Environmental Stewardship
CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOMEAs stewards of God’s creation, we are called to protect and nurture the world entrusted to our care — for ourselves and for generations to come.
Why It Matters
Laudato Si — On Care for Our Common Home
“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” — Pope Francis, Laudato Si 14
In 2015 Pope Francis published Laudato Si, his landmark encyclical calling all people to care for our common home. At Saint Katharine Drexel, we take that call seriously — through active programs on our campus, engagement with the broader Frederick community, and ongoing education for parishioners who want to make a difference.
What We Do
Active Programs at SKD
These are the hands-on initiatives our Environmental Stewardship team runs right here in Frederick — ways to get outside, get involved, and make a tangible difference.
On Our Campus
Rain Gardens, Grounds & Pollinators
Our campus is home to six rain gardens, a new butterfly waystation, a pollinator garden, and beautifully maintained landscaping — all tended by the hands of our parish volunteers. Rain gardens capture and filter rainwater before it reaches local waterways, protecting the watershed right from our parking lot.
Volunteers help weed and mulch between March and October each year. The time commitment is flexible — come when you can, bring your family, bring your ministry group. No experience needed.
A Point of Pride
The dedicated work of our volunteers has earned Saint Katharine Drexel Parish two environmental certifications. Next time you walk into church or the parish office, pause and notice the beauty created by the hands of your fellow parishioners.
To volunteer: Contact Rosemary Allender
Annual Event · Spring
Spring Cleaning Recycling Event
Each spring our Environmental Stewardship team hosts a community recycling event right in the SKD parking lot — keeping materials out of landfills and raising awareness that small acts make a real difference. Coordinated with the Knights of Columbus, this event draws parishioners and neighbors alike.
A native plant sale runs alongside — a great opportunity to pick up plants that support local pollinators and sustainable gardening.
What We Accept
Paper (secure shredding) · Textiles · Scrap metal · Styrofoam (hard packing only) · Eyeglasses
When: Annually each spring — watch the bulletin for this year's date
Where: SKD Church Parking Lot · 8428 Opossumtown Pike
More Info Coming Soon
Adopt-A-Road · Since 2021
SKD Road Crew
Since 2021 our parish Road Crew has picked up litter three to four times a year along Opossumtown Pike — from Monocacy Middle School to Thomas Johnson Drive and Christopher's Crossing. The City of Frederick provides safety gear, signs, and supplies. We bring the energy and teamwork.
Adults and teens 12+ are welcome. Community service hours can be signed off for students. Each cleanup begins at Monocacy Middle School with a short prayer and safety review.
2026 Dates
April 25 · June 27 · September 12 · November 7
10:00 AM – Noon · Meet at Monocacy Middle School
Resources & Organizations
Get Connected
These organizations and tools can help you deepen your commitment to environmental stewardship — from your own backyard to the broader Frederick community and beyond.
Get Involved
Every Small Act Matters
Join us on the road, in the rain gardens, or simply by making more intentional choices at home. Care for creation is a mission we share — and there’s always room for one more pair of hands.