Annual Mass to Honor the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 17, 2013

Cardinal Donald Wuerl will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Archdiocese of Washington’s annual Mass to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday, January 19, 2013
3:30 p.m. Concert
5:00 p.m. Mass
Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church
1601 West Harmony Road
Owings, MD

This year’s theme, “The Church: The Conscience of the State,” speaks to our call to work for the unity of all God’s people in a spirit of mutual respect.

Before the Mass, The Archdiocese of Washington Mass Gospel Choir, led by Nova Tate, will perform a musical program of spirituals, Gospel, and traditional Catholic music celebrating the common mission to work for social justice for all of God’s people. The choir will also provide the music for the Mass.

This annual commemoration draws Catholics of all backgrounds from around the archdiocese. This Mass will not only celebrate the memory of Dr. King, but also will celebrate the rich history of Black Catholics in the archdiocese. More can be found about the history of Black Catholics in the archdiocese in a new publication, “Blacks in Catholic History,” available at the Office of Black Catholics page.

This Mass is an ongoing acknowledgement of our call to discipleship. 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 event also celebrates the spirit of faithful witness to social justice issues that we are all called to be as we live the Christian life,” said Deacon Al Turner, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Black Catholics. “We celebrate the legacy of this martyr for the Gospel, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his willingness to stand up for the rights and the dignity of the human person. That is what Jesus teaches all believers to do.”

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 600,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 97 Catholic schools, located in Washington, DC and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

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