Parish Feature
by Liz Engum

How many of you have been asked why you want to be a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish? I’ve been asked this question on numerous occasions. For me, being a part of St. Katharine Drexel Parish is an honor. I often tell others that we are building more than a church—we are building a strong Catholic community, where everyone has a place at the table of the Lord. 

Recently, I took the time to ask some other members of St. Katharine Drexel Parish what they enjoy about our parish community. Although I received several different responses, varying from being a charter member to the small parish size, the importance of community was definitely there. One of the comments I heard was that people know more faces when they go to Mass, that they feel like they were with family and friends, more than just a face in the crowd. Others said they feel like they have to be more involved because they know it will take every member’s help to build our church. One of the youth from our parish said she thought it will be neat to one day tell her grandchildren that she helped establish our parish.

Personally, I feel it is a privilege to be a charter member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish. When I go to Mass every weekend, I know that I am a part of something much bigger than myself. I love looking around and seeing all of the familiar faces. It is so awesome that so many people are getting involved in the building process. There are so many opportunities to get involved at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, making it easy for everyone to find a talent to share. From helping out at Mass, to serving on a committee, to praying for our parish, everyone can help.

There are times that I wish we already had a beautiful church to worship in, but then I remind myself of the true reason I love being a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish. It’s the community, the people who come together at the Eucharist as the Body of Christ. In being a part of building a building, I have come to learn that it’s more important to build a community first. Many of the charter members will never forget the first Mass at the O’Gorman Junior High gym or Good News Reformed Church. They know that a church is more than a building—it’s the fellow parishioners who come together to form a community. I hope that you, too, feel privileged to be a part of the building of the community of St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

Note From the Parish of St. Katharine Drexel:

If you are searching for a community to be a part of, please know that St. Katharine Drexel welcomes you with open arms.  Maybe you’ve never belonged to a parish family before, or maybe it’s been years since you attended Mass.  I know that you will feel the warmth of God’s love when you come worship with us.  Please go to our website to learn more about St. Katharine Drexel Parish.