Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with "Keep the Dream Alive" Mass & Awards Ceremony

Award Recognizes Contemporary Heroes for their Commitment to Reducing Poverty

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington honored Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting awards to contemporary heroes working to keep his dream alive.

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Hundreds of people attended the third annual "Keep the Dream Alive" Mass & Awards ceremony, which took place at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. 

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA said, "I can think of no better way to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy than by honoring individuals who keep his dream alive through their advocacy and service to the poor."

CCUSA presented "Keep the Dream Alive" awards to USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon, Former D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, and former CCUSA Board Member Janet Pape for their advocacy and poverty reduction work.

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington's "Faith Does Justice" Award was presented to local television anchor Andrea Roane.

"While Dr. King's inspiring life, built on the strength of his convictions and his sense of justice, made a tremendous difference to our nation, we know there is still much work to do," said Msgr. John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. "However, as we remember Dr. King, there's no better moment to look around and celebrate those among us who are carrying on his work in so many different ways today."

Following the event, more than 50 individuals volunteered with women who reside at the Harriet Tubman Women's Emergency Shelter in southeast D.C.  Volunteers worked one-on-one with women on an art project designed to allow clients to express their dreams and what Dr. King means to them.

For additional information about today's event, including pictures and information on the awardees, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

About Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities US is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing.

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington meets the most pressing human needs, serving tens of thousands of people annually through 77 programs in 53 locations throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George's, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's Counties in Maryland. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesDC.org. 

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA