Emily Gipson, the director of catechetical formation for St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville, is seen recording an episode for her “Catholicism 101: Forever Learning and Living the Faith” podcast. COURTESY OF EMILY GIPSON

BY EMILY GIPSON, ST. MARY OF THE WOODS PARISH

“What about something like RCIA, but for cradle Catholics?” This idea has driven our efforts to meet the education and formation needs of adults at St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville. Based on my conversations with other ministers throughout the diocese, it’s clear that this is a common desire among people in our pews.

When I first came to Whitesville three years ago, the parish was considering how to meet these needs by creating small groups. However, the majority of people struggled to commit to a regular meeting time, so we decided to offer monthly sessions—what would eventually become “Catholicism 101: The Things You Wish You Remembered from Catholic School and CCD.” After a year of sessions with low attendance, our people began vocalizing that they were eager to learn, but couldn’t make things work with their schedule. Knowing we needed to pivot our approach again, but unsure of what to do, we took the matter to our parish council.

A few years ago, we received funding from the Disciples Response Fund to purchase podcasting equipment as part of an endeavor by our youth minister at the time, Jessy Bennett. “Finding Faith: Sharing Stories of Encounter and Questions,” was a hit among our parish family, and many were disappointed when the show ended after her departure. Hungry for adult education, and knowing that we already had the resources, parish council suggested transforming the monthly “Catholicism 101” sessions into a podcast. So, in May 2024, “Catholicism 101: Forever Learning and Living the Faith” was born.

After a few YouTube tutorials on the recording equipment, some trial and error with the editing software, and getting used to hearing myself on the mic, we began releasing episodes. With topics ranging from the differences between Catholics and our Protestant brothers and sisters, to the occult, forgiveness, morality, and more, the positive feedback from parishioners has affirmed the success of our latest endeavor.

Majella Mills says, “I look forward to it. When another one comes out, I can’t wait to get home and listen. It brings up memories of what I learned in grade school that I had forgotten.” Cory Smith, a member of the parish council, says, “After graduating from Trinity, I found myself missing the ongoing faith formation we had, and ‘Catholicism 101’ has been the perfect way to fill that need. This podcast makes it easy to deepen my understanding of Church teachings and has truly been a blessing in my spiritual journey.”

One of my personal favorite aspects of “Catholicism 101” is getting to share the content with everyone who wants to listen, especially my folks back home at St. John the Evangelist in Paducah. It’s also interesting to see that people from Ireland, Canada, and beyond are tuning into a little Catholic education podcast from Whitesville, Kentucky.

Overall, it’s been beautiful to see how our effort to educate those in our little corner of God’s country has not only been successful, but also extended its reach, helping others in the diocese and beyond. “Catholicism 101: Forever Learning and Living the Faith” is available on all major podcast platforms, making it easy for listeners near and far to engage with the content.

Emily Gipson is the director of catechetical formation for St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Whitesville.

Originally printed in the March 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.