Ministry Opportunities
GET INVOLVED AT SAINT KATHARINE DREXELStewardship of Time & Talent
Where Are You Being Called?
The vibrant life of our parish — and all of its ministries — relies on each of our parishioners sharing their time and talents in the community. We invite you to consider where you are being called to share of yourself within our parish, and in the larger community as well.
Browse the ministries below by category. When you find one that interests you, click Learn More to find out what’s involved — then reach out to the ministry leader directly. Expressing interest doesn’t commit you to anything — it just starts a conversation.
Not Sure Where to Start?
These ministries are a great entry point — minimal experience needed, flexible commitment, and a great way to get connected:
Eucharist-Centered Ministries
At the Heart of Our Worship
These ministries support the celebration of the Mass and our Eucharistic life as a parish community.
Launder and press the linens used during Mass — a quiet ministry of care for our sacred space.
Who: Adults with an interest and willingness to launder and press.
What: Laundering and pressing (at home) various linens used during Mass.
When: Every 4–6 weeks. Pick up soiled linens after the 11:00 AM Mass and return them cleaned the following weekend before the 5:00 PM Mass.
Contact Anneliese D'SouzaAssist the priest at Mass — a ministry of reverence and service at the heart of our liturgy.
Who: Youth, 4th grade and older, who are dependable and able to be attentive and reverent at Mass.
What: Assist the priest with the celebration of Mass and other liturgical celebrations so the liturgy runs smoothly.
When: Approximately one Mass every 4–6 weeks plus initial training and ongoing formation sessions.
* This ministry may require VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Lisa WrzesinskiShare God's Word with early elementary-aged children during Mass — helping them grow in faith.
Who: Adults who enjoy working with early elementary-aged children, teaching prayer and reflecting on the Word. Both leader and helper roles available.
What: Share God's Word with children and assist them in understanding it, helping prepare them for full Mass participation after 4th grade.
When: One Mass every 4–6 weeks; initial and ongoing training.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Pat MayernikSet up, serve as prayer leader, and close Exposition — a ministry of deep reverence before the Blessed Sacrament.
Who: Adult Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
What: Two committed adorers are needed for each hour.
When: One scheduled hour of Exposition per week.
Sign Up HereAssist the priest in distributing the Eucharist — a ministry of deep reverence and love for the Body of Christ.
Who: Adults or confirmed youth with a love and reverence for the Eucharist. Must be a Catholic in good standing who has received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
What: Assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass.
When: As assigned; initial training and ongoing formation sessions.
Contact Dolan SmeakProclaim the Scripture readings at Mass — a ministry of the Word for those with a love of Sacred Scripture.
Who: Adults and youth 15 and older with a love for God's Word, a clear speaking voice, and ease in public settings.
What: Proclaim the Scripture readings in a way that invites careful listening and prayerful reflection by the assembly.
When: Approximately one Mass every 4 weeks; initial training and ongoing formation; personal study time.
Contact Pat O'ConnorLead the congregation in song and praise — adult choir, children's choir, youth band, cantors, and instrumentalists.
Who: Talented adults and youth — singers, cantors, and instrumentalists of all kinds.
What: Lead the congregation in worship through song. Multiple ensembles available depending on age and availability.
When: Adult Choir rehearses Tuesdays 7:00–8:30 PM. Children's Choir rehearses Sundays 10:20–10:40 AM. Youth Band rehearses Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 PM. Cantor and instrumentalist schedules vary.
Contact Daniel OwensCoordinate liturgical ministers and prepare the altar — a behind-the-scenes ministry that makes Mass possible.
Who: Adults with attention to detail, organizational skills, and a desire to help behind the scenes.
What: Coordinate liturgical ministers at Mass, welcome parishioners at special events, and prepare the altar area.
When: One Mass every 3–4 weeks — arrive 30 minutes prior and remain a few minutes after; initial training and ongoing formation.
* This ministry may require VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Linda HansenWelcome parishioners and guests with a warm greeting — helping Mass run smoothly for everyone.
Who: Families, couples, and individuals with warm, outgoing personalities and a desire to serve.
What: Welcome parishioners and guests, assist with seating and the smooth flow of the liturgy, distribute bulletins after Mass.
