Ministry Opportunities
Stewardship of Time & Talent
In an effort to help parishioners make thoughtful and appropriate decisions about offering their time and talent, we provide descriptions of all our ministries below. For each ministry, you can learn about who can volunteer, any special skills required, and descriptions of responsibilities.
After you have:
- studied these opportunities for involvement
- prayerfully reflected on your ability to commit time and talent to a ministry
- discerned an appropriate match with parish needs
Please complete:
- a Time and Talent Form (one for your entire family) and deliver to the parish office. We will forward your interest to the appropriate Ministry Leader who will be in touch to answer any questions.
- Volunteer Registration at www.virtus.org (one registration per family member)
- If you are volunteering with a ministry that has substantial contact with children, review and complete the requirements of the Child and Youth Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
If you have not heard from the Ministry Leader within two weeks of returning your parish registration and Stewardship of Time & Talent form, please call the Parish Office at 301-360-9581 or email us at skdadministration@saintdrexel.org. Thank you for your service in support of the mission of Saint Katharine Drexel parish.
Choose your Ministry:
Liturgy and Worship Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Altar Linens
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. Requires picking up soiled linens on assigned weekend after the 11:00 AM Mass and returning them (cleaned and pressed) the following weekend before the 5:00 PM Mass. Occasionally you will be asked to clean and press altar cloths (including those in the chapel).
Altar Servers
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 and efficiently.
When: Approximately one Mass every 4-6 weeks as assigned; plus initial training and ongoing formation sessions.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Adult Catechist)
Who: Adults who enjoy working with early elementary-aged children, teaching prayer and reflecting on the Word.
What: Share God’s Word with children and assist them in understanding it. Help prepare the children for full Mass participation after the fourth grade.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks; initial and ongoing training; CYP & VIRTUS training required.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Youth Assistant)
Who: Youth, 5th Grade and older, who are attentive and can be role models for younger children.
What: Assist the adult Children’s Liturgy of the Word leader in managing the children, including their safe and orderly passage between worship spaces.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks; initial and ongoing training, Worthy of the Call training for those 14 to 17.
Exposition of the Eucharist (Minister)
Who: Adult Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
What: Responsible for setting up and taking down for Exposition. Serve as Prayer Leader for the hour of exposition.
When: Ministers are asked to volunteer for one of our scheduled Expositions, usually one hour a week.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Who: Adults or Confirmed Youth who have a love and reverence for the Eucharist; You must have an ease in public settings; must be a Catholic in good standing who has received the sacraments of initiation which are Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist.
What: Efficiently and respectfully assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass when the priest is unavailable or needs additional help.
When: As assigned; initial training and ongoing formation sessions.
Kate’s Kids (Adult Catechist)
Who: Adults who enjoy working with pre-school aged children.
What: Provide an age-appropriate catechetical experience and instruction for young children during Mass time using provided teaching materials.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks, initial and ongoing training, CYP & VIRTUS training required, approximately one hour class preparation time at home (materials provided).
Kate’s Kids (Youth Assistant)
Who: Youth, 5th Grade and older, who enjoy playing with and caring for pre-school aged children.
What: Assist the adult leader in providing activities and in caring for the children.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks; initial training, Worthy of the Call training for those 14 to 17.
Kate’s Special Buddies (Adult Catechist)
Who: Adults who enjoy working with children, youth, & adults who are intellectually/developmentally disabled.
What: Provide a developmentally appropriate catechetical experience in a less restrictive environment for disabled parishioners during Mass time using provided teaching materials.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks, initial & ongoing training, CYP & VIRTUS training required, approximately one-hour class time and some preparation time at home (materials provided).
Kate’s Special Buddies (Youth Assistant)
Who: High School teens who enjoy interacting with the intellectually/developmentally disabled.
What: Assist the adult leader in providing lesson & activities in a warm, friendly, & caring environment.
When: One Mass every 4 weeks; initial training, Worthy of the Call training required.
Lector
Who: Adults and Youth (15 years and older) with a love for God’s Word and desire to study it more deeply; a clear speaking voice; ease speaking in public; dependable.
What: Ensure that the Scripture readings are proclaimed in such a way as to prompt careful examination and prayer-filled listening by the assembled faith community.
When: Approximately one Mass every 4 weeks; initial training; ongoing formation; personal time spent in study and reflection on the Word.
Liturgical Planning
Who: Adults with a special interest and/or expertise in liturgy.
