Courage for conversion: 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass
Brothers Christopher and Alex Demetriou of St. Maria Goretti Parish pose next to a portrait of MLK after the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church on January 18, 2025. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
ARLINGTON — Many words can be used to describe the exemplary attributes of a leader like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Courage, defined as “strength in the face of pain or grief,” is certainly one of them.
On Jan. 18, Bishop Michael Olson called on the faithful to demonstrate courage during the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice at St. Joseph Parish in Arlington.
During his homily, Bishop Olson recalled Dr. King’s own remarks about our need as Americans to resist cowardice even when acting alone: “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles. And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politically correct, nor popular, but one we must take because it is right.”
Bishop Olson reminded attendees that Dr. King believed real and lasting change only occurs when we open ourselves to God through Christ. By doing so, “we become new creatures,” King once said. “Only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit.”

“Time does not heal all wounds, only love heals all wounds,” added Bishop Olson. “What is needed by us for conversion and healing is the courage … to change our ways by following Jesus in word and deed on His Way of the Cross.”
The MLK Memorial Mass was organized by a committee comprising 18 parishioners from six churches in the diocese. Marian Sims, who assumed the role of chairwoman four years ago, has served on the committee since 2018. Her goal is to help the diocese remember the great works of Dr. King and bring his efforts to mind each year.
“I would like visiting parishioners to return to their home parishes with a sense of hope and inspiration,” Sims said. “Feeling hopeful about the potential for change and realizing that they have to do their part for a change to happen. And inspired to take action to strive for a more just society.”
Madeline Morrison, a previous long-time parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington, served as chairwoman of the committee for 16 years before moving to Lafayette, La. She returns every year to attend this Mass. “The life of Dr. King and his message of unity is still important today,” Morrison said. “We need to stay together in harmony. Racism is still alive, but we can get past it.”
Music during the Mass was provided by nearly 20 choir members and musicians from Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth and St. Joseph. Many of the songs featured a musical style that would have been familiar to Dr. King. Those in attendance watched reverent dancing during the Presentation of the Gifts and clapped along during some of the songs.
Donna Patrick is the director of liturgical music at Our Mother of Mercy Church. This was her first year serving as musical director for the MLK Mass. When deciding what songs to include, she said, “The first thing we do is pray.”
Another parishioner of Our Mother of Mercy Church, Marie Barks has participated in the MLK Mass choir for 15 years. “It is a blessing to do this, representing the only primarily African American church in the diocese,” she said. “We worship God and His holiness through songs we were raised on. It’s nice to be heard.”

Josephine Obe, a parishioner of St. Joseph since 2015, believes it important to “remember where the struggle began and what people ahead of us went through.” In doing so, one can “see how far we have come, what we have achieved, so that we will be in one accord and celebrate together,” she said. “We all have a dream, and we can’t let that dream die.”
Before the final blessing, Bishop Olson confirmed that Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory will be the celebrant for next year’s 40th MLK Memorial Mass. “It gives me warm feelings,” Sims said about the announcement. “I am super excited for him to come and speak to us.”
Winners of the Essay Contest:
At a reception following the Mass, the winners of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest were announced and presented with certificates. Youth from across the diocese participated in this year’s contest, including 100 students from Nolan Catholic High School. Reflecting the visions of Dr. King and Pope Francis, the essay topic was: How can I be a sign of hope?

Group 1 (4th-5th Grades)
- Noah Ventura, St. Martin de Porres, 1st Place
- Penelope Woods, St. Martin de Porres, 2nd Place
- Annabelle Cole, St. Maria Goretti, 3rd place
Group 2 (6th-8th Grades)
- Valerie Murphy, St. Joseph, 1st place
- Caleb Ward, St. Martin de Porres, 2nd Place
- Catie Schmidt, St. Maria Goretti, 3rd Place
Group 3 (9th-12th Grades)
- Anabelle Tenorio, Nolan, 1st Place
- Anna Sophia Heyne, Nolan, 2nd Place
- Ella Taylor, Nolan, 3rd place
Tola Lutz reacts to one of her daughters at the end of the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass on January 18, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)