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 – our brothers and sisters. Their lives are improving in meaningful, measurable ways through the humanitarian programs and services provided by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Catholic Church around the world.
The Diocese of San Bernardino has a track record of strongly supporting CRS Rice Bowl. In fact, the nearly $114,000 contributed last year was the 14th highest among all 195 dioceses in the United States.
This year, CRS Rice Bowl provides a path for Catholics in the United States to build what Pope Francis calls “a culture of encounter.” By following the daily Lenten calendar, sharing the weekly stories of hope, and making the meatless meals, participants will follow a personal journey that leads to us seeing ourselves in the faces of our neighbors, cultivating a spirit of global solidarity and encountering God’s love anew.
Pope Francis told Catholic leaders that the “ability to see yourselves in the faces of others, this daily proximity to their share of troubles and their little acts of heroism: this is what enables you to practice the commandment of love, not on the basis of ideas or concepts, but rather on the basis of genuine interpersonal encounter.”
“We do not love concepts or ideas,” the Pope said. “We love people.”
“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.”
CRS Rice Bowl is global in its reach, bringing tangible goods and services to people in need around the world. Twenty-five percent of all contributions stay in local dioceses to support hunger and poverty prevention programs such as community gardens, food pantries, soup kitchens, support groups, and job centers. The remaining 75% goes to support CRS’ humanitarian and development programs overseas, providing life-saving assistance and hope to impoverished and vulnerable communities.
This year’s weekly Lenten features are:
Week 1: Encounter the Singh Family from East India
Serve this simple meal from India: Dalma with spinach/Vegetable stew.
Week 2: Encounter Evelina from Zambia
Serve this simple meal from Zambia: Ifisashi/Peanut stew over polenta.
Week 3: Encounter Fernando from El Salvador
Serve this simple meal from El Salvador: Pupusas with cheese/Cheese stuffed tortillas.
Week 4: Encounter Maria from Mexico
Serve this simple meal from Mexico: Arroz rojo/Red rice.
Week 5: Encounter Dita from Ethiopia
Serve this simple meal from Ethiopia: Injera with atkilt wat/Cabbage wotj crepes.
Week 6: Encounter Our Neighbors from the Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii representing the local use of CRS Rice Bowl alms given in each U.S. diocese.