Archdiocese of Washington to Honor Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Annual Concert and Mass

January 16, 2014

HYATTSVILLE, Md. – Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Archdiocese of Washington’s annual Mass celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Before the Mass, the Archdiocese of Washington Mass Gospel Choir, directed by Kenneth Louis, will perform a special musical program. The choir also will provide the music for the Mass.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Concert and Mass
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014
Concert: 3 p.m.
Mass: 4:30 p.m.
Mount Calvary Catholic Church
6700 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747

This year’s theme is “Free at Last: True Freedom in the Spirit.” The celebration, co-sponsored by the archdiocese’s Office of Black Catholics, recognizes that all Christians are called to discipleship and how we can live the mission of Jesus Christ each and every day. This archdiocesan celebration of the life of Dr. King can be an inspiration to those who strive to live the Gospel message to care for our brothers and sisters. It is also a call for all people of good will to boldly proclaim the Good News by evangelizing at every opportunity.

This annual commemoration draws Catholics of all backgrounds from around the archdiocese. This Mass not only celebrates the memory of Dr. King, but also celebrates the rich history of black Catholics in the archdiocese.

In conjunction with the concert and Mass, the archdiocese’s Office of Black Catholics sponsors an essay competition open to eighth grade students in Catholic secondary schools. The essays are based on the theme of the celebration, and Cardinal Wuerl will present the winning students their awards at the Mass.

The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 96 Catholic schools, located in Washington, DC, and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

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