When: One Mass every four weeks — arrive 30 minutes before Mass and remain a few minutes after.
5 PM Madd Contact Ed Schoder 9 AM Mass Contact Ann McDermott 11 AM Mass Contact Patty CoolOperate our LCD projector and display system and assist with the livestream during weekend Masses — training provided.
Who: Technologically savvy youth and adults with attention to detail.
What: Operate the LCD projector and computer during weekend Masses for displaying song lyrics, prayers, and announcements and coordinating the livestream.
When: Several Masses each month — arrive 15–30 minutes prior to Mass.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Daniel OwensKeep our sacred space clean and beautiful — a simple ministry of care for the house of God.
Who: Adults who desire to assist with keeping our sacred space clean.
What: Light dusting, sweeping, and general housekeeping in the church building.
When: Once a month for about 1–1.5 hours.
Contact Parish OfficePlan and create seasonal decorations that enhance the beauty and atmosphere of our worship space.
Who: Adults with a love for liturgy, an eye for beauty, and tasteful creativity with flowers, plants, and fabric.
What: Plan and prepare seasonal decorations that enhance the atmosphere of hospitality and establish the mood for liturgy.
When: Varies by liturgical season — more time required during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. Occasional or ongoing commitments welcome.
Contact Karen ThomasWelcoming Environment
Making Everyone Feel at Home
These ministries extend the warmth of our parish community — from the moment someone walks through the door to the care we offer when life gets hard.
Pick up donuts, brew the coffee, and make Kate's Café happen between Masses each Sunday.
Who: Families and individuals who are friendly and dependable.
What: Pick up donuts, set up, make coffee, and clean up for the social hour between Masses in the Narthex.
When: Eight Sundays per year — arrive by 8:30 AM for set up, typically finished by 10:30 AM.
Contact Pat JenningsStay connected with our elder parishioners through regular phone calls — a ministry of presence and care.
Who: Parishioners willing to be a point of contact with our elder parish community — friendly and compassionate.
What: Making phone calls to check in, coordinate necessary follow-up, be a listening ear, and provide support.
When: Bi-weekly phone calls to one or two parishioners. Training and support provided.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Edi StewartBring the Eucharist to parishioners who are homebound or in nursing care — the parish going to them.
Who: Adults or confirmed youth who are empathetic, compassionate, and good listeners.
What: Visit and bring the Eucharist to parishioners who cannot be present at Mass.
When: As your schedule permits — initial training and ongoing formation sessions.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Edi StewartHold the door, offer a smile, and make every person who walks in feel genuinely welcomed.
Who: Anyone with a friendly, welcoming spirit — no experience needed.
What: Stationed in the Narthex and on the plaza, greeters hold church doors open and welcome parishioners as they arrive. Their one goal: make people feel at home.
When: One Mass per month — arrive a few minutes before Mass begins.
Contact John McElhennyHost a monthly post-Mass reception — food, drinks, and a reason to linger and connect.
Who: Families and individuals who enjoy creating a welcoming atmosphere and don't mind a little setup and cleanup.
What: Host a reception after all weekend Masses one Sunday per month. Sometimes themed, sometimes simple — finger foods, treats, soups, drinks. A great excuse for the community to gather after Mass.
When: One weekend per month — setup before and cleanup after Masses.
Contact Kathleen PaternosterBuild a more inclusive, God-centered community through fellowship, service, and celebration of our parish's diversity.
Who: Young adults, adults, and seniors from diverse backgrounds desiring to share and learn from the spiritual gifts of others.
What: Build and sustain a more inclusive community through fellowship, positive social interactions, community service, and prayer.
When: Meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 10:15–10:50 AM in the Narthex Parlor.
Contact Sandrine OrjiProvide faith-based activities for preschoolers during Mass — adult catechists and youth assistants both needed.
Who: Adults who enjoy working with preschool-aged children (catechist role) or youth 5th grade and older (assistant role).
What: Provide age-appropriate catechetical experiences for young children during Mass using provided materials.
When: One Mass every 4–6 weeks; initial and ongoing training.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Theresa AndersonCare for infants and toddlers during Mass so parents can fully participate — adult and youth roles available.
Who: Adults who enjoy caring for infants and toddlers (adult role) or youth 6th grade and older (assistant role).
