What is Operation Rice Bowl?


Operation Rice Bowl is the lenten solidarity program of Catholic Relief Services.  Through the Eucharist we have a Spiritual connection with all humanity.  Operation Rice Bowl connects our lenten activities to our brothers and sisters in need world wide.

We  pray  as a community,  fast in solidarity with those who are hungry, and  give assistance to those in need, while we  learn about the joys and challenges in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world.

What is CRS Rice Bowl?

Celebrating over 40 years, CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services lenten program for families and faith communities in the United States who want to put their faith into action. Through CRS Rice Bowl, participants are invited to hear stories about their brothers and sisters in need around the world, and devote their lenten prayers, fasting and alms to change the lives of those who suffer in poverty.  Participants journey through the 40 days of lent with a collection of daily reflections and activities.

How did it all begin? 

Over 40 years ago Catholics in the United States wanted to respond to famine in Africa.  Could people who were hungry and starving be helped through lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving? The answer was yes and the help came in the form of a small cardborad box, marking the beginning of Operation Rice Bowl in parishes in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Today CRS Rice Bowl is a tradition for millions of Catholics in the U. S. who employ the Lenten pillars of praying, fasting and almsgiving to change the lives of others while enriching their own.

In 1976 Operation Rice Bowl was adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a ntional program.  In 1977 they voted to make Operation Rice Bowl the official program of Catholic Relief Services.

What is a CRS Rice Bowl?

It is a homemade cardboard box as used as a tool to collect lenten almsgiving  -  The Rice Bowls will be given to the CCD childrens on Sunday February 23rd and they need to be returned on Palm Sunday, which is April 5th.  Also, there will  be Rice Bowls in the back of the Church after all the Masses