CRS Rice Bowl donation a Lenten tradition

Published: February 24, 2017

The season of Lent is marked by many traditions among Catholics in the United States. Symbolized by its ubiquitous cardboard box, CRS Rice Bowl has been a tradition for generations of Catholics. Beginning in 1975 as a response to a growing famine in Africa, CRS Rice Bowl today shines a light on the Catholic community’s commitment to poor and vulnerable families. Their lives are improving in measurable ways through the humanitarian programs and services provided by Catholic Relief Services and the Church around the world.

In 2016 the Diocese of Little Rock raised $29,662 for poverty efforts in the state and around the world through CRS Rice Bowl. Twenty-five percent of the money remained in the state to assist low-income people through Catholic Charities of Arkansas. The remaining 75 percent went to support CRS’ humanitarian and development programs overseas, providing assistance to impoverished and vulnerable communities.

“CRS Rice Bowl is about people and the hope we have for each other. It’s about our ability to encounter our neighbors no matter where they live, to love them as God loves us,” said Joan Rosenhauer, executive vice president of U.S. operations for CRS. “At a time when there is so much conflict in the world, this Lenten program gives people of all ages a way to respond to human suffering with compassion and action.”

For more information on CRS Rice Bowl, visit crsricebowl.org or call Rebecca Cargile at (501) 664-0340.

Click for the Lent 2017 index