Spring 1988
Bishop William H. Keeler forms a new parish to accommodate the rapid growth in Silver Spring Township.
July 14, 1988
A formal decree is issued creating the Catholic Parish in Silver Spring and naming Father James R. O’Brien as the founding pastor.
July 31, 1988
Bishop Keeler and Father O’Brien offer the first Mass in the parish, held in Silver Spring Fire Hall.
November 20, 1988
Mother Katharine Drexel is beatified by Pope John Paul II. On the next day, the Pope grants the request of Bishop Keeler to name the parish in Silver Spring Township as the first parish in the world named in honor of Blessed Katharine Drexel.
June 17, 1990
The parish breaks ground for the new church building.
May 4, 1991
Father O’Brien offers the first Mass in the new church. This Mass was the first First Holy Communion for the children.
September 8, 1991
Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo dedicates the church.
October 1, 2000
Pope John Paul II canonizes Saint Katharine Drexel. The church changes its name to reflect this.
June 13, 2002
Father Stephen D. Weitzel is named Pastor.
December 2002
The ground is broken for the new parish center.
November 7, 2004
The new parish center is dedicated.
April 28, 2007
The education and parish life center is named in honor of the founding pastor, Father James R. O’Brien.
July 28, 2013
The 25th Anniversary of the founding of the parish is marked by a special Mass and dinner celebration.
November 21, 2013
The 25th Anniversary commemoration is closed by a special Mass and reception. This also marks the 25th Anniversary of the naming of the parish in honor of Saint Katharine Drexel.
June 23, 2014
Father Michael P. Reid, II is named Pastor. Father Kenneth G. Smith is named Parochial Vicar.
June 2015
Father Kenneth G. Smith is named Pastor.
