Those small, yet familiar boxes that are symbols of hope to some of the neediest people in the area as well as worldwide are popping up in churches and schools.
Catholics Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is once again participating in the annual Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl program, which is CRS’ Lenten faith-in-action program.
Families can participate by filling up the Rice Bowl during Lent and turning it in on Easter Sunday, according to CCDBR Communications Coordinator Catherine Weidert. She said there are numerous resources on CRSRiceBowl.org, where one can read stories of hope, learn new Lenten recipes and bring Lent to life at home.
“This program is really a great way for those who want to help our neighbors both locally and globally,” Weidert said. “With 25 percent of the proceeds staying in the diocese area, we are able to help prevent homelessness through programs like Sanctuary for Life for pregnant homeless women and help resettle Afghan refugees who arrive here after traumatic experiences in their home country.”
“We are so grateful for parishioners, families, students and schools that participated in previous years,” she added. “It really is a great opportunity to reflect on what the Lenten season is about: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are called to care for those who are less fortunate and who are suffering; Rice Bowl is a wonderful way to do that.”
Internationally, Weidert said putting a dollar a day into a Rice Bowl box will provide one month of food for a family or two years of seed for a farmer.
Parishioners should check with their church to see if they’re participating. If not, they can visit CRSRice Bowl.org/order to order Rice Bowl boxes and/or can donate directly online at CRSRiceBowl.org. Or they are welcome to stop by Catholic Charities if they just need a few.
Additionally, churches will often place a bulletin announcement and the pastor will use his homily to discuss the drive.
Rice Bowl began more than 40 years ago when Catholics in the United States organized relief efforts to respond to famine in Africa. The help came in the form of a small cardboard box in 1975, which was the genesis of Operation Rice Bowl, in church parishes in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted Operation Rice Bowl in 1976 and one year later made the decision to make it an official program of CRS.
In its first 40 years, CRS Rice Bowl generated more than $250 million in donations.
Additional resources for families, dioceses, educators, parish leaders and young people can be found on the crsricebowl.org and crsplatodearroz.org websites.