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Caring Connections

PARISH LIFE
Walking alongside our parishioners through every season of life — in times of loss, struggle, and need for connection.

Here When It Matters Most

Saint Katharine Drexel believes that parish life extends far beyond Sunday morning. Through our Community Care ministries, we show up for one another in practical, tangible ways — whether that’s a meal, a ride, a prayer, or simply someone to sit with. Whatever the season, you don’t have to face it alone.

Parishioners Caring for Parishioners

Caring Connections is a collection of outreach ministries through which parishioners care for one another in practical, meaningful ways. Whether you need a meal during a difficult stretch, a ride to an appointment, or simply someone to pray with — or whether you want to be the person who shows up for a neighbor in need — Caring Connections is where that happens.

  • Meals — for parishioners who are homebound, in treatment or recovering
  • Rides — transportation to doctor appointments, groceries, and light errands
  • Eucharist to the Homebound — visiting and bringing communion to those who cannot attend Mass
  • Elder Outreach — regular check-ins to keep senior parishioners connected to the parish
  • Healing Prayer Team — trained parishioners who sit in prayer with those in need
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry — handmade shawls knitted and prayed over for members of our community
  • Health Care Ministry — Blood Pressure Screenings and support at Mass or parish events in case of health incident
  • Bereavement — spiritual and practical support through loss

Need Help or Want to Help?

Caring Connections serves parishioners in two directions — if you're going through a difficult season and could use support, please reach out. And if you want to be the person who shows up for a neighbor, there's a place for you here too.

No need is too small and no situation too complicated. You can also add a parishioner to our bulletin prayer list by contacting the parish office at 301-360-9581.

Staff Contact

Theresa Anderson

Pastoral Associate

Email Theresa

Find Your People

Sometimes the most powerful thing a parish can offer is a room full of people who get it. Saint Katharine Drexel hosts several groups where parishioners come together around shared experiences — to learn, to listen, and to know they’re not walking alone. All are welcome.

Low Vision
Support Group

A welcoming group for anyone navigating increased vision loss related to disease or aging. Learn about available resources, hear from others on the same journey, and find community with people who understand.

When: 2nd Tuesday of the month · 10:15 AM

Where: Brockway Room

Facilitated by: Marilynn Ward-Tluszcz, Office for Blindness and Vision Services

Contact Edi Stewart

Sanctuary of Hope is a program designed to make our church a safe space for honest conversations about mental health. Over the course of sessions guided by mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, participants learn, reflect, and support one another — all grounded in faith.

When: Offered periodically — watch the bulletin for upcoming sessions

Where: Brockway Room · 7:00–8:30 PM

Open to: Adults 18 and older

Contact Theresa Anderson

Sanctuary
of Hope

Together
in Hope

Together in Hope is a welcoming space for Catholic LGBTQ+ members and their families, friends, and allies to come together in support of one another. An approved group of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, this group meets monthly in a spirit of openness, compassion, and faith.

When: 4th Monday of the month · 7:00–8:30 PM

Where: Brockway Room

Note: Check the bulletin for any date changes.

Contact Angela Papillo

Grief Doesn’t Have a Timeline

When a loved one dies, the parish community doesn’t step back — we step in. Our Bereavement Ministry offers compassionate support before, during, and after the loss of someone dear. Whether that looks like a conversation, practical help, or simply knowing someone is praying for you, we’re here.

If you have lost a loved one or are walking alongside someone who has, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the parish office. We will connect you with the right support.

Staff Contact

Kathy Moore

Email Kathy

We maintain a prayer list in the weekly bulletin for parishioners in need of our community's prayers. To add someone, please contact Carol Mull — and note that the person's permission is required as this list is published publicly.

Contact Carol Mull

Whenever You Need Us

Whether you’re looking for support, want to volunteer, or simply need someone to talk to — our parish office is always a good place to start.