GREEN BAY, Wis. (Mar. 14, 2019) – Ash Wednesday kicked off the largest and longest-running Lenten program in the United States—the CRS Rice Bowl. Known for its characteristic cardboard “rice bowl,” faith communities in every diocese throughout the U.S. put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Seventy-five percent of CRS Rice Bowl donations are used to support the work of Catholic Relief Services in roughly 45 different countries each year, while 25 percent remain in the diocese where they were given and are distributed through local grants. Religious (Catholic and non-Catholic) and secular organizations based in the Diocese of Green Bay’s 16 counties are encouraged to apply, and the request must benefit immigrant or refugee populations who are struggling to meet their basic material needs (such as food, shelter, healthcare, literacy and counseling services).
“Through participating in CRS Rice Bowl, we share the journey with members of our human family around the world and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting, and almsgiving to not only deepening our faith and serving those in need, but also benefiting local organizations,” said Eric Weydt, diocesan Catholic social justice coordinator. “Organizations within the 16 counties of our diocese can apply for grants to assist immigrant and refugee populations.”
To donate and learn more about CRS Rice Bowl, please visit crsricebowl.org or download the app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. Individuals, families, educators, and churches are encouraged to explore the Lenten resources, free downloads, printable activities, videos, lesson plans, reflections, and recipes which are available in English and Spanish.
Applications for CRS Rice Bowl grants will be accepted through April 19, 2019. Grant criteria and application forms are available at www.gbdioc.org/rice-bowl. You may also receive a hard copy by contacting Eric Weydt at 920-272-8344 or
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Who We Are
As friends and followers of Jesus, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is devoted to fostering households and communities of discipleship through the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. We are missionary disciples striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God. Established in 1868, the diocese is composed of 324,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.
Contact
Justine Lodl
Director of Communications
Phone: (920) 272-8213
E-mail:
Sarah Bradford
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (920) 272-8209
E-mail: