Fifty members of Catholic Charities Junior Board are expected to attend Mass together followed by a brunch and lecture by noted musician and witness to the civil rights movement, Rev. Dr. Lena McLin, on Sunday, April 20.

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of the death of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., this month, the Junior Board welcomes McLin’s first-hand, faith-based account of the impact that King has had on her life, her faith and her music. McLin was a childhood friend of the King family before moving to Chicago to live with her uncle, Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey, the "Father of Gospel Music."

Mass will be celebrated at 11:30am in the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel, 721 N. LaSalle Street, by Fr. Wayne Watts, Associate Administrator for Catholic Charities. Brunch will be held immediately following in Vincent Hall featuring a musical performance and discussion with McLin and several of her choir members. McLin has composed over 400 songs, founded a black opera company, written a history of music for young people and promoted the use of music as a vehicle for faith development.

Also, as a music teacher at the Kenwood Academy for over 35 years, she taught stars such as Mandy Patinkin, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and many others. Through the event, the Junior Board aims to recognize the diverse array of faith traditions of its members and of those that Catholic Charities helps on a daily basis.

The Catholic Charities Junior Board is an organization of young adults committed to promoting the compassionate works of Catholic Charities and becoming leaders in the church through effective community action, including volunteer service, social fundraising, and theological exploration. The group’s 244 active members organize events to support Catholic Charities’ programs through innovative, collaborative projects that complement the social services of the agency.

If you would like more information about the event, please contact Michael McDonnell, Junior Board Manager, at 312-655-7768 www.catholiccharities.net/jrboard.

Now in its 90th year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is the largest private, not-for-profit social service agency in the Midwest, annually assisting 1.1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities