This year, all are invited to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events throughout the weekend of Jan. 15-16.

“Rooted in Love, Grounded in Peace, United in Justice,” is the theme for this year’s celebration weekend, which will begin with the 21st annual archdiocesan eucharistic service on Jan. 15 from 2-4 p.m. at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Atlanta.

Archbishop-designate Wilton D. Gregory will be the main celebrant of the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue. Bishop Dominic Carmon, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, La., will serve as the featured homilist for the Mass.

The third annual MLK youth and young adult celebration will be held Jan. 16 from 3-5 p.m. at the Shrine. The event will feature inspirational and moving musical, dance and oratorical performances by a diverse group of youth and young adults from a variety of races, cultural backgrounds and faith traditions. Father Jack Durkin, pastor of Christ Our Hope Church in Lithonia, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event.

Immediately following the youth and young adult service, there will be a “Living the Dream” social action reception. At the reception there will be an Atlanta History Center display on the life of King with historic newspapers and audio recordings. There will also be displays on HIV/AIDS, pro-life, social justice and vocations. During this time, college students from the Lyke House Catholic Center of Atlanta University Center will offer fun activities that focus on the legacy of King specifically for children ages 4 to 7 in the MLK Kids Corner.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Girl and Boy Scouts will be on hand to collect canned food that will be given to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

The Shrine is located at 48 MLK Jr. Drive.

For more information, contact the Office for Black Catholic Ministry at (404) 888-7848.