Dr. Layla A. Karst is Associate Professor of Liturgical Theology and Graduate Director for the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Layla teaches and writes at the intersection of liturgy and ecclesiology, prioritizing the study of liturgical practice as it is lived and celebrated across diverse communities of faith.

Her recent publications have explored the ways that racism, sexism, and sexual abuse have impacted Roman Catholic liturgical celebrations. She is currently studying theologies and practices of lay liturgical preaching and their implications for building a more synodal church. Her preaching has been featured on Catholic Women Preach and on PrayTell’s 60-second sermon blog.

Layla is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the North American Academy of Liturgy, and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. She holds a doctorate from Emory University and a Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame.

Layla enjoys hiking, swimming, and everything to do with her dog, Kiki (named after Catherine of Sienna, of course!).

Layla is the designer of the Liturgical Preaching course for PROCLAIM.