Saint Katharine Drexel (Diocese of Harrisburg)
| Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Katharine Drexel |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Harrisburg |
| Deanery: | West Shore Deanery |
| Address: | 1 Peter Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 |
| Coordinates: | 40.22, -77.0068 |
| City: | Mechanicsburg, PA |
| Subdivision: | Pennsylvania |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Cumberland County |
| Website: | https://www.skdparish.com/ |
| Founded: | 1988 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@skdparish.com |
Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Harrisburg, located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to Saint Katharine Drexel, the twentieth-century American heiress and foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament—canonized on October 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II for her lifelong dedication to education and evangelization among Native American and African American communities—the parish serves a suburban community in Cumberland County.
Established in 1988, the parish was the first church in the world named in honor of then-Blessed Katharine Drexel, coinciding with her beatification process. The current church building was dedicated on September 8, 1991. As of December 21, 2025, Saint Katharine Drexel continues to offer regular Masses, faith formation programs, and ministries reflecting the charism of its patroness, including community service and support for those in need.
The parish community seeks to emulate Saint Katharine's commitment to justice, education, and missionary discipleship.
History
Saint Katharine Drexel Parish was established in 1988 by the Diocese of Harrisburg in response to growth in the Mechanicsburg area.[1]
The first Mass was celebrated on July 31, 1988, at the Silver Spring Fire Company, presided over by Bishop William H. Keeler. The parish was named in honor of Blessed Katharine Drexel (beatified in 1988), making it the first church worldwide dedicated to her.[2]
The current church was dedicated on September 8, 1991, by Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo.[3]
The parish supports religious education programs but does not operate its own school. It hosts the Knights of Columbus Council 13100 and engages in charitable activities.
Special features
- Annual Pet Blessing and community events reflecting care for creation
- Ministries inspired by Saint Katharine Drexel's charism, including service to the marginalized
- Active Knights of Columbus council supporting parish and diocesan initiatives
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The church, dedicated in 1991, features design aimed at fostering reverence and community fellowship.
Art and devotional features
Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Devotional elements focus on Saint Katharine Drexel, reflecting her life of service and prayer.
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Related parishes
- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
- Saint Joseph Catholic Church (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania)
References
- ↑ "Saint Katharine Drexel - Mechanicsburg". Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/saint-katharine-drexel-mechanicsburg/.
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Katharine Drexel Parish. https://www.skdparish.com/parish-history.
- ↑ "Parish History". Saint Katharine Drexel Parish. https://www.skdparish.com/parish-history.