collaboration, file sharing, and virtual meetings, ensuring seamless communication in our ministries. Google Drive allows secure storage of various records and documentation of our institutions. Sessions on Google Docs and Google Sheets taught us how to collaborate on documents and spreadsheets, supporting team-based ministry planning. Google Meet provides a platform for virtual meetings, allowing us to connect with congregants and other stakeholders remotely.

Assisting Tools for Writing
Writing is a significant aspect of pastoral work, from sermon preparation to draft newsletters and theological reflections. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, and Perplexity, play a vital role in creating the required text by giving the right prompt. Sessions on various AI-powered writing assistants, such as Grammarly and Quill Bot, helped us refine writ content by enhancing grammar, clarity, and coherence. Grammarly ensures correctness and readability, while Quill Bot aids in paraphrasing and improving text fluency. These too helped us maintain high-quality written communication.

AI Video Editing Tools
The rise of AI-powered video editing tools has transformed the way ministries create and share content. We were indeed enlightened to learn that many AI video & image editing platforms, such as Invideo, Flicki, Pictory, and HeyGen, allow us to produce professional-quality videos with minimal technical expertise. These tools enable automatic video transcription, voiceover generation, seamless editing, online services, and educational content. We were also happy to know many mobile useful apps for our minstry.

AI-Powered Presentation Tools
Effective pastoral communication requires creating visually appealing and impact presentations. Sessions on AI-driven presentation tools such as Gamma, Canva, Slidesgo, Slide.AI, and Decktopus. AI and PowerBI help us to design engaging slides with minimal effort. These platforms offer templates and AI-assisted design recommendations that help convey our messages clearly and effectively. PowerBI, in particular, is useful for the visualization, enabling Churches to analyse congregational engagement and resource allocation.

Ethical and Pastoral Use of AI Tools
Sessions on digital branding and website creation classes enlightened us to be more vigilant in updating the information of our institutions. All the sessions handled by various resource persons stressed the importance of ethical considerations when using AI tools. This includes maintaining integrity, authenticity, and transparency, which are also crucial aspects of building a strong and trustworthy digital brand.

Project Hour
Every day we were given enough time to work together in different groups and explore many AI tools. We were able to create Google Forms, and Google Classroom, and edit images, videos, websites, quizzes, blogs, logos, letter pads etc.

Conclusion
AI and digital tools are valuable assets in apostolic and pastoral care, enhancing communication, productivity, and outreach. Google Workspace, AI-powered chatbots, video editing software, presentation platforms, and writing assistants collectively streamline ministerial tasks. However, ethical and pastoral considerations must guide their use to ensure they align with Christian values. By leveraging AI responsibly, we can amplify its impact and serve our communities more effectively in the digital age as digital disciple “Make straight a highway for the Lord." - The Gospel Highway

We thank the NBCLC & its team for the enriching digital AI course. We found it incredibly valuable for our ministry. We specifically thank the efficient from BOSCOSOFT for the comprehensive sessions on Google Workspace and AI-powered tools. The accommodation provided was very comfortable, spiritual and conducive to learning, which we greatly appreciate. Thank you for your hospitality and selfless service. The opportunity collaborate with fellow participants during the project hours was also a highlight. We are leaving this course feeling equipped and inspired to use AI tools ethically and effectively