Quick Insights
- Catherine Miles-Flynn, an American mother of eight, will receive the lay ministry of catechist from Pope Leo XIV on September 28, 2025, during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
- She has served as director of Christian formation for the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia for 20 years, based in Abu Dhabi.
- Pope Francis established the lay ministry of catechist in 2021, recognizing it as a lifelong vocation to teach the Catholic faith.
- Miles-Flynn is among 39 catechists from 16 countries, including Brazil, India, and South Korea, being honored at the Vatican’s Jubilee of Catechists.
- The ministry includes receiving a crucifix as a symbol of the mission to spread the faith, particularly among diverse expatriate communities.
- Her work reflects the growing role of laypeople in the Catholic Church, especially in regions like the UAE, where nearly 3,800 catechists serve.
What Are the Key Details of Catherine Miles-Flynn’s Recognition?
Catherine Miles-Flynn, a mother of eight from the United States, has dedicated nearly three decades to fostering Catholic faith formation in the Arabian Peninsula. On September 28, 2025, she will be among 39 individuals from 16 countries to receive the lay ministry of catechist from Pope Leo XIV during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square. This event is part of the Vatican’s Jubilee of Catechists, a three-day gathering from September 26 to 28 that has drawn over 20,000 Catholics from 115 countries to Rome. Miles-Flynn, who has lived in the United Arab Emirates since 1995, serves as the director of Christian formation for the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, overseeing faith education across the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. Her work involves teaching the Catholic faith to a diverse expatriate community, with St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi offering Masses in languages such as Arabic, English, French, Malayalam, Urdu, Tamil, Konkani, German, Italian, Korean, and Ukrainian. The lay ministry of catechist, formally established by Pope Francis in 2021 through the Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium, is a lifelong vocation aimed at deepening faith understanding. Miles-Flynn expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition, noting that she accepts it on behalf of the 3,600 catechists in the UAE from over 80 nationalities. The ceremony will include the conferral of a crucifix, symbolizing the mission to share the Gospel. Her role highlights the critical need for catechists in regions with limited clergy, as the vicariate has fewer than 100 priests but relies on nearly 3,800 lay catechists. This recognition underscores the Church’s growing emphasis on lay involvement in evangelization, particularly in diverse and challenging environments.
The Jubilee of Catechists, where Miles-Flynn will be honored, is a significant event in the Catholic Church’s 2025 calendar, celebrating the role of laypeople in faith education. The gathering began with a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica and includes pilgrimages to the Holy Door, culminating in the Sunday Mass where Pope Leo XIV will confer the ministry. Miles-Flynn’s work in Abu Dhabi reflects the vibrant Catholic community there, where churches are consistently packed, even for weekday Masses. She described the joy of her work, stating that she gets to “talk about Jesus all day” while serving a community hungry for faith knowledge. The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia faces unique challenges, including freedom to practice faith in the UAE and Oman but severe restrictions in Yemen due to ongoing conflict. Bishop Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, emphasized the importance of catechists as “pillars of the church” in supporting families and deepening faith. Miles-Flynn’s recognition highlights her long-term commitment and the broader contributions of lay catechists in sustaining Catholic communities. Her story also draws attention to the multicultural nature of the Church in the UAE, where 100,000 expatriate parishioners worship together. The event in Rome will also feature catechists from countries like England, Brazil, India, Mozambique, and South Korea, showcasing the global reach of this ministry. This moment marks a milestone in acknowledging the vital role of laywomen in the Church’s mission.
What Is the Historical and Religious Context of the Catechist Ministry?
The lay ministry of catechist, formalized by Pope Francis in 2021, builds on a long tradition of laypeople assisting in the transmission of Catholic faith. Historically, catechists have supported families and communities in teaching the Gospel, especially in regions with limited access to priests. The Antiquum Ministerium letter emphasizes catechesis as a lifelong vocation, rooted in the early Church when laypeople played significant roles in evangelization. In the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, where Miles-Flynn serves, the reliance on catechists is particularly pronounced due to the small number of clergy relative to the large Catholic population, estimated at 1 million across the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. The region’s unique context includes a diverse expatriate community, necessitating faith formation in multiple languages and cultural frameworks. The establishment of the lay ministry reflects the Church’s response to modern challenges, where laypeople are increasingly called to lead faith education in diverse settings. This development aligns with broader reforms under Pope Francis, who sought to elevate the role of laypeople, including women, in Church governance and ministry. The UAE’s Catholic community, described as vibrant by Miles-Flynn, benefits from relative religious freedom, allowing robust catechetical programs, unlike in Yemen, where conflict has decimated Catholic infrastructure. The conferral of the catechist ministry by Pope Leo XIV continues this trajectory, emphasizing continuity with Francis’s vision. The crucifix given during the ceremony symbolizes the catechist’s commitment to sharing Christ’s teachings, a tradition rooted in the Church’s missionary history.
