Our Story
SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL CATHOLIC CHURCHWhere We Come From
A Parish Built by Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church was born from a community of believers who gathered long before they had a building to call home. In the early days at what parishioners affectionately called “St. FCC” — Frederick Community College — Mass was celebrated wherever space could be found. As the community grew, worship moved to the gym of Saint John Regional Catholic School, where folding chairs were set up faithfully every weekend by parishioners who showed up not just to attend Mass, but to build something together.
From Frederick Community College to McElroy Hall to the beautiful church that now anchors our campus — every step of that journey was made possible by a community that was creative, committed, and full of joy.
What became clear from the very beginning was that SKD was not just building a parish — it was building a family. The spirit of fellowship, friendship, and belonging that took root in those early days remains at the heart of everything we do today.
Under the founding leadership of Fr. Keith Boisvert, that family grew into something beautiful — a diverse, Eucharist-centered community that eventually built the church building that now anchors our campus at 8428 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, Maryland.
Our Home
Built for the Glory of God
The church building at 8428 Opossumtown Pike is more than a structure — it is a reflection of the people who built it. Every detail was chosen with intention, from the rose window and lunette that fill the nave with light, to the narthex flags that speak to the diversity of our community, to the statue of Saint Katharine Drexel that stands as a reminder of the mission that gives us our name.
As Fr. Keith likes to say — “We built a beautiful Church, and a really nice building as well.” The building serves the Church. The people are the real Church.
The story of how this community came together to dream, plan, fund, and build this space is documented in our parish book For the Glory of God — written by founding parishioners who lived every chapter of it firsthand.
A New Chapter
Journeying Forward in Hope
In 2024, Father Matthew Buening arrived at Saint Katharine Drexel as our new Pastor, bringing with him energy, warmth, and a bold vision for what this parish could become. Building on the strong foundation laid by Fr. Keith and the founding community, Fr. Matt has led SKD into an exciting new season of growth and renewal.
That same year, our parish embarked on a synodal journey — inviting every member of the community to reflect together on where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are going. Out of that process came our Pastoral Plan, a three-year roadmap shaped by the voices of our parish family and guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are a parish that has always been willing to try new things, to dream big, and to trust that God will provide. That spirit — planted at Frederick Community College, nurtured in McElroy Hall, and rooted in this beautiful building — is still very much alive at Saint Katharine Drexel today.
Be Part of Our Story
Everyone Belongs Here
From our earliest days at Frederick Community College to where we are today, Saint Katharine Drexel has always been a parish that makes room for everyone. Whatever chapter of your own story you’re in — you belong here.