Participate in Operation Rice Bowl During Lent

Catholic Relief Services offers a great program called Operation Rice Bowl during the Lenten Season for Catholic parishes to observe the three personal and collective actions of the season: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  

 

The concept is simple. Each year, Operation Rice Bowl invites us to pray with our families and faith communities; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn more about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas; and give sacrificial contributions to those in need.

Each Lent, nearly 13,000 faith communities across the United States participate to demonstrate solidarity with the poor around the world. Seventy-five percent of Operation Rice Bowl donations come to CRS to help fund development programs designed to increase food security around the world. Twenty-five percent of the donations support hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in dioceses within the United States.

The program helps many countries around the world, but efforts are highlighted in six countries.
 

While the program is designed for parish participation, you as an individual can also take part.  There are many resources available, including materials for families and individuals.  And there are opportunities to give. 

 

Operation Rice Bowl Prayer

We lift our prayers to you, God of Love, on behalf of our brothers and sisters in need. As we learn about their struggles, our almsgiving comes to their aid; our fasting unites us in their hunger. You call us to be disciples for all nations. Bless us this Lenten season. Amen.