CRS Rice Bowl

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​We are Called to Pray, Fast, Learn and Give.

Lenten Alms Change Lives
CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in every diocese throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in roughly 45 different countries each year. 25% of all donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million.

What is a CRS Rice Bowl?
The iconic CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.
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​Stories of Hope
CRS Rice Bowl shares stories of hope from CRS’ work around the world. These stories are examples of the kinds of communities where the Lenten alms of participating US Catholics are changing lives. Each story is accompanied by a simple, meatless recipe that families are encouraged to prepare on Fridays during Lent.
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