This morning, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia kicked off its 46th annual Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Rice Bowl initiative, the nationwide Lenten program that gives people of all ages a way to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Rice Bowl will officially begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, and conclude on Holy Saturday, April 3.
The kickoff took place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center with due respect for and adherence to guidelines set forth by governmental health agencies.
The Most Rev. John J. McIntyre, auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, presided over the blessing of Rice Bowls. Anne H. Ayella, CRS Diocesan director; James Amato, secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Lizanne Hagedorn, executive director of Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS); and B.J. Brown, pastoral associate, Old St. Joseph Church (Philadelphia) whose parish’s food cupboard benefits in part from Rice Bowl contributions, were in attendance and offered brief remarks about Rice Bowl’s impact locally and globally.
Three-quarters of all contributions to Rice Bowl support CRS’ humanitarian response and development programs in nearly 100 countries where CRS operates. The remaining 25% stays within this area and benefits NDS’ hunger and poverty alleviation efforts throughout the five-county metropolitan area through its network of over 50 food cupboards and outreaches.
In 2020, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia raised $213,777.68 through Rice Bowl with approximately 75% of the funds, or $160,333.26, supporting CRS and 25% of the funds, approximately $53,444.42 supporting NDS’ efforts to combat hunger and poverty.
To view the broadcast, visit the Archdiocese on Facebook.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
