Solidarity will transform the world.
We are called to be agents of that transformation.

Shirl Giacomi, Diocesan Director
E-mail:

Mary Jo Marshall, Assistant
E-mail:
mjmarshall@rcbo.org

The Catholic Bishops of the United States founded Catholic Relief Services in 1943. Our mission is to assist the poor and disadvantaged, leveraging the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to alleviate human suffering, promote development of all people and to foster charity and justice throughout the world.

Working through local offices and an extensive network of partners, CRS operates on 5 continents and in over 90 countries. We aid the poor by first providing direct assistance where needed, then encouraging these people to help with their own development. Together, this fosters secure, productive, just communities that enable people to realize their potential.

As the official international relief and development agency of the US Catholic community, CRS is also committed to educating the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities toward our global brothers and sisters by helping the poor, working to remove the causes of poverty, and promoting social justice.

A National collection is taken up in all parishes once a year. Our next diocesan collection date is scheduled for June 30 – July 1, 2007. This collection is combined with Peter’s Pence.

Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten program for families, parishes, and schools that calls all participants to:

• Pray with their families and faith communities
• Fast in solidarity with those who are hungry
• Learn about our global community and the poor overseas and
• Give sacrificial contributions to those in need around the world

Informational material is available in English/Spanish.

75% of contributions to Operation Rice Bowl support CRS’ development projects that help families and communities improve their lives by increasing crop production, expanding their family businesses to increase their income, and improving sanitation and access to clean water. 25% of Operation Rice Bowl contributions remain in our diocese to fund local poverty and hunger alleviation efforts.

Other projects: CRS has a number of other projects that you can learn about from their website: www.catholicrelief.org