Human Dignity and Solidarity

CRS Rice Bowl

CRS Rice Bowl is an annual Lenten program created for parishes, schools, and families to engage in global solidarity, raising funds for CRS' international work, but more importantly, building bonds with, learning about and praying for people all over the world. CRS Rice Bowl is so much more than a simple tool for almsgiving — it is a way to connect with the worldwide Church.

Each year, CRS highlights stories from five different countries – in 2017, we will learn more about Iraq, Nicaragua, Burkina Faso, Haiti, and Malawi. During each week of Lent, we have the opportunity to hear stories from families in each country, enjoy delicious meatless recipes, and pray for our brothers and sisters as we reflect on our own daily choices.

At the conclusion of Lent, parishes and schools should send their Rice Bowl contributions to:
Catholic Relief Services
Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity
3525 South Lake Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60653

2018 CRS Rice Bowl Remittance Form (Word) (PDF)

Chicago-area parishes and organizations receive 25% of the donations from CRS Rice Bowl. These funds alleviate poverty in our local communities. Imago Dei, one of our local Rice Bowl grantees, is featured as one of CRS’ Stories of Hope. (Link)

Not currently a CRS Rice Bowl parish or school? Click here to participate in Rice bowl during Lent 2018.

CRS Rice Bowl Grants

25% of Rice Bowl donations collected within the Archdiocese of Chicago stay local to fund projects that emulate the mission and vision of Catholic Relief Services. In addition to international emergency aid, CRS has numerous initiatives that promote long-term solutions to poverty and hunger overseas, such as projects focused on restorative justice, agricultural development, micro-lending, fair trade enterprises, and hunger prevention initiatives. Parishes and organizations are invited to apply for a grant – individual awards will range between $1,000 and $5,000 for the 2018-2019 cycle. Over $72,000 in grants were distributed during the 2017-2018 cycle.

The application window for the 2018-19 Rice Bowl Grant program has closed. Please contact Ryan Lents at rlents@archchicago.org to learn more about the grant program and to apply in 2019.