The historical significance of the catechist role is also tied to the Church’s mission in non-Christian majority regions. In the UAE, the presence of a mosque named Mary, Mother of Jesus, near St. Joseph’s Cathedral reflects a unique interfaith context that shapes catechetical work. Bishop Martinelli noted that catechists in the region are essential for helping Catholics maintain their faith in a multicultural environment. The formal recognition of catechists by the Vatican signals a shift toward institutionalizing lay roles, which have often been informal but critical in places like the Arabian Peninsula. This ministry also connects to the Church’s broader Jubilee Year of 2025, which celebrates renewal and pilgrimage, with the Jubilee of Catechists highlighting their role in spiritual growth. The involvement of laywomen like Miles-Flynn underscores the Church’s gradual inclusion of women in formal roles, though debates persist about further expanding women’s ministerial capacities. The historical precedent for lay involvement dates back to early Christian communities, where figures like St. Augustine, a key influence for Pope Leo XIV, emphasized the importance of teaching the faith. The modern catechist ministry thus bridges ancient traditions with contemporary needs, addressing the challenges of globalized, diverse Catholic communities. The recognition of Miles-Flynn and others also reflects the Church’s acknowledgment of the laity’s role in sustaining faith amidst secular and cultural pressures. This moment in Rome marks a continuation of efforts to formalize and celebrate these contributions.
What Are the Perspectives Surrounding This Recognition?
The conferral of the catechist ministry on Miles-Flynn has sparked varied perspectives within the Catholic Church and beyond. Supporters view it as a significant step in recognizing the contributions of laypeople, particularly women, in faith formation. Miles-Flynn’s role as a mother of eight and a long-serving catechist highlights the compatibility of family life with dedicated Church service, inspiring many Catholics. Bishop Martinelli praised catechists as “pillars” of the Church, emphasizing their role in supporting families and fostering faith in diverse communities. The event also showcases the global nature of the Church, with catechists from countries like India, Brazil, and South Korea being honored alongside Miles-Flynn, reflecting a universal mission. Some see this as a continuation of Pope Francis’s reforms, which aimed to elevate lay roles, and they hope Pope Leo XIV will further expand opportunities for women in ministry. The inclusion of women like Miles-Flynn on such a prominent stage is seen as a positive signal for gender inclusivity, though limited to non-ordained roles. Her work in the UAE, where Catholics are a minority, is viewed as a model for evangelization in challenging contexts. The joy she expressed in her work resonates with those who see catechesis as a vibrant, community-driven mission. This perspective emphasizes the grassroots impact of lay catechists in sustaining Catholic identity worldwide.
However, some critics within the Church argue that the lay ministry of catechist, while significant, does not go far enough in addressing calls for greater roles for women, such as ordained diaconates. Groups like the Women’s Ordination Conference, which staged a protest during the 2025 papal conclave, argue that women deserve fuller inclusion in ministerial roles. While Miles-Flynn’s recognition is celebrated, some see it as a limited gesture in a Church that still restricts women from priesthood or diaconate roles. Others express concern about the sustainability of relying heavily on lay catechists in regions like the UAE, where the demand for faith formation exceeds the supply of trained leaders. Miles-Flynn herself noted the need for more catechists to meet the “womb to tomb” demand for faith education. Additionally, some traditionalists question the formalization of lay ministries, arguing it might blur distinctions between clergy and laity. In the Arabian Peninsula, the interfaith context raises questions about how catechists balance evangelization with respect for other religions, particularly in the UAE’s relatively open but still sensitive environment. These debates reflect broader tensions within the Church about the roles of laity, women, and global mission. The recognition of Miles-Flynn thus serves as a focal point for discussions about the Church’s direction under Pope Leo XIV. Despite these differences, her story is largely seen as a unifying example of dedication to faith.
What Are the Social and Ethical Implications of This Event?
The recognition of Catherine Miles-Flynn as a catechist carries significant social and ethical implications for the Catholic Church and its global community. Her role as a mother of eight and a laywoman highlights the Church’s acknowledgment of women’s contributions to faith formation, challenging traditional gender roles within religious contexts. In the UAE, where she serves a diverse expatriate community, her work fosters social cohesion among Catholics from over 80 nationalities, promoting unity in a region marked by cultural and religious diversity. Ethically, her recognition underscores the Church’s commitment to empowering laypeople to take active roles in evangelization, particularly in areas with limited clergy. This move aligns with the Church’s teaching that parents are the primary educators of faith for their children, as emphasized by Bishop Martinelli. By honoring Miles-Flynn, the Church signals the importance of family-centered faith transmission, which has social implications for strengthening Catholic identity in minority settings. Her work also reflects an ethical imperative to provide accessible faith education, addressing the spiritual hunger she described among UAE Catholics. The multicultural context of her ministry raises ethical questions about how to teach faith respectfully in a predominantly Muslim region. The naming of a nearby mosque as Mary, Mother of Jesus, suggests opportunities for interfaith dialogue, which Miles-Flynn’s catechetical work indirectly supports. Her recognition thus promotes a model of faith that is inclusive and community-driven.
