Social Justice Ministry
GIVING SELFLESSLYRooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we are called to reach out to those in immediate need — and to address the deeper causes of that need.
Who We Are
Faith in Action
Our Social Justice Ministry is organized to help parishioners deepen their understanding of Catholic Social Teaching — and live it out. Living lives of discipleship means reaching out to those in immediate need, and addressing the societal injustices that give rise to that need. This is the work of every believer, not just a committee.
We offer opportunities for education, advocacy, and direct service across a wide range of issues — and we welcome people of all ages to get involved.
When We Meet
Wednesdays at 6:00 PM · Kate’s Café
Staff Contact: Brian McCrohan
Ministry Lead: Kathryn Welty
In Our Community
What We Do
Throughout the year our Social Justice Ministry coordinates collections, service projects, and community partnerships that put Catholic Social Teaching into action right here in Frederick and beyond.
October – May · Year-Round Support
Weekend food bags for food-insecure children at Yellow Springs Elementary School.
Students at Yellow Springs Elementary receive free or reduced-price lunches at school — but are often hungry over the weekend. Our Social Justice Ministry assembles food bags each week filled with easy, kid-friendly items and delivers them to the school. This effort runs October through May and is supported year-round by parishioner donations.
What's needed: Cereal, oatmeal, instant soup, Rice Krispies treats, raisin boxes, fruit snacks, mac n cheese, fruit cups, applesauce, pudding cups, tuna, juice boxes, cheese crackers, milk containers.
How to help: Drop off donations or make a cash donation at the Gift Card table any weekend at Mass.
Contact: Kathryn Welty
February · Emergency Family Shelter
Annual collection of household essentials and gift cards for Frederick's Emergency Family Shelter.
Each February our Social Justice Ministry coordinates a parish-wide collection for the Alan P. Linton Jr. Adult Emergency Shelter and the Emergency Family Shelter, run by the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs. Toiletries, household supplies, and gift cards (grocery stores, Target, Walmart) are collected and delivered.
Contact: Kathryn Welty
October · Domestic Violence Awareness
Gift card collection supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in Frederick.
During October — Domestic Violence Awareness Month — we collect gift cards for Heartly House, Frederick's shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Gift cards allow clients to purchase what they need most. Accepted cards: Walmart, Target, Sheetz, WaWa, TJ Maxx, Shell, Safeway, Giant, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Weis.
Donate online: HeartlyHouse.org
December · 41-Year Tradition
Supporting 150 inner-city Baltimore families through St. Gregory the Great Parish at Christmas.
For over 41 years SKD has partnered with St. Gregory the Great Parish in Baltimore to provide gift cards for groceries ($100 or more per family) and gifts ($25 or more per child) to 150 inner-city families at Christmas. Parishioners can adopt a family or make a monetary donation — all gift card purchases are made by the parish.
Contact: christmasbasket@saintdrexel.org
October · Christmas Gift Ministry
Filling shoe boxes with gifts for children in developing countries through Cross Catholic Outreach.
Box of Joy is an annual Christmas gift ministry organized by Cross Catholic Outreach. Parishioners pick up a shoe-size box, fill it with suggested gift items, and include a $9 donation for shipping. Last year Box of Joy blessed 135,567 children in 6 countries.
Contact: Brian Woerner (Knights of Columbus)
Year-Round · Recovery Support
Toiletry bags and encouragement for men and women released from jail or entering recovery in Frederick.
The Lazarus Project provides toiletry bags to men and women who are released from jail or entering recovery facilities in Frederick — including Gale House and Olson House. These individuals are often estranged from their families and arrive with little or nothing. A bag of toiletries is a small thing that says: people care about you.
Items needed: Shampoo, combs/brushes, hair ties, deodorant (no spray), soap, shaving cream, razors, laundry bags, nail clippers, fingernail files, bath towel, washcloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash (alcohol-free).
Contact: Brian Woerner (Knights of Columbus)
Lent · Catholic Relief Services
A Lenten observance of prayer, fasting, and giving in solidarity with the world's hungry.
Each Lent, SKD participates in the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program. Families pick up a Rice Bowl from the Narthex and use it at home — having one simple meal a week, praying about global hunger, and collecting donations throughout the season. Rice Bowl donations are collected at the end of Lent.
More info: crs.org/ricebowl
Advocacy & Education
Making Our Voices Heard
Social justice isn’t only about direct service — it’s also about understanding the root causes of injustice and using our voices to address them. These are the ways our ministry engages in advocacy and ongoing education.
Year-Round · Education & Awareness
Monthly observances and events celebrating and honoring the dignity of all people throughout the year.
Throughout the year our Racial Justice Ministry organizes events and observances to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the dignity and contributions of all people. Annual observances include Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month, Racial Justice Sunday, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.
Contact: Rosemary Allender
More Info Coming SoonYear-Round · Legislative Advocacy
An email network connecting Catholics directly with Maryland legislators on issues of concern to the Church.
The Maryland Catholic Advocacy Network alerts members to public policy issues of concern to the Church and connects them directly with legislators to make their voices heard. Sign up as an individual parishioner — it takes two minutes and keeps you informed on issues that matter.
Sign up: mdcatholic.org/joincan
Spring & Fall · Prayer Vigil
A peaceful, prayerful campaign of community prayer vigils held twice yearly in Frederick.
Twice a year SKD parishioners join the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil near Planned Parenthood at 170 Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick. Volunteers are asked to commit to just one hour — and there are always at least two people present for each hour. It is a peaceful, prayerful campaign.
When: Thursdays 12:00–1:00 PM during campaign periods
Contact: Brian McCrohan
More Info Coming SoonJanuary · Washington DC
Annual bus trip to the March for Life in Washington DC — free for parishioners, families welcome.
Each January SKD parishioners can ride the bus with Frederick County Right to Life to the March for Life in Washington DC. The bus departs from the Monocacy MARC Station parking lot. Families and children are encouraged to attend. There is no cost — donations accepted.
Organized by: Frederick County Right to Life
More info: frederickcountyrighttolife.org
More Info Coming SoonGet Involved
Justice Is Everyone’s Work
Whether you show up to pack food bags, donate to a collection, or simply sign up for the Catholic Advocacy Network — every act of justice matters. Come join us on Wednesdays and see where you fit.
