The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will once again join Catholics throughout the country by participating in Rice Bowl, an initiative of Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
This faith-in-action program provides a tangible way to incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into our Lenten journeys. It also illuminates our shared commitment to assist the poor and vulnerable in our region and around the world.
Three-quarters of all contributions to Rice Bowl will provide assistance to impoverished communities overseas. The remaining 25% will be used by Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) to combat hunger and poverty at home. Throughout the five-county metropolitan area NDS operates a network of over 50 food cupboards and outreach centers.
This year’s Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17 and concludes on Holy Saturday, Saturday, April 3.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia 46th Annual Rice Bowl Kickoff and Blessing
Resources for Participation in Rice Bowl
Below you will find links to Lenten resources from CRS.
- If you don’t have a CRS Rice Bowl, print the DIY Rice Bowl label and adhere it to a container.
- Each week, read and watch Stories of Hope and reflect with your family on how you can help our brothers and sisters around the globe.
- Use the Lenten calendar each day to practice the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
- Prepare simple meatless meals each Friday to observe Lenten fasting protocols.
How to Give to the Rice Bowl Collection:
At the conclusion of Lent, Rice Bowl donations may be sent to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Financial Services at 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
For more information, please contact Anne H. Ayella, director of the archdiocesan Catholic Relief Services office at aayella@archphila.org.