What: Join others in visioning, planning, and implementing the seasonal celebrations of our weekend liturgies.
When: Monthly meetings, liturgical study and reading on own.
Music Ministry: Adult & Children’s Choirs, Youth Band, Instrumentalist, Cantor
Who: Talented Adults and Youth.
What: Lead the congregation in song and praise, and encourage musical participation by all present.
When: Adult Choir – Rehearsals every Tuesday from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Sing for one Mass a week from September-Pentecost. Members are also expected to sing at the 6:00 Christmas Eve Mass and on Easter Sunday morning.
Cantors – Rehearsals as needed. Cantors are scheduled for Masses as needed/requested, usually once or twice a month.
Children’s Choir – Rehearsals Sundays from 10:20 – 10:40. Sing one Sunday a month at the 11:00 mass. Members are also expected to sing at the 4:00 Christmas Eve mass, and the 12:00 Easter Sunday mass.
Instrumentalists – Rehearsals and Mass schedules vary.
Youth Band – Rehearsals Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:00.
Provide music for one Mass a month. Open to singers and instrumentalists in grades 7 and above.
Nursery (Adult Helper)
Who: Adults who enjoy playing with and caring for infants and toddlers.
What: Provide quality babysitting during Mass to allow parents to fully participate in the celebration of Eucharist.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks; initial training; CYP & VIRTUS training required.
Nursery (Youth Helper)
Who: Youth, 6th Grade and older, who enjoy playing with and caring for infants and toddlers.
What: Assist the adult caregiver in the nursery.
When: One Mass every 4-6 weeks, initial training, Worthy of the Call training for those 14 to 17.
Sacristan
Who: Adults with a caring eye for detail; organizational skills; outgoing personality; ability to manage people; and a desire to help “behind the scenes”.
What: Coordinate the various liturgical ministers at Mass and also welcome and assist parishioners participating in special events such as Baptisms and First Communions. Prepare the altar area with needed items.
When: One Mass every 3-4 weeks (arrive 30 minutes prior to Mass and remain a few minutes after Mass); initial training and ongoing formation.
Usher
Who: Families, couples, and individuals who have outgoing and warm personalities; an ability to see Christ in all people; dependability; desire to assist others and contribute to the smooth celebration of the Mass.
What: Offer hospitality to parishioners and guests by welcoming everyone with a smile and a greeting; distribute items needed for special events; discreetly assist with seating and the smooth flow of the liturgical ritual; be attentive to visitors and those with special needs, and offer weekly bulletins after Mass.
When: One Mass every four weeks (arrive 30 minutes before Mass and remain a few minutes after Mass); initial training and ongoing formation.
Video Ministry
Who: Technologically savvy youth and adults, with attention to detail.
What: Operate our LCD projector and computer during weekend Masses for displaying song lyrics, prayers, and other announcements. Training provided.
When: With a rotating crew, volunteers would work several Masses each month, arriving about 15 to 30 minutes prior to Mass.
Welcome Center
Who: Adults with a friendly, welcoming personality; dependability, familiarity with parish events and materials available.
What: Be available to welcome visitors and parishioners prior to and after Mass and answer questions regarding parish life. Help to generate interest in the parish and parish events. Responsible for collecting information from parishioners and others so there can be follow-up, as well as collecting money, as required, for books and other materials.
When: One Mass each month plus ongoing training.
Worship Environment
Who: Adults with a love for liturgy, a good sense of ritual, organizational skills, an eye for beauty and tasteful creativity with flowers, plants, fabric, etc.
What: Assist with planning and preparing seasonal decorations which enhance the atmosphere of hospitality and establish the mood for participation in the liturgy. Decorations include flower arrangements and live plants.
When: Varies by liturgical season, more time required during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. Occasional or ongoing commitments are welcome.
Formation and Sacramental Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Adult Faith Formation
Who: Adults with an understanding and appreciation of Whole Community Catechesis; a desire to learn, grow in discipleship, and support others on their journey of faith.
What: Evaluate current issues and options through various programs, and creatively envision and plan further ideas for community faith development.
When: Monthly meetings for visioning, planning, and implementing faith formation programs for adults; some sub-committee work between meetings.
Children & Youth Faith Formation: Catechist & Aide
Who: Adults who enjoy working with children. Experience is helpful, but not necessary.
What: Provide catechetical instruction for children or provide classroom assistance to a catechist.
When: Class time; preparation time; initial training; CYP & VIRTUS training required; and ongoing catechist formation.
