Grilled pork chops will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday during the ninth-annual Pork Chop Chow Down at the Newman Catholic Student Center.

The dinner, being held during NIU’s Family Weekend, allows students and their families to meet other families.

The Rev. Steve Knox, who’s also director of the Newman Center, expects about 375 people to attend the event.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to spend some time with the Newman community and have a delicious meal,” Knox said. “It’s also a chance for parents to see where their students go to church.”

For $8 per person, participants will have a meal that includes a pork chop, baked beans, a baked potato, apple sauce, a homemade dessert and a beverage.

“The event brings families together and lets them celebrate Mass together,” Lisa Weidner, an elementary education major, said. The Mass will be held before the dinner.

To purchase tickets for the Pork Chop Chow Down, call the Newman Center at 787-7770. Frozen pork chops are available for $4 each. Participants also will receive a coupon at the door for 20 percent off all gift items at the Newman Bookstore for that evening.