Catherine Knowles

Dr. Catherine Knowles is a Lecturer in Religion and Education at St. Mary’s University, where she leads the part-time, distance learning MA in Catholic Applied Theology and BA in Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition. Previously, she held roles as Programme Director of the MA in Catholic Applied Theology and Research Supervisor for the PhD programme at Maryvale Institute (now part of St. Mary’s University) after completing her doctorate in moral education at the University of Kent (2006). Her research focuses on Catholic education, moral education, and the intersection of faith and culture, particularly in African and Indian contexts.

Her academic contributions include co-editing Aspects of Doctoral Research at the Maryvale International Catholic Institute (2023) and co-authoring works on pedagogy and inclusive education. She has presented widely on topics such as Christian anthropology, parish stability, and the role of beauty in evangelisation. Her work often bridges theological theory and practical educational challenges, emphasizing cultural relevance and ethical pedagogy.

Dr. Knowles supervises doctoral candidates exploring themes like catechetical challenges in Ghana, parish dynamics in the Midwest, and Thomistic perspectives on hope. She remains active in academic discourse through conferences, radio talks (e.g., Credo on Radio Maria), and policy-focused reports on educational equity.