Dioceses
Help parishes, schools and families in your diocese deepen their participation in the Body of Christ this Lent through CRS Rice Bowl. Use these free resources to promote CRS Rice Bowl, invite communities to participate and support Lenten engagement through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Why Participate in CRS Rice Bowl?
CRS Rice Bowl helps dioceses bring the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to life while supporting people experiencing hunger and poverty in local communities and around the world.
Deepen Lenten Engagement Across Your Diocese
CRS Rice Bowl provides parishes, schools and families with faith formation resources that help Catholics live by the pillars of Lent and connect their faith with the needs of our global family.
How CRS Rice Bowl Makes an Impact
Get Ready for Lent in Four Steps
Prepare your community for CRS Rice Bowl in four simple steps.
- Invite Parishes and Schools to Participate: Use adaptable communications to encourage participation across your diocese.
- Promote CRS Rice Bowl: Share resources that help communities learn about and engage with CRS Rice Bowl during Lent.
- Prepare for Collections and Reporting: Review collection procedures and reporting guidance before Lent begins.
- Thank Your Community: Use thank-you resources to share your community’s impact and express appreciation.
Communications Toolkit
Find editable letters and communication tools to invite parishes and schools to participate in CRS Rice Bowl this Lent.
Sample Letter to Parishes
Download this editable letter to send to parish leaders, inviting their communities to participate in CRS Rice Bowl this Lent.
Sample Letter to Schools
Download this editable letter to send to school leaders or directors of religious education, inviting their communities to participate in CRS Rice Bowl this Lent.
Bishop's Endorsement Letter
Your bishop can adapt this letter and send it to parishes and schools in your diocese to invite them to participate in CRS Rice Bowl.
Promotional Resources
Use these resources to help parishes, schools and families learn about CRS Rice Bowl and stay engaged throughout Lent.
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Online Giving for Parishes and Schools
Provide parishes and schools with a simple way to accept CRS Rice Bowl donations online. Participating communities can customize community giving pages and share them with parishioners, families and supporters throughout Lent.
Appreciation Resources
Celebrate the generosity of parishes, schools and families in your diocese with resources that help you say thank you and share the impact of their participation.
Bishop's Thank You Letter
Your bishop can adapt this letter to thank parishes and schools for participating in CRS Rice Bowl.
Thank You Video
Share this appreciation video to thank parishes, schools and families in your diocese for participating in CRS Rice Bowl.
Certificate of Appreciation
Download this certificate to congratulate and thank parishes, schools and families for participating in CRS Rice Bowl.
Additional Planning Resources
Planning Timeline
Looking for a longer-range planning tool? Download the CRS Rice Bowl Planning Timeline that includes important dates about orders, revenue and reporting.
Collection and Revenue Reporting
Clear collection and reporting guidance helps parishes, schools and diocesan offices close Lent smoothly and ensure CRS Rice Bowl gifts are used efficiently to support people experiencing poverty.
Collection Process
Learn how parishes, schools and diocesan offices can collect and submit CRS Rice Bowl contributions to Catholic Relief Services.
CRS Collection vs. CRS Rice Bowl
Learn about the difference between the CRS Collection and CRS Rice Bowl.
Revenue Reporting Form
For diocesan offices only: Complete this form by July 31 to report your diocese’s CRS Rice Bowl donations to CRS.
Stewardship Policy and Managing the 25%
Learn how to explain revenue stewardship and manage the local 25% of CRS Rice Bowl contributions in your diocese.
Give Your Lenten Alms
When you give to CRS Rice Bowl, you help families around the world overcome hunger and poverty. Thank you for spreading hope and changing lives this Lent.