Confirmation Preparation for Adults
Who: Adults with the ability to listen and help people feel at ease, and knowledge of Catholic teaching.
What: Participate in activities that provide opportunities for catechesis and formation for adult Catholics preparing for Confirmation.
When: Varies depending on need, typically no more than a six week commitment.
Confirmation Preparation for Youth: Catechist, Mentor, Volunteer
Who: Adults who enjoy working with youth; an ability to articulate faith in a credible way.
What: Varies depending on involvement but could include: Provide catechetical instruction for youth preparing for Confirmation or aid catechists; Accompany youth on retreat and pilgrimage; Assist youth with service activities; Mentor youth preparing for Confirmation.
When: Varies depending on involvement but could include: Class time; preparation time; one overnight retreat and day-long pilgrimage; initial training; CYP & VIRTUS training required; and ongoing catechist formation.
Infant Baptism Preparation
Who: Adults with an ability to comfortably share faith in a small group setting.
What: Lead parents in group discussions about their faith journeys, the meaning of Baptism, and the critical 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.
Peer Ministry (High School Teens)
Who: Confirmed mature high school teens willing to help other teens through sharing their faith.
What: Help plan and execute youth ministry events.
When: Varies depending on involvement but could include: youth groups, class time, preparation time, initial training, ongoing youth ministry formation, planning meetings; Worthy of the Call training required.
Reconciliation/First Eucharist Preparation
Who: Adults with a strong faith background who enjoy working with young children.
What: Lead one retreat activity designed for children preparing for sacraments.
When: One or two 2-hour retreats per year; CYP & VIRTUS Training required.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
For adults who are not baptized into a Christian faith or adults who are baptized Christians but have not received 1st Eucharist.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children (RCIC)
This program is for children over the age of 7 who have not been baptized.
Who: Adults with a mature faith, enthusiasm for our Catholic Tradition, ability to witness to the Gospel & share one’s of faith and prayer with a strong sense of community, ability to witness to the Gospel, love of the Catholic tradition, and good listeners.
What: Facilitate the process of welcoming new members into our Roman Catholic community through initiation sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist as applicable. May include leading formation sessions, leading prayer and scripture reflections, or providing hospitality.
When: Varies depending on volunteer’s availability. RCIA sessions are held weekly throughout the year. CYP & VIRTUS training are required for RCIC and RCIT.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens (RCIT)
This program is for children over the age of 12 who have not been baptized.
Who: Adults with a mature faith, enthusiasm for our Catholic Tradition, ability to witness to the Gospel & share one’s of faith and prayer with a strong sense of community, ability to witness to the Gospel, love of the Catholic tradition, and good listeners.
What: Facilitate the process of welcoming new members into our Roman Catholic community through initiation sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, as applicable. May include leading formation sessions, being a sponsor, leading prayer and scripture reflections, or providing hospitality.
When: Varies depending on volunteer’s availability. RCIA sessions are held weekly throughout the year. CYP & VIRTUS training are required for RCIC and RCIT.
Sponsor Couple for the Engaged (Marriage Preparation)
Who: Married couples with an ability to listen well and share experiences; an ability to provide hospitality to engaged couples in your home.
What: Help engaged couples prepare for sacramental marriage by sharing marriage experiences and insights.
When: Approximately 5 sessions in your home per couple. Schedule varies depending on demand and availability. Initial and ongoing training is provided.
Vacation Bible School (Adult Volunteer)
Who: Energetic and enthusiastic adults, who enjoy working with young children.
What: Lead/assist with activities and/or accompany a small group of children from activity to activity.
When: One week in the summer; CYP & VIRTUS training required.
Vacation Bible School (Youth Assistants)
Who: Youth, 6th grade and older, who will act as role models and mentors for young children.
What: Assist the adult leaders in providing activities for the children at VBS.
When: Five consecutive mornings during the summer and Worthy of the Call training for those ages 14 to 17.
Young Adult Ministry Team
Who: Adults or young adults who enjoy working with young adults, hospitality, organizational & advertising expertise, ability to collaborate.
What: Provide welcome and outreach to young adult Catholics in the parish, offer organizational support and direction, assist with planning and implementation of events at the parish and regional level and be willing to participate in young adult committee.
When: Approximately one organizational meeting every other month, attendance at monthly gatherings.
Youth Ministry Team: Adult Leadership, Volunteer, Catechist
Who: Adults who enjoy working with Middle School and High School aged youth; an ability to articulate faith in a credible way; additionally, there are chances to use or develop skills in team building, music and drama, leading prayer, sports, service, teaching, storytelling, camping, rafting, skiing, juggling (in other words, the sky is the limit!)