What: Provide quality care during Mass to allow parents to fully participate in the Eucharist.
When: One Mass every 4–6 weeks; initial training.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Ana Maria AlvaradoHelp the parish office run smoothly — answering phones, greeting visitors, and assisting with administrative tasks.
Who: Adults who are welcoming and friendly, comfortable in an office environment. Computer skills a plus.
What: Answer and place phone calls, greet visitors, prepare mailings, assist with data entry, and support children's ministry prep.
When: Varies by need and availability; initial and ongoing training.
Contact Hannah McNallyStaff the Welcome Center before and after Mass — answering questions and connecting people to parish life.
Who: Adults with a friendly, welcoming personality and familiarity with parish events and resources.
What: Welcome visitors and parishioners before and after Mass, answer questions, generate interest in parish life, and collect information for follow-up.
When: One Mass each month plus ongoing training.
Contact Pauline LeopardForming Loving Disciples
Growing Together in Faith
These ministries support the faith formation of our parish — from the youngest children to adults at every stage of their journey.
Help vision, plan, and implement faith formation programs for the adults of our parish community.
Who: Adults with an understanding of whole community catechesis and a desire to support others on their faith journey.
What: Evaluate programs, creatively envision new ideas, and plan community faith development initiatives.
When: Monthly meetings; some sub-committee work between meetings.
Contact Brian McCrohanServe as a catechist or aide for children's faith formation — experience helpful but not required.
Who: Adults who enjoy working with children. Experience is helpful but not necessary.
What: Provide catechetical instruction for children or assist a catechist in the classroom.
When: Class time, preparation time, initial training, ongoing catechist formation.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Theresa AndersonWalk alongside youth and adults preparing for Confirmation — as catechist, mentor, or volunteer.
Who: Adults with an ability to articulate faith credibly and enjoy working with youth or adults.
What: Provide catechetical instruction, serve as a mentor, accompany youth on retreat, or assist with service activities.
When: Varies — could include class time, one overnight retreat, a day pilgrimage, and ongoing formation.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Ana Maria AlvaradoLead parents through small group discussions about faith, Baptism, and raising children in the Church.
Who: Adults comfortable sharing faith in a small group setting.
What: Lead parents in group discussions about their faith journey, the meaning of Baptism, and the role parents play in their children's faith development.
When: Twelve 1-hour sessions per year led in rotation; preparation time; initial and ongoing training.
Contact Brian McCrohanHigh school teens helping other teens through faith sharing and youth ministry leadership.
Who: Confirmed, mature high school teens willing to share their faith and help other teens.
What: Help plan and execute youth ministry events and serve as faith leaders among peers.
When: Varies — youth groups, planning meetings, events, and ongoing formation.
* This ministry may require VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Ana Maria AlvaradoLead retreat activities for children preparing for their first sacraments — a one or two day commitment per year.
Who: Adults with a strong faith background who enjoy working with young children.
What: Lead one retreat activity designed for children preparing for Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
When: One or two 2-hour retreats per year.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Theresa AndersonHelp engaged couples prepare for sacramental marriage by sharing your own experience and wisdom.
Who: Married couples who listen well, share openly, and can provide hospitality to engaged couples in your home.
What: Help engaged couples prepare for sacramental marriage by sharing experiences and insights over several sessions.
When: Approximately 5 sessions per couple in your home. Schedule varies by demand and availability.
Contact Brian McCrohanOne energetic week each summer — lead activities, guide groups, and make VBS unforgettable for kids.
Who: Energetic adults (leader/assistant role) or youth 6th grade and older (assistant role).
What: Lead or assist with activities and accompany small groups of children throughout the week.
When: One week each summer — five consecutive mornings.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Theresa AndersonHelp plan and run events that welcome and connect young adult Catholics in our parish community.
Who: Adults and young adults with a heart for hospitality, organizational skills, and a desire to build community.
What: Provide welcome and outreach to young adult Catholics — plan and implement events at the parish and regional level.
When: Approximately one organizational meeting every other month; attendance at monthly gatherings.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Ana Maria AlvaradoWalk with middle and high school youth — as a leader, catechist, chaperone, or behind-the-scenes support.
