Ash Wednesday is February 22, marking the start of our Lenten journey and the annual tradition of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowls. Through this project our prayer, fasting and almsgiving can help to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world.
How to Participate
Many parishes and schools around the Archdiocese are participating in Rice Bowl. Check with yours to pick up your Rice Bowl, which includes a calendar with prayers and other ideas for incorporating Rice Bowl into Lent.
If you prefer giving virtually, you can also contribute online on our team page.
Stories of Hope
Each year Rice Bowl focuses on three countries where CRS works. This year’s Stories of Hope take place in Honduras, the Philippines, and Kenya. The stories each week help us to live in solidarity with families around the world.
Meatless Meals
The featured recipes, which can be used when abstaining from meat, also come from the countries named above. They have been added to the previous year’s recipes to give you a plethora of ideas for meatless Fridays.
Why Take Part in Rice Bowl
Rice Bowl supports the work of CRS in more than 100 countries around the world. This includes ongoing programs in agriculture, education, microfinance, peacebuilding, and other areas. CRS also responds to natural disasters and other emergencies, such as the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
In addition, 25 percent of funds collected stay local, supporting programs that address hunger in our local communities.
Still Have Questions?
Visit the Rice Bowl website for many additional resources. You can also contact us at the Office of Human Life & Dignity to learn more.
Cover photo: Loraine and Kate Enecillo feed the fish at their fishpond in Northern Samar, Philippines. Photo by Geela Garcia for Catholic Relief Services.