What: Varies depending on involvement, but could include: assisting with or running Youth Groups; planning and/or chaperoning activities in the areas of community service and social justice, prayer and worship, music and drama, social and recreational, or lock-ins and retreats; providing catechetical instruction for youth in our parish, helping with set up of space, social media or providing classroom assistance to a catechist; monthly planning meetings.
When: Varies depending on involvement but could include: youth groups, class time, preparation time, initial training, ongoing youth ministry formation, planning meetings; CYP & VIRTUS training required.
Small Faith Communities – VOLUNTEER NOW!
African Faith Community
Who: Anyone interested in sharing in the rich diversity of our Parish.
What: Organized by our African families to join together in community, in prayer, and in support of each other, and to welcome new African immigrant families into our parish. Members contribute their talents to our Music Ministry, and host events to share their culture and faith.
When: Twice-monthly meetings on Sunday afternoons.
Bensalem Group Facilitator
Who: Adults with an ability to lead a group, listen, pray, and share faith comfortably; an inviting and welcoming personality, willingness to prepare for gatherings.
What: Facilitate small faith community gatherings. Essential elements include sharing, learning, mutual support, prayer, and mission.
When: Most groups meet periodically for about one to two hours. Preparation for facilitation may take additional time; initial and ongoing training.
Christian Family Movement
Who: Parents interested in connecting with other parish families.
What: Facilitate a Christian Family Movement group of 4-6 families bringing parents together for faith sharing.
When: Monthly as scheduled by the facilitator and the family group.
Outreach Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Environmental Stewardship
Who: Anyone who can do light physical work and those that can plan events
What: Maintain our Adopt-a-Road, maintain the rain gardens, plan for recycling efforts, and take care of the planet
When: varies
Food Bank & Clothing Collection
Who: Families and individuals able to carry groceries and clothing; dependable; 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.
Haiti Committee
Who: Adults with an interest in strengthening our relationship with our sister parish in Haiti.
What: Regular planning meetings to oversee the sister parish partnership and maintain connection with their leadership and community. Planning for future delegation visits.
When: Monthly meetings.
Inclusion Project
Who: Young adult, adult and seniors from diverse backgrounds desiring to share and learn from the spiritual gifts of others, to lead or to follow.
What: To build and sustain a vastly diverse and more inclusive God-centered community through fellowship, positive social interactions, community service and most importantly, prayer.
When: Group meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 10:15 AM to 10:50 AM in the Narthex Parlor.
Saint Vincent DePaul Society
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 them with emergency needs at the ministry office located in downtown Frederick, at Saint John the Evangelist.
When: 1-2 days/six weeks; monthly meetings; initial training.
Social Justice
Who: Adults and Youth with a passion for social justice and an understanding heart.
What: Plan and implement parish projects that promote peace & social justice in the local community and the world.
When: Varies by project; monthly planning meetings.
Social Activities – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Coffee & Donuts (a Kate’s Café Ministry)
Who: Families and individuals who are friendly and dependable.
What: Pick-up donuts, set-up, make coffee, and clean-up for this social hour between Masses each Sunday in the Narthex (Kate’s Café).
When: Eight Sundays per year; arrive by 8:30 am for set-up, typically finished by 10:30 am.
Holy Spirits (a Kate’s Café Ministry)
Who: Adults who are friendly and dependable.
What: Set-up for monthly tastings of adult beverages (non-alcoholic options always available) including wine, sangria, or home brewed beer, and clean-up after this social hour following the 5:00 PM Mass, which occurs on one Saturday each month in the Narthex (Kate’s Café).
When: Two to three Saturdays per year; arrive by 4:30 pm for set-up, typically finished by 7:00 pm.
Social Activities
Who: Adults who are dedicated to building our community.
What: Promote a strong sense of being a welcoming parish community through the coordination of fun and faith-filled activities for all ages including our Parish Picnic, Volunteer Appreciation Party, Team Trivia Challenge, Variety Show, and Pentecost Breakfast among other events.
When: Varies depending on volunteer’s availability; quarterly planning meetings.
Caring Connections Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Bereavement Ministry
Who: Caring adults who have a strong desire to help and comfort others prior to, during and after the loss of a loved one.
What: To share God’s love with those parishioners who are experiencing grief because of the loss of a loved one.
When: As needed.