Who: Adults who enjoy working with middle and high school aged youth and can articulate faith in a credible way.
What: Varies by role — youth groups, catechesis, retreats, service projects, music, drama, sports, social media, or setup support.
When: Varies by involvement — youth groups, class time, planning meetings, retreats, and ongoing formation.
* This ministry requires VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Ana Maria AlvaradoGiving Selflessly
Serving Beyond Ourselves
These ministries extend the love of our parish into the community and the world — hands and feet in action.
Walk alongside parishioners experiencing grief — before, during, and after the loss of a loved one.
Who: Caring adults with a strong desire to help and comfort others through loss.
What: Share God's love with parishioners experiencing grief — offering presence, support, and compassion.
When: As needed.
Contact Kathy MooreCare for our campus and creation — maintaining rain gardens, Adopt-a-Road, and parish recycling efforts.
Who: Anyone who can do light physical work or help plan events — a love of the outdoors is a plus.
What: Maintain our Adopt-a-Road, tend the rain gardens, organize recycling efforts, and care for the planet as an expression of faith.
When: Varies by season and project.
* This ministry may require VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Trish Bodine Learn MoreTransport weekend food and clothing donations from Mass to local food banks and shelters.
Who: Families and individuals able to carry groceries and clothing, with reliable transportation.
What: Transport food and clothing donations collected at Mass each weekend to the local food bank and shelter.
When: One Sunday every eight weeks.
Contact Jasmine ShortridgeHelp oversee our sister parish partnership in Haiti — planning, connecting, and keeping the relationship strong.
Who: Adults with an interest in strengthening our relationship with our sister parish in Ennery, Haiti.
What: Regular planning meetings to oversee the partnership, maintain connection with Haitian leadership, and plan future delegation visits.
When: Monthly meetings.
Contact Joan Nelson Learn MoreUse your health care background to serve parishioners — blood pressure screenings, blood drives, and Anointing of the Sick support.
Who: Adults with experience and education in health-related fields, especially nursing.
What: Assist with monthly bloodpressure screenings after Sunday Mass times.
When: Semi-annual meetings; volunteer as activities require.
Contact Theresa AndersonOversee church property needs — master planning, project review, and scheduled maintenance.
Who: Adults with a background in property management, trades, contracting, or reviewing landscape and maintenance plans.
What: Oversee church and office property needs including master planning, project review, and scheduled maintenance coordination.
When: Bi-monthly meetings of approximately two hours.
Contact Rachel AllanGet your hands in the soil — maintain and beautify our parish grounds and rain gardens.
Who: Adults with a love of the outdoors — green thumb optional.
What: Organize volunteers for hands-on gardening and weeding, plan future landscaping, and maintain parish and school grounds.
When: Primarily spring and fall; weeding as needed; occasional planning meetings.
* This ministry may require VIRTUS training with substantial contact with children and/or vulnerable populations.
Contact Rosemary AllenderPlan and implement parish projects that promote peace and justice in the local community and the world.
Who: Adults and youth with a passion for social justice and a compassionate heart.
What: Plan and implement parish projects that promote peace and social justice locally and globally.
When: Varies by project; monthly planning meetings.
Contact Kathryn Welty Learn MoreProvide hands-on service to those in need in the Frederick area through the local St. Vincent de Paul ministry office.
Who: Adults who desire to work with those in need with an understanding, compassionate heart.
What: Provide hands-on service to the poor by assisting with emergency needs at the ministry office located in downtown Frederick at Saint John the Evangelist.
When: 1–2 days every six weeks; monthly meetings; initial training.
Contact Carol CarrierGet Started
Ready to Jump In?
Not sure where to start or have a question about a specific ministry? Fill out the form below and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch.
Next Steps
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Visit our Getting Started page for a simple walkthrough of how to get connected — including VIRTUS registration and what to expect when you reach out to a ministry leader.
Social Activities
Help plan and run the events that bring our parish community together throughout the year.
Who: Adults dedicated to building community through fun and faith-filled gatherings.
What: Coordinate parish social events including the Parish Picnic, Volunteer Appreciation Party, Team Trivia Challenge, Variety Show, and Pentecost Breakfast.
When: Varies by event; quarterly planning meetings.
Contact Hannah McNally