Lent invites us to look at the world with new eyes. As we walk with Christ, we begin to recognize him in the faces of our sisters and brothers around the world. When we see Christ in others, we are called to respond with love.
CRS Rice Bowl is a Lenten program that helps us put our faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As we learn about families facing hunger and poverty, we pray for their needs. We fast with intention, remembering those who do not have enough. And we give alms by placing our gifts in the Rice Bowl, trusting that even small sacrifices can make a big difference.
This Lent, we will meet families in Ethiopia, Honduras and Lebanon who are working hard to care for their children and build a better future. Like us, they want their families to be safe, healthy and full of hope.
Through their stories, we will see how simple things like clean water, education and ways to earn a living can help families build a better future. As daily burdens become lighter, new opportunities begin to grow. Parents can focus on their children's futures. Young people can learn and follow their dreams. Communities can work together to build a better tomorrow.
Their stories remind us that God calls us to care for one another and to help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Catholic teaching reminds us that gifts of the earth are meant for everyone. When we have more than we need, we are called to share with those who have less. Through CRS Rice Bowl, we practice this teaching by sharing what we have with families in need and by growing in compassion and solidarity with our global family.
May the stories we share this Lent help us recognize Christ in our global family and respond with prayer, sacrifice and generosity. May they inspire us to put our faith into action and care for our sisters and brothers in need as we prepare for Easter.
Let us pray:
God of mercy,
Open our eyes to people who hunger for food and stability.
Bless our prayers, fasting and almsgiving, and teach us to live with grateful hearts and generous hands.
Help us to share what we have, so our gifts uplift people today and create a loving world tomorrow.
Amen
The Impact of CRS Rice Bowl
Stories of Hope
A Story of Hope From Ethiopia
Clean water close to home is helping Fatuma’s family in Ethiopia grow food and dream of a brighter future.
A Story of Hope From Honduras
In Honduras, a mother and father are turning hard work, new skills—and strawberry farming—into a brighter future their daughter.
A Story of Hope From Lebanon
Through faith, family and the olive harvest, Zeina’s story shows how one community in Lebanon is holding on to hope amid hardship.
The Journey of a Rice Bowl Gift
Even the smallest Rice Bowl gift can become a powerful sign of God’s love, helping families around the world build brighter futures.
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Give to Change Lives
Your gifts to CRS Rice Bowl help families overcome the challenges of hunger and malnutrition. Make a gift that will transform lives and hep communities thrive.