Elder Outreach
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.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Homebound and Nursing Homes
Who: Adults or Confirmed youth who would be empathetic and compassionate; can be a good listener and sensitive to the person’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
What: Catholic lay ministers appointed to become the link between the parish community and the members who are sick and homebound by visiting and bringing the Eucharist to those who cannot be present at Mass.
When: As your schedule permits; initial training and ongoing formation sessions; CYP and VIRTUS training may be required.
Health Care
Who: Adults with experience and education in health-related fields, especially Nursing.
What: Semi-annual opportunities to assist at the celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at weekend Masses; provide activities to enhance the health and well-being of parishioners and serve the wider community, such as Blood Pressure Screenings, Blood Drives etc.
When: Semi-Annual meetings; volunteer as activities require.
Helping Hands
Who: Adults who can provide a caring presence to parishioners in need.
What: Provide personal aid to parishioners for short-term needs, which may include transportation to Mass or a doctor’s appointment, running errands, sitting with the ill or elderly, providing respite care, a meal or light housekeeping.
When: As needed, based on the volunteer’s availability.
Nursing Home Ministry
Who: Adults who have a love for our senior members, who are comfortable praying with others, are good listeners, and can support those struggling with their health.
What: Visiting and bringing the Eucharist to Catholics living in area nursing and rehabilitation centers within our parish; assisting in bringing Catholic residents from their rooms for monthly Masses; facilitating other supportive activities.
When: Weekly visiting and monthly Masses; other specially scheduled events.
Building and Grounds Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Cemetery Committee
Who: Adults with an interest in cemetery development and management, as well as parish prayer gardens.
What: Assist in organizing maintenance and developing a Master Plan for future development of our parish cemetery area as a prayer garden, including a columbarium, labyrinth, and preserving the current graves and burial markers.
When: Quarterly meetings.
Property Management Committee
Who: Adults with a background in Property Management and/or reviewing contracts, landscape plans, etc.
What: Oversee Church and Office property needs including Master Planning, project review, and scheduled maintenance.
When: Bi-monthly meetings of approximately two hours.
Rain Garden/Landscaping Committee
Who: Adults with love of outdoors; green thumb optional; and interest in seeing grounds continuously beautified.
What: Organize manpower to maintain Parish & School grounds; plan for future gardening, and landscaping opportunities. Organize volunteers for hands-on gardening and weeding.
When: The need for labor will occur primarily in the spring and fall, weeding as needed and planning meetings when necessary.
White Glove Ministry
Who: Adults who desire to assist with keeping our sacred space clean.
What: Perform light dusting, sweeping, and general housekeeping in the church building.
When: Once a month for about 1-1.5 hours.
Office and Administration Ministries – VOLUNTEER NOW!
Finance Committee
Who: Adults, who will be selected by Pastor, possessing background in accounting, banking, finance or business ownership.
What: Serve as advisor to the Pastor in preparing the annual parish budget and reviewing our progress during the year. Positions are filled as needed by the Pastor.
When: Quarterly meetings or as needed.
Financial Stewardship Committee
Who: Adults who are committed parishioners, who have a passion for the mission of the Church, and who model sacrificial giving in their own lives.
What: Study parishioner giving patterns; create plans for developing the resources needed for our parish to fulfill its stated mission; organize and make available various methods for parishioner giving.
When: Quarterly meetings.
Office Volunteers
Who: Adults who are welcoming and friendly, with pleasant phone skills, and are comfortable in an office environment, with photocopier, fax, etc. Computer skills are a plus!
What: Help the parish office run smoothly by answering and placing phone calls, greeting visitors, preparing parish mailings, data input to parish software systems, assembling craft activities for children’s ministries, etc.
When: Varies by need and the volunteer’s availability; initial and ongoing training.
Pastoral Council
Who: Adults and confirmed youth, elected by parishioners, who have an ability to lead, possess strategic planning skills, ability to collaborate, contribute “time, talent, and treasure”, willing to engage in ongoing training and personal development, and have a depth of spirituality.
What: Act as an advisor to the pastor. Provide guidance on the creation, implementation, and evaluation of annual parish goals.
When: Three-year term with monthly meetings; occasional work between meetings.
Website/Social Media
Who: Adults and teens with an understanding of Website development and design; Social Media; or interest in writing and/or photography.
What: Assist in maintaining parish website and Social Media pages, providing pictures and narrative from parish events, and sharing all that is happening in our parish to inform and welcome the wider community.
When: Varies depending on volunteer’s availability and skills.