Socially, the event highlights the growing role of women in the Church, though it also reignites debates about their exclusion from ordained ministries. The conferral of the catechist ministry is seen as a step toward inclusivity, but critics argue it does not fully address systemic gender inequalities within Church structures. Ethically, this raises questions about justice and fairness in recognizing women’s contributions, as seen in the Women’s Ordination Conference’s advocacy for broader roles. Miles-Flynn’s story also has social implications for how the Church engages with expatriate communities, particularly in the Gulf, where Catholics often face cultural and legal challenges. Her work in providing faith formation “from womb to tomb” addresses the social need for lifelong spiritual support, fostering resilience among migrant communities. The ethical challenge lies in balancing evangelization with respect for local laws and customs, especially in Yemen, where Catholics face severe restrictions. By elevating Miles-Flynn, the Church also sends a message about the value of lay leadership in addressing modern social issues, such as migration and cultural diversity. Her example may inspire other laywomen to take on leadership roles, potentially reshaping social dynamics within Catholic communities. The global attention on this event, amplified by the Jubilee of Catechists, underscores the Church’s role in promoting social unity through faith. Ultimately, Miles-Flynn’s recognition reflects an ethical commitment to empowering laypeople to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
What Could This Mean for the Future of the Catholic Church?
The conferral of the catechist ministry on Catherine Miles-Flynn and others points to a future where laypeople, particularly women, play an increasingly central role in the Catholic Church’s mission. As the Church faces declining numbers of clergy globally, the reliance on lay catechists is likely to grow, especially in regions like the Arabian Peninsula with large Catholic populations and few priests. Miles-Flynn’s recognition could set a precedent for further formalizing lay ministries, potentially expanding their scope to include more decision-making roles. Pope Leo XIV’s decision to continue this initiative, started by Pope Francis, suggests a commitment to sustaining reforms that empower the laity. The global representation at the Jubilee of Catechists, with honorees from 16 countries, indicates a future where the Church’s mission is increasingly diverse and decentralized. This could lead to more localized approaches to faith formation, tailored to cultural and regional needs, as seen in Miles-Flynn’s work with expatriates in the UAE. The emphasis on catechesis also points to a Church prioritizing spiritual education to counter secular influences, particularly in minority Catholic settings. The future may see more women like Miles-Flynn taking on leadership roles, potentially influencing Church policies on gender and ministry. However, resistance from traditionalists could slow these changes, as debates about lay versus clerical roles persist. The event also highlights the Church’s ongoing effort to balance evangelization with interfaith coexistence, a model that could shape its global outreach.
Looking ahead, the recognition of lay catechists could have broader implications for the Church’s structure and mission. The demand for more catechists, as noted by Miles-Flynn, suggests a need for expanded training programs and resources to support lay ministries. This could lead to increased investment in catechetical formation, particularly in regions with growing Catholic populations like the Gulf. The Church may also face pressure to address calls for greater inclusion of women in ministerial roles, building on the momentum of events like the Jubilee of Catechists. Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these tensions, especially given his background as an Augustinian with a focus on community and mission. His experience in Peru, where laywomen often lead faith communities, may inform his approach to expanding lay roles. The global attention on Miles-Flynn’s story could also inspire more laypeople to engage in catechetical work, strengthening the Church’s grassroots presence. However, challenges such as funding, training, and cultural resistance in some regions could limit progress. The Church’s ability to adapt its catechetical mission to diverse contexts, as exemplified by Miles-Flynn’s work, will be critical for its relevance in the future. This moment may mark a turning point toward a more inclusive, lay-driven Church, with implications for its global influence and internal dynamics.
Conclusion and Key Lessons
The recognition of Catherine Miles-Flynn as a lay catechist by Pope Leo XIV is a significant moment for the Catholic Church, highlighting the growing role of laypeople, especially women, in faith formation. Her work in the UAE, serving a diverse expatriate community, underscores the importance of catechesis in sustaining Catholic identity in challenging contexts. The event reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to formalize lay ministries, building on Pope Francis’s 2021 reforms, and signals continuity under Pope Leo XIV. Key lessons include the critical role of lay catechists in regions with limited clergy, the need for inclusive approaches to faith education, and the potential for women to lead in non-ordained roles. The global representation at the Jubilee of Catechists emphasizes the Church’s universal mission, while debates about women’s roles highlight ongoing tensions about inclusion. The future of the Church may involve greater reliance on lay leaders, requiring investment in training and resources to meet growing demands. Miles-Flynn’s story illustrates the power of dedicated laypeople to strengthen communities, offering a model for the Church’s mission in diverse, multicultural settings. This moment challenges the Church to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that faith formation remains accessible and relevant. The recognition also calls attention to the ethical imperative of fostering interfaith respect while promoting Catholic teachings. Ultimately, this event underscores the Church’s potential to adapt and thrive through the contributions of its laity.