Abigail Yarrison ’24, Editor-in-Chief
This spring, Immaculata University’s Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Chapter will be participating in the CRS Rice Bowl Lenten faith-in-action program. CRS is an international humanitarian organization following Catholic social teaching to preserve the dignity of all human life by assisting the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS is working in 116 countries on five continents serving 193 million people through agriculture, emergency response, education, health, and more. CRS Rice Bowl is a chance for the Immaculata community to get involved and directly assist those in need.
During Lent, Catholics practice almsgiving, or giving money to those in need. IU’s CRS Chapter supplies cardboard recyclable boxes to fill with donations. Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and bills all can be put in the box. At the end of Lent, CRS collects the donations and distributes 75% of the collection overseas. Immaculata’s donations will be helping impoverished communities in Honduras, the Philippines, and Kenya. CRS sets goals for collection too. $60 provides fish for a pond to feed a family. $80 buys a goat for milk and income. $150 supplies a garden that feeds, nourishes, and provides income for a family.
CRS Rice Bowls are more than just collection boxes. Inside each box you’ll find a Lenten calendar with reflections for each of the 40 days of Lent. You’ll read about CRS Stories of Hope from around the world, and testimonies on how CRS has helped communities conquer hunger and desperation. Finally, you will receive simple meatless recipes from Honduras, the Philippines, and Kenya to cook during meatless Lenten Fridays–or any day of the week!
For the Immaculata community, Rice Bowls can be picked up in Campus Ministry Office and returned there at the end of Lent. Donations to CRS Rice Bowl can also be made through their website. Support your neighbors around the world. Donate to give another the gift of hope and health this Lenten season.
